HESI Health Assessment Exam Newest 2026/2027 Questions
and Correct Answers with Rationales Already Graded A+
Question 1
A nurse is collecting a health history from a client who reports chest pain. Which
question is structured using the OLDCARTS mnemonic to assess the "T" (Timing)?
A. "On a scale of 0 to 10, how severe is your chest pain?"
B. "What were you doing when the chest pain first started?"
C. "Does the pain occur at a specific time of day, or is it continuous?"
D. "Does the pain radiate to your jaw or left arm?"
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The "T" in OLDCARTS stands for Timing. Timing evaluates when the
pain occurs, whether it is constant or intermittent, and how long it lasts. Option A
assesses Severity (S). Option B assesses Onset (O). Option D assesses
Region/Radiation (R) .
,Why Others Are Wrong: Option A addresses severity, not timing. Option B
addresses onset. Option D addresses radiation. Only Option C directly asks about
the timing pattern of the pain.
Question 2
Which statement by the nurse demonstrates therapeutic communication during a
health history interview? (Select all that apply)
A. "Why did you wait so long to come to the hospital?"
B. "Can you tell me more about what you mean by 'feeling tired'?"
C. "I understand that this must be a difficult time for you."
D. "It sounds like you are concerned about your test results."
E. "You shouldn't worry; the doctor is very experienced."
Correct Answer: B, C, D
Rationale: B uses an open-ended question to explore a vague symptom. C
demonstrates empathy and understanding. D uses reflection to validate the
client's feelings. A is nontherapeutic because "why" questions often sound
judgmental and cause defensiveness. E gives false reassurance and dismisses the
client's anxiety .
,Why Others Are Wrong: Option A uses a "why" question that can sound
judgmental. Option E provides false reassurance and dismisses the client's
concerns.
Question 3
During the health history interview, the nurse notices that the client pauses
frequently and looks at the nurse expectantly. Which response is best?
A. Ask a different question to fill the silence
B. Lean forward and repeat the last question
C. Sit quietly to allow the client to respond comfortably
D. Tell the client to take their time answering
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Silence allows patients to express emotions and gather their thoughts.
The nurse should sit quietly and allow the client to respond at their own pace
without rushing or interrupting .
, Why Others Are Wrong: Filling the silence (A) interrupts the client's thought
process. Repeating the question (B) may increase anxiety. Telling the client to
take their time (D) adds pressure rather than allowing natural silence.
Question 4
The nurse is assessing an Asian client who refuses to make eye contact during
conversations. How should the nurse interpret this behavior?
A. The client is being disrespectful
B. The client is trying to hide something
C. The client is treating the nurse with respect
D. The client is experiencing anxiety
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In many Asian cultures, avoiding direct eye contact is a sign of respect,
particularly when speaking with someone in a position of authority. The nurse
should recognize this as a cultural norm rather than a sign of dishonesty or
anxiety .
and Correct Answers with Rationales Already Graded A+
Question 1
A nurse is collecting a health history from a client who reports chest pain. Which
question is structured using the OLDCARTS mnemonic to assess the "T" (Timing)?
A. "On a scale of 0 to 10, how severe is your chest pain?"
B. "What were you doing when the chest pain first started?"
C. "Does the pain occur at a specific time of day, or is it continuous?"
D. "Does the pain radiate to your jaw or left arm?"
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The "T" in OLDCARTS stands for Timing. Timing evaluates when the
pain occurs, whether it is constant or intermittent, and how long it lasts. Option A
assesses Severity (S). Option B assesses Onset (O). Option D assesses
Region/Radiation (R) .
,Why Others Are Wrong: Option A addresses severity, not timing. Option B
addresses onset. Option D addresses radiation. Only Option C directly asks about
the timing pattern of the pain.
Question 2
Which statement by the nurse demonstrates therapeutic communication during a
health history interview? (Select all that apply)
A. "Why did you wait so long to come to the hospital?"
B. "Can you tell me more about what you mean by 'feeling tired'?"
C. "I understand that this must be a difficult time for you."
D. "It sounds like you are concerned about your test results."
E. "You shouldn't worry; the doctor is very experienced."
Correct Answer: B, C, D
Rationale: B uses an open-ended question to explore a vague symptom. C
demonstrates empathy and understanding. D uses reflection to validate the
client's feelings. A is nontherapeutic because "why" questions often sound
judgmental and cause defensiveness. E gives false reassurance and dismisses the
client's anxiety .
,Why Others Are Wrong: Option A uses a "why" question that can sound
judgmental. Option E provides false reassurance and dismisses the client's
concerns.
Question 3
During the health history interview, the nurse notices that the client pauses
frequently and looks at the nurse expectantly. Which response is best?
A. Ask a different question to fill the silence
B. Lean forward and repeat the last question
C. Sit quietly to allow the client to respond comfortably
D. Tell the client to take their time answering
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Silence allows patients to express emotions and gather their thoughts.
The nurse should sit quietly and allow the client to respond at their own pace
without rushing or interrupting .
, Why Others Are Wrong: Filling the silence (A) interrupts the client's thought
process. Repeating the question (B) may increase anxiety. Telling the client to
take their time (D) adds pressure rather than allowing natural silence.
Question 4
The nurse is assessing an Asian client who refuses to make eye contact during
conversations. How should the nurse interpret this behavior?
A. The client is being disrespectful
B. The client is trying to hide something
C. The client is treating the nurse with respect
D. The client is experiencing anxiety
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In many Asian cultures, avoiding direct eye contact is a sign of respect,
particularly when speaking with someone in a position of authority. The nurse
should recognize this as a cultural norm rather than a sign of dishonesty or
anxiety .
