E X A M S E R I E S · N I G H T I N G A L E
BSN 246 HESI Health Assessment
Complete Exam Prep
Questions & Verified Answers · 180 Items · 100% Correct · Grade
A
A complete HESI Health Assessment exam prep set with 180 board-style
questions, verified correct answers, and detailed rationales aligned to the
Elsevier HESI Health Assessment Exam Blueprint, BSN 246 Course Objectives,
and AACN Essentials of Baccalaureate Nursing Education (2026/2027 Edition).
180 10
Board-style questions with rationales Body-system sections per HESI
blueprint
25/50/25 A+
Recall / Application / Analysis mix Verified answers · Grade A ·
Nightingale
EDITION
Latest Update · Verified Answers · Instant PDF Download
, BSN 246 HESI Health Assessment — Complete Exam Prep
180 questions · Verified correct answers · Detailed rationales. Use this bank to assess
readiness and reinforce weak areas before exam day. Cognitive levels approximate the
HESI distribution: 25% recall, 50% application, 25% analysis including abnormal-finding
interpretation and prioritization.
EDITION · GRADE A · NIGHTINGALE
SECTION 1: HEALTH ASSESSMENT FOUNDATIONS,
INTERVIEWING, & DOCUMENTATION
Q 1 · A P P L I C AT I O N · B S N 2 4 6 H E S I H E A LT H A S S E S S M E N T
1. A nurse is conducting an initial health history interview with a newly admitted patient. Which
interviewing technique is most appropriate to begin the interview?
A. Ask several closed-ended questions to gather specific data quickly
B. Begin with an open-ended question such as, "What brought you to the hospital today?"
*[CORRECT]*
C. Complete the ROS first, then ask about the chief complaint
D. Ask leading questions to confirm the suspected diagnosis
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Open-ended questions encourage the patient to share information in their own words and
build rapport at the start of the interview. Closed-ended questions are useful later for clarifying specific
data. The chief complaint should always be elicited early; the ROS is completed after the HPI. Leading
questions introduce bias and are non-therapeutic. Use active listening, eye contact, and culturally
appropriate nonverbal communication throughout.
,Q 2 · R E C A L L · B S N 2 4 6 H E S I H E A LT H A S S E S S M E N T
2. When obtaining a health history using the OLDCARTS framework for the chief complaint of
pain, the "R" represents:
A. Risk factors
B. Region/Radiation (location and whether pain radiates) *[CORRECT]*
C. Relief measures used
D. Recovery time
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: OLDCARTS for symptom analysis: O = Onset (when it started), L = Location, D = Duration,
C = Character (sharp, dull, burning), A = Aggravating/Alleviating factors, R = Region/Radiation, T =
Timing (frequency, pattern), S = Severity (0-10 scale). Some variants add associated Symptoms. This
framework ensures a complete, structured symptom history and is widely tested on HESI.
Q 3 · A P P L I C AT I O N · B S N 2 4 6 H E S I H E A LT H A S S E S S M E N T
3. A nurse documents the following in a patient's medical record: "Patient reports pain 8/10 and
appears uncomfortable." Which portion of this documentation is subjective data?
A. "Patient appears uncomfortable"
B. "Patient reports pain 8/10" - the patient's own verbal report *[CORRECT]*
C. Both portions are subjective
D. Both portions are objective
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Subjective data are what the patient says or feels (symptoms, pain reports, history) - the
patient's verbal statements. Objective data are observable, measurable findings (vital signs, exam
findings, behavior the nurse observes). "Appears uncomfortable" is the nurse's objective observation of
behavior, even though it interprets the patient's condition. Document subjective data using direct quotes
when possible, and objective data using specific, measurable descriptors.
, Q 4 · A P P L I C AT I O N · B S N 2 4 6 H E S I H E A LT H A S S E S S M E N T
4. A nurse is preparing to document a patient assessment using the SOAP format. The nurse's
analysis of the patient's fluid volume deficit based on intake, output, vital signs, and physical
findings belongs in which section?
A. S (Subjective)
B. O (Objective)
C. A (Assessment) *[CORRECT]*
D. P (Plan)
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: In SOAP documentation: S = Subjective (patient's reports, symptoms, history in their own
words); O = Objective (vital signs, physical exam findings, lab/diagnostic results); A = Assessment
(nurse's analysis/diagnosis synthesizing subjective and objective data, e.g., "Fluid volume deficit related
to vomiting as evidenced by..." ); P = Plan (interventions, medications, follow-up, evaluation). Accurate
documentation supports continuity, billing, and legal protection.
Q 5 · A P P L I C AT I O N · B S N 2 4 6 H E S I H E A LT H A S S E S S M E N T
5. A nurse is calling a provider to report a patient's change in condition. Which SBAR statement
represents the "R" (Recommendation)?
A. "The patient's blood pressure is 88/52."
B. "The patient was admitted yesterday with dehydration."
C. "The patient has fluid volume deficit and may need IV fluids."
D. "I would like you to come evaluate the patient and consider IV fluids." *[CORRECT]*
CORRECT ANSWER: D
Rationale: SBAR: S (Situation) = current concern ("Patient's BP is 88/52"); B (Background) = relevant
history ("Admitted yesterday with dehydration"); A (Assessment) = your analysis ("Fluid volume deficit,
may need IV fluids"); R (Recommendation) = specific request ("Please come evaluate and consider IV
fluids"). A clear recommendation drives timely action. SBAR improves communication, reduces errors,
and is widely tested on HESI.
BSN 246 HESI Health Assessment
Complete Exam Prep
Questions & Verified Answers · 180 Items · 100% Correct · Grade
A
A complete HESI Health Assessment exam prep set with 180 board-style
questions, verified correct answers, and detailed rationales aligned to the
Elsevier HESI Health Assessment Exam Blueprint, BSN 246 Course Objectives,
and AACN Essentials of Baccalaureate Nursing Education (2026/2027 Edition).
180 10
Board-style questions with rationales Body-system sections per HESI
blueprint
25/50/25 A+
Recall / Application / Analysis mix Verified answers · Grade A ·
Nightingale
EDITION
Latest Update · Verified Answers · Instant PDF Download
, BSN 246 HESI Health Assessment — Complete Exam Prep
180 questions · Verified correct answers · Detailed rationales. Use this bank to assess
readiness and reinforce weak areas before exam day. Cognitive levels approximate the
HESI distribution: 25% recall, 50% application, 25% analysis including abnormal-finding
interpretation and prioritization.
EDITION · GRADE A · NIGHTINGALE
SECTION 1: HEALTH ASSESSMENT FOUNDATIONS,
INTERVIEWING, & DOCUMENTATION
Q 1 · A P P L I C AT I O N · B S N 2 4 6 H E S I H E A LT H A S S E S S M E N T
1. A nurse is conducting an initial health history interview with a newly admitted patient. Which
interviewing technique is most appropriate to begin the interview?
A. Ask several closed-ended questions to gather specific data quickly
B. Begin with an open-ended question such as, "What brought you to the hospital today?"
*[CORRECT]*
C. Complete the ROS first, then ask about the chief complaint
D. Ask leading questions to confirm the suspected diagnosis
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Open-ended questions encourage the patient to share information in their own words and
build rapport at the start of the interview. Closed-ended questions are useful later for clarifying specific
data. The chief complaint should always be elicited early; the ROS is completed after the HPI. Leading
questions introduce bias and are non-therapeutic. Use active listening, eye contact, and culturally
appropriate nonverbal communication throughout.
,Q 2 · R E C A L L · B S N 2 4 6 H E S I H E A LT H A S S E S S M E N T
2. When obtaining a health history using the OLDCARTS framework for the chief complaint of
pain, the "R" represents:
A. Risk factors
B. Region/Radiation (location and whether pain radiates) *[CORRECT]*
C. Relief measures used
D. Recovery time
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: OLDCARTS for symptom analysis: O = Onset (when it started), L = Location, D = Duration,
C = Character (sharp, dull, burning), A = Aggravating/Alleviating factors, R = Region/Radiation, T =
Timing (frequency, pattern), S = Severity (0-10 scale). Some variants add associated Symptoms. This
framework ensures a complete, structured symptom history and is widely tested on HESI.
Q 3 · A P P L I C AT I O N · B S N 2 4 6 H E S I H E A LT H A S S E S S M E N T
3. A nurse documents the following in a patient's medical record: "Patient reports pain 8/10 and
appears uncomfortable." Which portion of this documentation is subjective data?
A. "Patient appears uncomfortable"
B. "Patient reports pain 8/10" - the patient's own verbal report *[CORRECT]*
C. Both portions are subjective
D. Both portions are objective
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Subjective data are what the patient says or feels (symptoms, pain reports, history) - the
patient's verbal statements. Objective data are observable, measurable findings (vital signs, exam
findings, behavior the nurse observes). "Appears uncomfortable" is the nurse's objective observation of
behavior, even though it interprets the patient's condition. Document subjective data using direct quotes
when possible, and objective data using specific, measurable descriptors.
, Q 4 · A P P L I C AT I O N · B S N 2 4 6 H E S I H E A LT H A S S E S S M E N T
4. A nurse is preparing to document a patient assessment using the SOAP format. The nurse's
analysis of the patient's fluid volume deficit based on intake, output, vital signs, and physical
findings belongs in which section?
A. S (Subjective)
B. O (Objective)
C. A (Assessment) *[CORRECT]*
D. P (Plan)
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: In SOAP documentation: S = Subjective (patient's reports, symptoms, history in their own
words); O = Objective (vital signs, physical exam findings, lab/diagnostic results); A = Assessment
(nurse's analysis/diagnosis synthesizing subjective and objective data, e.g., "Fluid volume deficit related
to vomiting as evidenced by..." ); P = Plan (interventions, medications, follow-up, evaluation). Accurate
documentation supports continuity, billing, and legal protection.
Q 5 · A P P L I C AT I O N · B S N 2 4 6 H E S I H E A LT H A S S E S S M E N T
5. A nurse is calling a provider to report a patient's change in condition. Which SBAR statement
represents the "R" (Recommendation)?
A. "The patient's blood pressure is 88/52."
B. "The patient was admitted yesterday with dehydration."
C. "The patient has fluid volume deficit and may need IV fluids."
D. "I would like you to come evaluate the patient and consider IV fluids." *[CORRECT]*
CORRECT ANSWER: D
Rationale: SBAR: S (Situation) = current concern ("Patient's BP is 88/52"); B (Background) = relevant
history ("Admitted yesterday with dehydration"); A (Assessment) = your analysis ("Fluid volume deficit,
may need IV fluids"); R (Recommendation) = specific request ("Please come evaluate and consider IV
fluids"). A clear recommendation drives timely action. SBAR improves communication, reduces errors,
and is widely tested on HESI.
