BSN 246 EXAM V1: HESI HEALTH
ASSESSMENT EXAM V1, (LATEST 2026/
2027 UPDATE) WITH CORRECT /ACCURATE
ANSWERS
AT NIGHTINGALE COLLEGE.
BSN 246 EXAM V1 HESI HEALTH
ASSESSMENT
Questions & Verified Answers | 100% Correct | Grade A – Nightingale
Question 1
A client has been diagnosed with bilateral lower lobe atelectasis. What percussion sound should the nurse
expect to hear when percussing over the client’s lower lobes?
A. Hyperresonant
B. Resonant
C. Tympanic
D. Dull, thud-like
Correct Answer: D. Dull, thud-like
Rationale:
Atelectasis results in collapsed lung tissue, which decreases air content in the lungs. Areas with reduced air
density produce a dull percussion note rather than a resonant or hyperresonant sound. This dullness reflects
underlying consolidation or collapse and is a key assessment finding in respiratory disorders.
Question 2
A client is admitted to a medical-surgical unit, and the nurse prepares to perform a head-to-toe assessment.
Which technique should the nurse use to begin the assessment at the head?
,A. Palpate the scalp
B. Inspect the hair and skin
C. Auscultate the carotid arteries
D. Percuss the sinuses
Correct Answer: B. Inspect the hair and skin
Rationale:
Inspection is always the first step in a physical assessment unless assessing the abdomen. Observing the hair
and skin allows the nurse to identify abnormalities such as lesions, infestations, or color changes without
causing discomfort. This systematic approach ensures a thorough and organized examination.
Question 3
When assessing a healthy young adult during an annual physical examination, which technique should the
nurse use to palpate the abdominal aorta?
A. Light palpation at the umbilicus
B. Deep palpation above and to the left of the umbilicus
C. Percussion in all four quadrants
D. Auscultation before palpation
Correct Answer: B. Deep palpation above and to the left of the umbilicus
Rationale:
The abdominal aorta lies slightly left of midline and is best assessed using deep palpation. This technique
allows the nurse to evaluate pulsation size and symmetry. Light palpation may not adequately assess the
vessel, and auscultation is used to detect bruits rather than palpation findings.
Question 4
While conducting a family history as part of a health assessment interview, which action ensures that
sufficient information about the client’s blood relatives is obtained?
A. Focus only on first-degree relatives
B. Document at least three generations of family history
C. Ask only about current illnesses
D. Limit questions to genetic disorders
Correct Answer: B. Document at least three generations of family history
Rationale:
A comprehensive family history includes information from at least three generations to identify hereditary
,and chronic disease patterns. This approach helps assess genetic risk and guides preventive care. Limiting the
scope may cause important health trends to be missed.
Question 5
The nurse is assessing shoulder range of motion. What finding documents normal internal rotation?
A. Ability to raise arms above the head
B. 90 degrees of abduction
C. Hands placed at the small of the back with 90 degrees of rotation
D. Ability to touch opposite shoulder
Correct Answer: C. Hands placed at the small of the back with 90 degrees of rotation
Rationale:
Normal internal rotation of the shoulder allows the client to place their hands behind their back at waist level.
This movement assesses flexibility and joint integrity. Limited motion may indicate musculoskeletal or joint
pathology.
Question 6
A client presents with an itchy rash along the occipital hairline. How should the nurse begin the objective
examination?
A. Palpate the lymph nodes
B. Inspect the scalp for nits
C. Ask about recent allergies
D. Apply topical medication
Correct Answer: B. Inspect the scalp for nits
Rationale:
Intense itching along the hairline is a classic sign of pediculosis capitis (head lice). Visual inspection allows
the nurse to identify nits or live lice. Objective assessment should precede treatment or further questioning.
Question 7
A nurse assesses knee flexion and notes that the opposite thigh lifts off the table during testing on both sides.
How should this finding be documented?
A. Limited range of motion
B. Joint instability
, C. Positive Thomas test indicating flexion deformity
D. Normal age-related change
Correct Answer: C. Positive Thomas test indicating flexion deformity
Rationale:
A positive Thomas test occurs when the opposite thigh lifts during hip flexion, indicating a hip flexion
contracture. This finding suggests shortened hip flexor muscles. Proper documentation ensures accurate
diagnosis and follow-up care.
Question 8
During a skin assessment, the nurse observes round, discrete, dark red lesions that do not blanch and measure
1–3 mm. What is the nurse’s first question?
A. “Do the lesions itch?”
B. “Have you had recent trauma?”
C. “Have you noticed any irregular bleeding?”
D. “Do these lesions cause pain?”
Correct Answer: C. “Have you noticed any irregular bleeding?”
Rationale:
Non-blanching red lesions may indicate petechiae, which are often associated with bleeding disorders.
Assessing for abnormal bleeding helps identify potential hematologic conditions. Early recognition is
essential for timely intervention.
Question 9
A client with progressive hearing loss appears distressed during an interview. Which communication
strategies should the nurse use? (Select all that apply.)
A. Face the client so the mouth is visible
B. Speak louder than normal
C. Reduce environmental noise
D. Ensure hearing aids are functioning
Correct Answers: A, C, D
Rationale:
Effective communication with hearing-impaired clients includes facing the client for lip-reading, minimizing
background noise, and confirming hearing aids work properly. Shouting can distort speech and increase
distress. These strategies promote understanding and therapeutic communication.
ASSESSMENT EXAM V1, (LATEST 2026/
2027 UPDATE) WITH CORRECT /ACCURATE
ANSWERS
AT NIGHTINGALE COLLEGE.
BSN 246 EXAM V1 HESI HEALTH
ASSESSMENT
Questions & Verified Answers | 100% Correct | Grade A – Nightingale
Question 1
A client has been diagnosed with bilateral lower lobe atelectasis. What percussion sound should the nurse
expect to hear when percussing over the client’s lower lobes?
A. Hyperresonant
B. Resonant
C. Tympanic
D. Dull, thud-like
Correct Answer: D. Dull, thud-like
Rationale:
Atelectasis results in collapsed lung tissue, which decreases air content in the lungs. Areas with reduced air
density produce a dull percussion note rather than a resonant or hyperresonant sound. This dullness reflects
underlying consolidation or collapse and is a key assessment finding in respiratory disorders.
Question 2
A client is admitted to a medical-surgical unit, and the nurse prepares to perform a head-to-toe assessment.
Which technique should the nurse use to begin the assessment at the head?
,A. Palpate the scalp
B. Inspect the hair and skin
C. Auscultate the carotid arteries
D. Percuss the sinuses
Correct Answer: B. Inspect the hair and skin
Rationale:
Inspection is always the first step in a physical assessment unless assessing the abdomen. Observing the hair
and skin allows the nurse to identify abnormalities such as lesions, infestations, or color changes without
causing discomfort. This systematic approach ensures a thorough and organized examination.
Question 3
When assessing a healthy young adult during an annual physical examination, which technique should the
nurse use to palpate the abdominal aorta?
A. Light palpation at the umbilicus
B. Deep palpation above and to the left of the umbilicus
C. Percussion in all four quadrants
D. Auscultation before palpation
Correct Answer: B. Deep palpation above and to the left of the umbilicus
Rationale:
The abdominal aorta lies slightly left of midline and is best assessed using deep palpation. This technique
allows the nurse to evaluate pulsation size and symmetry. Light palpation may not adequately assess the
vessel, and auscultation is used to detect bruits rather than palpation findings.
Question 4
While conducting a family history as part of a health assessment interview, which action ensures that
sufficient information about the client’s blood relatives is obtained?
A. Focus only on first-degree relatives
B. Document at least three generations of family history
C. Ask only about current illnesses
D. Limit questions to genetic disorders
Correct Answer: B. Document at least three generations of family history
Rationale:
A comprehensive family history includes information from at least three generations to identify hereditary
,and chronic disease patterns. This approach helps assess genetic risk and guides preventive care. Limiting the
scope may cause important health trends to be missed.
Question 5
The nurse is assessing shoulder range of motion. What finding documents normal internal rotation?
A. Ability to raise arms above the head
B. 90 degrees of abduction
C. Hands placed at the small of the back with 90 degrees of rotation
D. Ability to touch opposite shoulder
Correct Answer: C. Hands placed at the small of the back with 90 degrees of rotation
Rationale:
Normal internal rotation of the shoulder allows the client to place their hands behind their back at waist level.
This movement assesses flexibility and joint integrity. Limited motion may indicate musculoskeletal or joint
pathology.
Question 6
A client presents with an itchy rash along the occipital hairline. How should the nurse begin the objective
examination?
A. Palpate the lymph nodes
B. Inspect the scalp for nits
C. Ask about recent allergies
D. Apply topical medication
Correct Answer: B. Inspect the scalp for nits
Rationale:
Intense itching along the hairline is a classic sign of pediculosis capitis (head lice). Visual inspection allows
the nurse to identify nits or live lice. Objective assessment should precede treatment or further questioning.
Question 7
A nurse assesses knee flexion and notes that the opposite thigh lifts off the table during testing on both sides.
How should this finding be documented?
A. Limited range of motion
B. Joint instability
, C. Positive Thomas test indicating flexion deformity
D. Normal age-related change
Correct Answer: C. Positive Thomas test indicating flexion deformity
Rationale:
A positive Thomas test occurs when the opposite thigh lifts during hip flexion, indicating a hip flexion
contracture. This finding suggests shortened hip flexor muscles. Proper documentation ensures accurate
diagnosis and follow-up care.
Question 8
During a skin assessment, the nurse observes round, discrete, dark red lesions that do not blanch and measure
1–3 mm. What is the nurse’s first question?
A. “Do the lesions itch?”
B. “Have you had recent trauma?”
C. “Have you noticed any irregular bleeding?”
D. “Do these lesions cause pain?”
Correct Answer: C. “Have you noticed any irregular bleeding?”
Rationale:
Non-blanching red lesions may indicate petechiae, which are often associated with bleeding disorders.
Assessing for abnormal bleeding helps identify potential hematologic conditions. Early recognition is
essential for timely intervention.
Question 9
A client with progressive hearing loss appears distressed during an interview. Which communication
strategies should the nurse use? (Select all that apply.)
A. Face the client so the mouth is visible
B. Speak louder than normal
C. Reduce environmental noise
D. Ensure hearing aids are functioning
Correct Answers: A, C, D
Rationale:
Effective communication with hearing-impaired clients includes facing the client for lip-reading, minimizing
background noise, and confirming hearing aids work properly. Shouting can distort speech and increase
distress. These strategies promote understanding and therapeutic communication.
