BSN 246 HESI Health Assessment Exam V1 (Latest 2026/ 2027
Update) Questions and Verified Answers |100% Correct|
Grade A- Nightingale
1. A nurse is assessing a client with chronic asthma and lung
hyperinflation. Which chest shape should the nurse expect?
A) Pectus excavatum
B) Flail chest
C) Barrel chest
D) Pigeon chest
Correct Answer: C) Barrel chest
Explanation: Chronic asthma with hyperinflation leads to increased anteroposterior
chest diameter, resulting in a barrel chest.
2. After hearing bowel sounds in the right upper quadrant, what
should the nurse do next?
A) Move to the next quadrant
B) Note the character and frequency of bowel sounds
C) Auscultate for bruits
D) Palpate the area
Correct Answer: B) Note the character and frequency of bowel sounds
Explanation: Once bowel sounds are heard, the nurse should document their
characteristics (e.g., frequency, pitch) before moving on.
,3. A client gags when a tongue blade is placed on the back of the
tongue. What action should the nurse take?
A) Document an intact gag reflex
B) Repeat the test
C) Refer to a specialist
D) Assess cranial nerve I
Correct Answer: A) Document an intact gag reflex
Explanation: Gagging indicates an intact glossopharyngeal and vagus nerve response
(CN IX and X).
4. During breast self-examination, which area should be assessed
most closely for changes?
A) Upper outer quadrant
B) Lower inner quadrant
C) Nipple area
D) Axillary tail
Correct Answer: A) Upper outer quadrant
Explanation: Most breast tumors occur in the upper outer quadrant, including the
axillary tail (tail of Spence).
,5. A postmenopausal woman has a waist circumference of 45
inches. What health risk should the nurse explain?
A) Increased risk of osteoporosis
B) Higher risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease
C) Lower risk of breast cancer
D) Normal finding for her age
Correct Answer: B) Higher risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease
Explanation: Waist circumference >35 inches in women increases risk for metabolic
syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
6. Which change from a prior exam may indicate osteoporosis in
an older female?
A) Weight gain
B) Height reduction of 1.5 inches
C) Increased kyphosis
D) Brittle nails
Correct Answer: B) Height reduction of 1.5 inches
Explanation: Significant height loss suggests vertebral compression fractures from
osteoporosis.
7. A client pauses frequently and looks at the nurse expectantly.
How should the nurse respond?
, A) Ask the next question quickly
B) Sit quietly to allow the client to respond
C) Repeat the last question
D) Summarize what was said
Correct Answer: B) Sit quietly to allow the client to respond
Explanation: Silent pauses allow the client time to gather thoughts and continue
without pressure.
8. Before examining a client’s abdomen, what should the nurse
ask the client to do?
A) Take a deep breath
B) Empty the bladder
C) Lie supine with knees bent
D) Drink water
Correct Answer: B) Empty the bladder
Explanation: Emptying the bladder increases comfort and prevents misinterpretation of
suprapubic fullness.
9. A client has a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/minute. How should
the nurse document this?
A) Tachypnea
B) Bradypnea
Update) Questions and Verified Answers |100% Correct|
Grade A- Nightingale
1. A nurse is assessing a client with chronic asthma and lung
hyperinflation. Which chest shape should the nurse expect?
A) Pectus excavatum
B) Flail chest
C) Barrel chest
D) Pigeon chest
Correct Answer: C) Barrel chest
Explanation: Chronic asthma with hyperinflation leads to increased anteroposterior
chest diameter, resulting in a barrel chest.
2. After hearing bowel sounds in the right upper quadrant, what
should the nurse do next?
A) Move to the next quadrant
B) Note the character and frequency of bowel sounds
C) Auscultate for bruits
D) Palpate the area
Correct Answer: B) Note the character and frequency of bowel sounds
Explanation: Once bowel sounds are heard, the nurse should document their
characteristics (e.g., frequency, pitch) before moving on.
,3. A client gags when a tongue blade is placed on the back of the
tongue. What action should the nurse take?
A) Document an intact gag reflex
B) Repeat the test
C) Refer to a specialist
D) Assess cranial nerve I
Correct Answer: A) Document an intact gag reflex
Explanation: Gagging indicates an intact glossopharyngeal and vagus nerve response
(CN IX and X).
4. During breast self-examination, which area should be assessed
most closely for changes?
A) Upper outer quadrant
B) Lower inner quadrant
C) Nipple area
D) Axillary tail
Correct Answer: A) Upper outer quadrant
Explanation: Most breast tumors occur in the upper outer quadrant, including the
axillary tail (tail of Spence).
,5. A postmenopausal woman has a waist circumference of 45
inches. What health risk should the nurse explain?
A) Increased risk of osteoporosis
B) Higher risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease
C) Lower risk of breast cancer
D) Normal finding for her age
Correct Answer: B) Higher risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease
Explanation: Waist circumference >35 inches in women increases risk for metabolic
syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
6. Which change from a prior exam may indicate osteoporosis in
an older female?
A) Weight gain
B) Height reduction of 1.5 inches
C) Increased kyphosis
D) Brittle nails
Correct Answer: B) Height reduction of 1.5 inches
Explanation: Significant height loss suggests vertebral compression fractures from
osteoporosis.
7. A client pauses frequently and looks at the nurse expectantly.
How should the nurse respond?
, A) Ask the next question quickly
B) Sit quietly to allow the client to respond
C) Repeat the last question
D) Summarize what was said
Correct Answer: B) Sit quietly to allow the client to respond
Explanation: Silent pauses allow the client time to gather thoughts and continue
without pressure.
8. Before examining a client’s abdomen, what should the nurse
ask the client to do?
A) Take a deep breath
B) Empty the bladder
C) Lie supine with knees bent
D) Drink water
Correct Answer: B) Empty the bladder
Explanation: Emptying the bladder increases comfort and prevents misinterpretation of
suprapubic fullness.
9. A client has a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/minute. How should
the nurse document this?
A) Tachypnea
B) Bradypnea
