Latest update 2023/2024 HESI Health
Assessment Exam Questions and Answers
with Explanations
1. In an interview, the nurse may find it necessary to take notes to aid his or her memory later. Which
statement is true regarding note-taking?
A) Note-taking may impede the nurse's observation of the patient's nonverbal behaviors.
B) Note-taking allows the patient to continue at his or her own pace as the nurse records what is said.
C) Note-taking allows the nurse to shift attention away from the patient, resulting in an increased
comfort level.
D) Note-taking allows the nurse to break eye contact with the patient, which may increase his or her
level of comfort.
A) Note-taking may impede the nurse's observation of the patient's nonverbal behaviors.
Page: 31 Some use of history forms and note-taking may be unavoidable. But be aware that note-
taking during the interview has disadvantages. It breaks eye contact too often, and it shifts attention
away from the patient, which diminishes his or her sense of importance. It also may interrupt the
patient's narrative flow, and it impedes the observation of the patient's nonverbal behavior.
2. During an interview, the nurse states, "You mentioned shortness of breath. Tell me more about
that." Which verbal skill is used with this statement?
A) Reflection
B) Facilitation
C) Direct question
D) Open-ended question
D) Open-ended question
Page: 32 The open-ended question asks for narrative information. It states the topic to be discussed
but only in general terms. The nurse should use it to begin the interview, to introduce a new section
of questions, and whenever the person introduces a new topic.
3. A nurse is taking complete health histories on all of the patients attending a wellness workshop. On
the history form, one of the written questions asks, "You don't smoke, drink, or take drugs, do you?"
This question is an example of:
A) talking too much.
B) using confrontation.
C) using biased or leading questions.
D) using blunt language to deal with distasteful topics.
C) using biased or leading questions.
Page: 36 This is an example of using leading or biased questions. Asking, "You don't smoke, do you?"
implies that one answer is "better" than another. If the person wants to please someone, he or she is
either forced to answer in a way corresponding to their implied values or is made to feel guilty when
admitting the other answer.
4. During an interview, a parent of a hospitalized child is sitting in an open position. As the interviewer
begins to discuss his son's treatment, however, he suddenly crosses his arms against his chest and
crosses his legs. This would suggest that the parent is:
A) just changing positions.
,B) more comfortable in this position.
C) tired and needs a break from the interview.
D) uncomfortable talking about his son's treatment.
D) uncomfortable talking about his son's treatment.
Page: 37 Note the person's position. An open position with the extension of large muscle groups
shows relaxation, physical comfort, and a willingness to share information. A closed position with the
arms and legs crossed tends to look defensive and anxious. Note any change in posture. If a person in
a relaxed position suddenly tenses, it suggests possible discomfort with the new topic.
5. The nurse is interviewing a patient who has a hearing impairment. What techniques would be most
beneficial in communicating with this patient?
A) Determine the communication method he prefers.
B) Avoid using facial and hand gestures because most hearing-impaired people find this degrading.
C) Request a sign language interpreter before meeting with him to help facilitate the communication.
D) Speak loudly and with exaggerated facial movement when talking with him because this helps with
lip reading.
A) Determine the communication method he prefers.
Pages: 40-41 The nurse should ask the deaf person the preferred way to communicate—by signing, lip
reading, or writing. If the person prefers lip reading, then the nurse should be sure to face him or her
squarely and have good lighting on the nurse's face. The nurse should not exaggerate lip movements
because this distorts words. Similarly, shouting distorts the reception of a hearing aid the person may
wear. The nurse should speak slowly and should supplement his or her voice with appropriate hand
gestures or pantomime.
6. The nurse is performing a health interview on a patient who has a language barrier, and no
interpreter is available. Which is the best example of an appropriate question for the nurse to ask in
this situation?
A) "Do you take medicine?"
B) "Do you sterilize the bottles?"
C) "Do you have nausea and vomiting?"
D) "You have been taking your medicine, haven't you?"
A) "Do you take medicine?"
Page: 46 In a situation where there is a language barrier and no interpreter available, use simple
words avoiding medical jargon. Avoid using contractions and pronouns. Use nouns repeatedly and
discuss one topic at a time.
7. A female patient does not speak English well, and the nurse needs to choose an interpreter. Which
of the following would be the most appropriate choice?
A) A trained interpreter
B) A male family member
C) A female family member
D) A volunteer college student from the foreign language studies department
A) A trained interpreter
Page: 46 whenever possible, the nurse should use a trained interpreter, preferably one who knows
medical terminology. In general, an older, more mature interpreter is preferred to a younger, less
experienced one, and the same gender is preferred when possible.
,8. The nurse is conducting an interview. Which of these statements is true regarding open-ended
questions? Select all that apply.
A) They elicit cold facts.
B) They allow for self-expression.
C) They build and enhance rapport.
D) They leave interactions neutral.
E) They call for short one- to two-word answers.
F) They are used when narrative information is needed.
B) They allow for self-expression.
C) They build and enhance rapport.
F) They are used when narrative information
Page: 32 Open-ended questions allow for self-expression, build rapport, and obtain narrative
information. These features enhance communication during an interview. The other statements are
appropriate for closed or direct questions.
9. The nurse is conducting an interview in an outpatient clinic and is using a computer to record data.
Which is the best use of the computer in this situation? Select all that apply.
A) Collect the patient's data in a direct, face-to-face manner.
B) Enter all the data as the patient states it.
C) Ask the patient to wait as the nurse enters data.
D) Type the data into the computer after the narrative is fully explored.
E) Allow the patient to see the monitor during typing.
A) Collect the patient's data in a direct, face-to-face manner.
D) Type the data into the computer after the narrative is fully explored.
E) Allow the patient to see the monitor during typing.
Page: 32 The use of a computer can become a barrier. The nurse should begin the interview as usual
by greeting the patient, establishing rapport, and collecting the patient's narrative story in a direct
face-to-face manner. Only after the narrative is fully explored should the nurse type data into the
computer. When typing, the nurse should position the monitor so that the patient can see it.
10. During an assessment, the nurse notices that a patient is handling a small charm that is tied to a
leather strip around his neck. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?
A) Ask the patient about the item and its significance.
B) Ask the patient to lock the item with other valuables in the hospital's safe.
C) Tell the patient that a family member should take valuables home.
D) No action is necessary.
A) Ask the patient about the item and its significance.
Page: 21 The nurse should inquire about the amulet's meaning. Amulets, such as charms, are often
seen as an important means of protection from "evil spirits" by some cultures.
11. In the majority culture of America, coughing, sweating, and diarrhea are symptoms of an illness.
For some individuals of Mexican-American origin, however, these symptoms are a normal part of
living. The nurse recognizes that this is true, probably because Mexican-Americans:
A) have less efficient immune systems and are often ill.
B) consider these symptoms a part of normal living, not symptoms of ill health.
C) come from Mexico and coughing is normal and healthy there.
, D) are usually in a lower socioeconomic group and are more likely to be sick.
B) consider these symptoms a part of normal living, not symptoms of ill health.
Page: 27 The nurse needs to identify the meaning of health to the patient, remembering that
concepts are derived, in part, from the way in which members of the cultural group define health.
12. Among many Asians there is a belief in the yin/yang theory, rooted in the ancient Chinese
philosophy of Tao. The nurse recognizes which statement that most accurately reflects "health" in an
Asian with this belief?
A) A person is able to work and produce.
B) A person is happy, stable, and feels good.
C) All aspects of the person are in perfect balance.
D) A person is able to care for others and function socially.
C) All aspects of the person are in perfect balance.
Page: 21 Many Asians believe in the yin/yang theory, in which health is believed to exist when all
aspects of the person are in perfect balance. The other statements do not describe this theory.
13. An individual who takes the magicoreligious perspective of illness and disease is likely to believe
that his or her illness was caused by:
A) germs and viruses.
B) supernatural forces.
C) eating imbalanced foods.
D) an imbalance within his or her spiritual nature.
B) supernatural forces.
Page: 21 The basic premise of the magicoreligious perspective is that the world is seen as an arena in
which supernatural forces dominate. The fate of the world and those in it depends on the actions of
supernatural forces for good or evil. The other answers do not reflect the magicoreligious perspective.
14. If an American Indian has come to the clinic to seek help with regulating her diabetes, the nurse
can expect that she:
A) will comply with the treatment prescribed.
B) has obviously given up her beliefs in naturalistic causes of disease.
C) may also be seeking the assistance of a shaman or medicine man.
D) will need extra help in dealing with her illness and may be experiencing a crisis of faith.
C) may also be seeking the assistance of a shaman or medicine man.
Page: 23 When self-treatment is unsuccessful, the individual may turn to the lay or folk healing
systems, to spiritual or religious healing, or to scientific biomedicine. In addition to seeking help from
a biomedical or scientific health care provider, patients may also seek help from folk or religious
healers.
15. An elderly Mexican-American woman with traditional beliefs has been admitted to an inpatient
care unit. A culturally-sensitive nurse would:
A) contact the hospital administrator about the best course of action.
B) automatically get a curandero for her because it is not culturally appropriate for her to request
one.
Assessment Exam Questions and Answers
with Explanations
1. In an interview, the nurse may find it necessary to take notes to aid his or her memory later. Which
statement is true regarding note-taking?
A) Note-taking may impede the nurse's observation of the patient's nonverbal behaviors.
B) Note-taking allows the patient to continue at his or her own pace as the nurse records what is said.
C) Note-taking allows the nurse to shift attention away from the patient, resulting in an increased
comfort level.
D) Note-taking allows the nurse to break eye contact with the patient, which may increase his or her
level of comfort.
A) Note-taking may impede the nurse's observation of the patient's nonverbal behaviors.
Page: 31 Some use of history forms and note-taking may be unavoidable. But be aware that note-
taking during the interview has disadvantages. It breaks eye contact too often, and it shifts attention
away from the patient, which diminishes his or her sense of importance. It also may interrupt the
patient's narrative flow, and it impedes the observation of the patient's nonverbal behavior.
2. During an interview, the nurse states, "You mentioned shortness of breath. Tell me more about
that." Which verbal skill is used with this statement?
A) Reflection
B) Facilitation
C) Direct question
D) Open-ended question
D) Open-ended question
Page: 32 The open-ended question asks for narrative information. It states the topic to be discussed
but only in general terms. The nurse should use it to begin the interview, to introduce a new section
of questions, and whenever the person introduces a new topic.
3. A nurse is taking complete health histories on all of the patients attending a wellness workshop. On
the history form, one of the written questions asks, "You don't smoke, drink, or take drugs, do you?"
This question is an example of:
A) talking too much.
B) using confrontation.
C) using biased or leading questions.
D) using blunt language to deal with distasteful topics.
C) using biased or leading questions.
Page: 36 This is an example of using leading or biased questions. Asking, "You don't smoke, do you?"
implies that one answer is "better" than another. If the person wants to please someone, he or she is
either forced to answer in a way corresponding to their implied values or is made to feel guilty when
admitting the other answer.
4. During an interview, a parent of a hospitalized child is sitting in an open position. As the interviewer
begins to discuss his son's treatment, however, he suddenly crosses his arms against his chest and
crosses his legs. This would suggest that the parent is:
A) just changing positions.
,B) more comfortable in this position.
C) tired and needs a break from the interview.
D) uncomfortable talking about his son's treatment.
D) uncomfortable talking about his son's treatment.
Page: 37 Note the person's position. An open position with the extension of large muscle groups
shows relaxation, physical comfort, and a willingness to share information. A closed position with the
arms and legs crossed tends to look defensive and anxious. Note any change in posture. If a person in
a relaxed position suddenly tenses, it suggests possible discomfort with the new topic.
5. The nurse is interviewing a patient who has a hearing impairment. What techniques would be most
beneficial in communicating with this patient?
A) Determine the communication method he prefers.
B) Avoid using facial and hand gestures because most hearing-impaired people find this degrading.
C) Request a sign language interpreter before meeting with him to help facilitate the communication.
D) Speak loudly and with exaggerated facial movement when talking with him because this helps with
lip reading.
A) Determine the communication method he prefers.
Pages: 40-41 The nurse should ask the deaf person the preferred way to communicate—by signing, lip
reading, or writing. If the person prefers lip reading, then the nurse should be sure to face him or her
squarely and have good lighting on the nurse's face. The nurse should not exaggerate lip movements
because this distorts words. Similarly, shouting distorts the reception of a hearing aid the person may
wear. The nurse should speak slowly and should supplement his or her voice with appropriate hand
gestures or pantomime.
6. The nurse is performing a health interview on a patient who has a language barrier, and no
interpreter is available. Which is the best example of an appropriate question for the nurse to ask in
this situation?
A) "Do you take medicine?"
B) "Do you sterilize the bottles?"
C) "Do you have nausea and vomiting?"
D) "You have been taking your medicine, haven't you?"
A) "Do you take medicine?"
Page: 46 In a situation where there is a language barrier and no interpreter available, use simple
words avoiding medical jargon. Avoid using contractions and pronouns. Use nouns repeatedly and
discuss one topic at a time.
7. A female patient does not speak English well, and the nurse needs to choose an interpreter. Which
of the following would be the most appropriate choice?
A) A trained interpreter
B) A male family member
C) A female family member
D) A volunteer college student from the foreign language studies department
A) A trained interpreter
Page: 46 whenever possible, the nurse should use a trained interpreter, preferably one who knows
medical terminology. In general, an older, more mature interpreter is preferred to a younger, less
experienced one, and the same gender is preferred when possible.
,8. The nurse is conducting an interview. Which of these statements is true regarding open-ended
questions? Select all that apply.
A) They elicit cold facts.
B) They allow for self-expression.
C) They build and enhance rapport.
D) They leave interactions neutral.
E) They call for short one- to two-word answers.
F) They are used when narrative information is needed.
B) They allow for self-expression.
C) They build and enhance rapport.
F) They are used when narrative information
Page: 32 Open-ended questions allow for self-expression, build rapport, and obtain narrative
information. These features enhance communication during an interview. The other statements are
appropriate for closed or direct questions.
9. The nurse is conducting an interview in an outpatient clinic and is using a computer to record data.
Which is the best use of the computer in this situation? Select all that apply.
A) Collect the patient's data in a direct, face-to-face manner.
B) Enter all the data as the patient states it.
C) Ask the patient to wait as the nurse enters data.
D) Type the data into the computer after the narrative is fully explored.
E) Allow the patient to see the monitor during typing.
A) Collect the patient's data in a direct, face-to-face manner.
D) Type the data into the computer after the narrative is fully explored.
E) Allow the patient to see the monitor during typing.
Page: 32 The use of a computer can become a barrier. The nurse should begin the interview as usual
by greeting the patient, establishing rapport, and collecting the patient's narrative story in a direct
face-to-face manner. Only after the narrative is fully explored should the nurse type data into the
computer. When typing, the nurse should position the monitor so that the patient can see it.
10. During an assessment, the nurse notices that a patient is handling a small charm that is tied to a
leather strip around his neck. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?
A) Ask the patient about the item and its significance.
B) Ask the patient to lock the item with other valuables in the hospital's safe.
C) Tell the patient that a family member should take valuables home.
D) No action is necessary.
A) Ask the patient about the item and its significance.
Page: 21 The nurse should inquire about the amulet's meaning. Amulets, such as charms, are often
seen as an important means of protection from "evil spirits" by some cultures.
11. In the majority culture of America, coughing, sweating, and diarrhea are symptoms of an illness.
For some individuals of Mexican-American origin, however, these symptoms are a normal part of
living. The nurse recognizes that this is true, probably because Mexican-Americans:
A) have less efficient immune systems and are often ill.
B) consider these symptoms a part of normal living, not symptoms of ill health.
C) come from Mexico and coughing is normal and healthy there.
, D) are usually in a lower socioeconomic group and are more likely to be sick.
B) consider these symptoms a part of normal living, not symptoms of ill health.
Page: 27 The nurse needs to identify the meaning of health to the patient, remembering that
concepts are derived, in part, from the way in which members of the cultural group define health.
12. Among many Asians there is a belief in the yin/yang theory, rooted in the ancient Chinese
philosophy of Tao. The nurse recognizes which statement that most accurately reflects "health" in an
Asian with this belief?
A) A person is able to work and produce.
B) A person is happy, stable, and feels good.
C) All aspects of the person are in perfect balance.
D) A person is able to care for others and function socially.
C) All aspects of the person are in perfect balance.
Page: 21 Many Asians believe in the yin/yang theory, in which health is believed to exist when all
aspects of the person are in perfect balance. The other statements do not describe this theory.
13. An individual who takes the magicoreligious perspective of illness and disease is likely to believe
that his or her illness was caused by:
A) germs and viruses.
B) supernatural forces.
C) eating imbalanced foods.
D) an imbalance within his or her spiritual nature.
B) supernatural forces.
Page: 21 The basic premise of the magicoreligious perspective is that the world is seen as an arena in
which supernatural forces dominate. The fate of the world and those in it depends on the actions of
supernatural forces for good or evil. The other answers do not reflect the magicoreligious perspective.
14. If an American Indian has come to the clinic to seek help with regulating her diabetes, the nurse
can expect that she:
A) will comply with the treatment prescribed.
B) has obviously given up her beliefs in naturalistic causes of disease.
C) may also be seeking the assistance of a shaman or medicine man.
D) will need extra help in dealing with her illness and may be experiencing a crisis of faith.
C) may also be seeking the assistance of a shaman or medicine man.
Page: 23 When self-treatment is unsuccessful, the individual may turn to the lay or folk healing
systems, to spiritual or religious healing, or to scientific biomedicine. In addition to seeking help from
a biomedical or scientific health care provider, patients may also seek help from folk or religious
healers.
15. An elderly Mexican-American woman with traditional beliefs has been admitted to an inpatient
care unit. A culturally-sensitive nurse would:
A) contact the hospital administrator about the best course of action.
B) automatically get a curandero for her because it is not culturally appropriate for her to request
one.
