HESI Prep - Health Assessment Prac ce Ques ons
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 observa"on of the pa"ent's nonverbal behaviors.
B) Note-taking allows the pa"ent to con"nue at his or her own pace as the nurse records
what is said.
C) Note-taking allows the nurse to shi& a'en"on away from the pa"ent, resul"ng in an
increased comfort level.
D) Note-taking allows the nurse to break eye contact with the pa"ent, which may increase
his or her level of comfort.
A) Note-taking may impede the nurse's observa"on of the pa"ent'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 o&en, and it
shi&s a'en"on away from the pa"ent, which diminishes his or her sense of importance. It
also may interrupt the pa"ent's narra"ve flow, and it impedes the observa"on of the
pa"ent's nonverbal behavior.
2. During an interview, the nurse states, "You men"oned shortness of breath. Tell me more
about that." Which verbal skill is used with this statement?
A) Reflec"on
B) Facilita"on
C) Direct ques"on
D) Open-ended ques"on
D) Open-ended ques"on
Page: 32 The open-ended ques"on asks for narra"ve informa"on. 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 sec"on of ques"ons, and whenever the person introduces a new topic.
3. A nurse is taking complete health histories on all of the pa"ents a'ending a wellness
workshop. On the history form, one of the wri'en ques"ons asks, "You don't smoke, drink,
or take drugs, do you?" This ques"on is an example of:
A) talking too much.
B) using confronta"on.
,C) using biased or leading ques"ons.
D) using blunt language to deal with distasteful topics.
C) using biased or leading ques"ons.
Page: 36 This is an example of using leading or biased ques"ons. Asking, "You don't smoke,
do you?" implies that one answer is "be'er" 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 admi9ng the other answer.
4. During an interview, a parent of a hospitalized child is si9ng in an open posi"on. 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 posi"ons.
B) more comfortable in this posi"on.
C) "red 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 posi"on. An open posi"on with the extension of large muscle
groups shows relaxa"on, physical comfort, and a willingness to share informa"on. A closed
posi"on with the arms and legs crossed tends to look defensive and anxious. Note any
change in posture. If a person in a relaxed posi"on suddenly tenses, it suggests possible
discomfort with the new topic.
5. The nurse is interviewing a pa"ent who has a hearing impairment. What techniques
would be most beneficial in communica"ng with this pa"ent?
A) Determine the communica"on 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 mee"ng with him to help facilitate the
communica"on.
D) Speak loudly and with exaggerated facial movement when talking with him because this
helps with lip reading.
A) Determine the communica"on method he prefers.
Pages: 40-41 The nurse should ask the deaf person the preferred way to communicate—by
signing, lip reading, or wri"ng. If the person prefers lip reading, then the nurse should be
sure to face him or her squarely and have good ligh"ng on the nurse's face. The nurse should
,not exaggerate lip movements because this distorts words. Similarly, shou"ng distorts the
recep"on 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 pa"ent who has a language barrier, and
no interpreter is available. Which is the best example of an appropriate ques"on for the
nurse to ask in this situa"on?
A) "Do you take medicine?"
B) "Do you sterilize the bo'les?"
C) "Do you have nausea and vomi"ng?"
D) "You have been taking your medicine, haven't you?"
A) "Do you take medicine?"
Page: 46 In a situa"on where there is a language barrier and no interpreter available, use
simple words avoiding medical jargon. Avoid using contrac"ons and pronouns. Use nouns
repeatedly and discuss one topic at a "me.
7. A female pa"ent 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 conduc"ng an interview. Which of these statements is true regarding open-
ended ques"ons? Select all that apply.
A) They elicit cold facts.
B) They allow for self-expression.
C) They build and enhance rapport.
D) They leave interac"ons neutral.
E) They call for short one- to two-word answers.
F) They are used when narra"ve informa"on is needed.
, B) They allow for self-expression.
C) They build and enhance rapport.
F) They are used when narra"ve informa"on
Page: 32 Open-ended ques"ons allow for self-expression, build rapport, and obtain narra"ve
informa"on. These features enhance communica"on during an interview. The other
statements are appropriate for closed or direct ques"ons.
9. The nurse is conduc"ng an interview in an outpa"ent clinic and is using a computer to
record data. Which is the best use of the computer in this situa"on? Select all that apply.
A) Collect the pa"ent's data in a direct, face-to-face manner.
B) Enter all the data as the pa"ent states it.
C) Ask the pa"ent to wait as the nurse enters data.
D) Type the data into the computer a&er the narra"ve is fully explored.
E) Allow the pa"ent to see the monitor during typing.
A) Collect the pa"ent's data in a direct, face-to-face manner.
D) Type the data into the computer a&er the narra"ve is fully explored.
E) Allow the pa"ent 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 gree"ng the pa"ent, establishing rapport, and collec"ng the pa"ent's narra"ve
story in a direct face-to-face manner. Only a&er the narra"ve is fully explored should the
nurse type data into the computer. When typing, the nurse should posi"on the monitor so
that the pa"ent can see it.
10. During an assessment, the nurse no"ces that a pa"ent is handling a small charm that is
"ed to a leather strip around his neck. Which ac"on by the nurse is appropriate?
A) Ask the pa"ent about the item and its significance.
B) Ask the pa"ent to lock the item with other valuables in the hospital's safe.
C) Tell the pa"ent that a family member should take valuables home.
D) No ac"on is necessary.
A) Ask the pa"ent about the item and its significance.
Page: 21 The nurse should inquire about the amulet's meaning. Amulets, such as charms,
are o&en seen as an important means of protec"on from "evil spirits" by some cultures.
11. In the majority culture of America, coughing, swea"ng, 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-
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 observa"on of the pa"ent's nonverbal behaviors.
B) Note-taking allows the pa"ent to con"nue at his or her own pace as the nurse records
what is said.
C) Note-taking allows the nurse to shi& a'en"on away from the pa"ent, resul"ng in an
increased comfort level.
D) Note-taking allows the nurse to break eye contact with the pa"ent, which may increase
his or her level of comfort.
A) Note-taking may impede the nurse's observa"on of the pa"ent'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 o&en, and it
shi&s a'en"on away from the pa"ent, which diminishes his or her sense of importance. It
also may interrupt the pa"ent's narra"ve flow, and it impedes the observa"on of the
pa"ent's nonverbal behavior.
2. During an interview, the nurse states, "You men"oned shortness of breath. Tell me more
about that." Which verbal skill is used with this statement?
A) Reflec"on
B) Facilita"on
C) Direct ques"on
D) Open-ended ques"on
D) Open-ended ques"on
Page: 32 The open-ended ques"on asks for narra"ve informa"on. 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 sec"on of ques"ons, and whenever the person introduces a new topic.
3. A nurse is taking complete health histories on all of the pa"ents a'ending a wellness
workshop. On the history form, one of the wri'en ques"ons asks, "You don't smoke, drink,
or take drugs, do you?" This ques"on is an example of:
A) talking too much.
B) using confronta"on.
,C) using biased or leading ques"ons.
D) using blunt language to deal with distasteful topics.
C) using biased or leading ques"ons.
Page: 36 This is an example of using leading or biased ques"ons. Asking, "You don't smoke,
do you?" implies that one answer is "be'er" 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 admi9ng the other answer.
4. During an interview, a parent of a hospitalized child is si9ng in an open posi"on. 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 posi"ons.
B) more comfortable in this posi"on.
C) "red 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 posi"on. An open posi"on with the extension of large muscle
groups shows relaxa"on, physical comfort, and a willingness to share informa"on. A closed
posi"on with the arms and legs crossed tends to look defensive and anxious. Note any
change in posture. If a person in a relaxed posi"on suddenly tenses, it suggests possible
discomfort with the new topic.
5. The nurse is interviewing a pa"ent who has a hearing impairment. What techniques
would be most beneficial in communica"ng with this pa"ent?
A) Determine the communica"on 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 mee"ng with him to help facilitate the
communica"on.
D) Speak loudly and with exaggerated facial movement when talking with him because this
helps with lip reading.
A) Determine the communica"on method he prefers.
Pages: 40-41 The nurse should ask the deaf person the preferred way to communicate—by
signing, lip reading, or wri"ng. If the person prefers lip reading, then the nurse should be
sure to face him or her squarely and have good ligh"ng on the nurse's face. The nurse should
,not exaggerate lip movements because this distorts words. Similarly, shou"ng distorts the
recep"on 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 pa"ent who has a language barrier, and
no interpreter is available. Which is the best example of an appropriate ques"on for the
nurse to ask in this situa"on?
A) "Do you take medicine?"
B) "Do you sterilize the bo'les?"
C) "Do you have nausea and vomi"ng?"
D) "You have been taking your medicine, haven't you?"
A) "Do you take medicine?"
Page: 46 In a situa"on where there is a language barrier and no interpreter available, use
simple words avoiding medical jargon. Avoid using contrac"ons and pronouns. Use nouns
repeatedly and discuss one topic at a "me.
7. A female pa"ent 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 conduc"ng an interview. Which of these statements is true regarding open-
ended ques"ons? Select all that apply.
A) They elicit cold facts.
B) They allow for self-expression.
C) They build and enhance rapport.
D) They leave interac"ons neutral.
E) They call for short one- to two-word answers.
F) They are used when narra"ve informa"on is needed.
, B) They allow for self-expression.
C) They build and enhance rapport.
F) They are used when narra"ve informa"on
Page: 32 Open-ended ques"ons allow for self-expression, build rapport, and obtain narra"ve
informa"on. These features enhance communica"on during an interview. The other
statements are appropriate for closed or direct ques"ons.
9. The nurse is conduc"ng an interview in an outpa"ent clinic and is using a computer to
record data. Which is the best use of the computer in this situa"on? Select all that apply.
A) Collect the pa"ent's data in a direct, face-to-face manner.
B) Enter all the data as the pa"ent states it.
C) Ask the pa"ent to wait as the nurse enters data.
D) Type the data into the computer a&er the narra"ve is fully explored.
E) Allow the pa"ent to see the monitor during typing.
A) Collect the pa"ent's data in a direct, face-to-face manner.
D) Type the data into the computer a&er the narra"ve is fully explored.
E) Allow the pa"ent 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 gree"ng the pa"ent, establishing rapport, and collec"ng the pa"ent's narra"ve
story in a direct face-to-face manner. Only a&er the narra"ve is fully explored should the
nurse type data into the computer. When typing, the nurse should posi"on the monitor so
that the pa"ent can see it.
10. During an assessment, the nurse no"ces that a pa"ent is handling a small charm that is
"ed to a leather strip around his neck. Which ac"on by the nurse is appropriate?
A) Ask the pa"ent about the item and its significance.
B) Ask the pa"ent to lock the item with other valuables in the hospital's safe.
C) Tell the pa"ent that a family member should take valuables home.
D) No ac"on is necessary.
A) Ask the pa"ent about the item and its significance.
Page: 21 The nurse should inquire about the amulet's meaning. Amulets, such as charms,
are o&en seen as an important means of protec"on from "evil spirits" by some cultures.
11. In the majority culture of America, coughing, swea"ng, 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-
