BSN 246 HESI Health Assessment Exam V1 (Latest 2025/2026 Update) | Questions and Verified Answers | 100% Correct | Grade A – Nightingale Introduction This document contains 100 verified and 100% correct multiple-choice questions and answers for the BSN 246 HESI Health Assessment Exam Version 1, updated for the 2025/2026 academic year and aligned with Nightingale College’s BSN curriculum. De- signed for nursing students, it supports clinical and theoretical mastery in health as- sessment, covering physical examination techniques, patient history, and cultural con- siderations. This resource ensures comprehensive preparation for the exam and clinical practice.Exam Questions and Answers 1.[General Survey & Vital Signs]During a general survey, a nurse observes a
patient with a slumped posture and slow gait. This may indicate:
A.Fatigue or depression B.Hypertension C.Hyperthyroidism D.Dehydration Clinical Rationale:Slumped posture and slow gait are nonverbal cues often associated with fatigue, depression, or chronic illness.
2.[Skin, Hair, Nails]A nurse notes a patient’s skin is cool and clammy. This finding
is most consistent with:
A.Shock or hypoglycemia B.Fever C.Hyperthyroidism D.Chronic sun exposure Clinical Rationale:Cool, clammy skin results from vasoconstriction, commonly seen in shock or hypoglycemia due to sympathetic activation.
3.[Cardiovascular & Respiratory]When auscultating the heart, the nurse hears
an S3 sound. This is most associated with:
BSN 246 HESI Health Assessment Exam V1 | Nightingale College | 2025/2026 1 / 3
A.Heart failure B.Mitral valve prolapse C.Hypertension D.Normal finding in young adults Clinical Rationale:An S3 sound, or ventricular gallop, indicates fluid overload, often seen in heart failure due to rapid ventricular filling.
4.[Neurological, GI, and Musculoskeletal]A nurse assesses a patient with a
positive Romberg sign. This suggests dysfunction in:
A.Proprioception or cerebellum B.Cranial nerve XII C.Peripheral motor neurons D.Visual acuity Clinical Rationale:A positive Romberg sign, swaying when eyes are closed, indicates impaired proprioception or cerebellar function.
5.[Cultural & Psychosocial Considerations]A patient refuses eye contact during
assessment. The nurse should first consider:
A.Cultural norms B.Visual impairment C.Anxiety disorder D.Hearing loss Clinical Rationale:In some cultures, avoiding eye contact is a sign of respect, which should be considered before assuming pathology.
6.[General Survey & Vital Signs]A patient’s blood pressure is 148/92 mmHg.
This is classified as:
A.Stage 1 hypertension B.Normal C.Prehypertension D.Stage 2 hypertension Clinical Rationale:Per AHA guidelines, stage 1 hypertension is defined as systolic 130–139 or diastolic 80–89 mmHg; this reading exceeds those thresholds.
7.[Skin, Hair, Nails]A nurse observes clubbing of the fingernails. This is most
associated with:
A.Chronic lung or heart disease B.Iron deficiency anemia C.Fungal infection D.Psoriasis BSN 246 HESI Health Assessment Exam V1 | Nightingale College | 2025/2026 2 / 3
Clinical Rationale:Clubbing, an increase in nail bed angle, is linked to chronic hypoxia from conditions like COPD or congenital heart disease.
8.[Cardiovascular & Respiratory]During respiratory assessment, the nurse notes
crackles at the lung bases. This suggests:
A.Pulmonary edema B.Asthma C.Pneumothorax D.Normal aging Clinical Rationale:Crackles at the bases indicate fluid in the alveoli, commonly associ- ated with pulmonary edema in heart failure.
9.[Neurological, GI, and Musculoskeletal]A patient reports difficulty swallow-
ing solids and liquids. The nurse suspects:
A.Neurological disorder B.Esophageal stricture C.Gastritis D.Peptic ulcer Clinical Rationale:Dysphagia to both solids and liquids suggests a motility issue, often due to neurological conditions like stroke or Parkinson’s.
10.[Cultural & Psychosocial Considerations]When assessing a patient from a
collectivist culture, the nurse should:
A.Involve family in the health history B.Focus only on the individual C.Avoid discussing emotions D.Use standardized questions Clinical Rationale:Collectivist cultures value family involvement, which can enhance trust and accuracy in the health history.
11.[General Survey & Vital Signs]A patient’s pulse is 110 bpm at rest. The nurse
should first:
A.Assess for signs of distress B.Document as normal C.Administer oxygen D.Take blood pressure Clinical Rationale:Tachycardia (pulse >100 bpm) may indicate distress, dehydration, or other issues, requiring further assessment.
12.[Skin, Hair, Nails]A nurse notes a patient’s skin has a yellow tinge. This is most
likely due to:
BSN 246 HESI Health Assessment Exam V1 | Nightingale College | 2025/2026
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