HESI-A2 Sample Questions & Answers
Math, reading comprehension and healthcare vocabulary are weighted equally as the heaviest areas, ahead of grammar, then biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology and physics in equal smaller shares, plus unscored learning style and personality profiles.
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- Question 1Intermediate
Reading Comprehension · Main Idea Identification
Case Study: Reading a Patient Education Pamphlet
Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.
"Managing Type 2 diabetes effectively hinges on a multifaceted approach that includes diet, exercise, and medication. While oral hypoglycemics are a common first-line treatment, their efficacy can diminish over time. Consequently, many patients eventually require insulin therapy to maintain glycemic control. It is a prevailing misconception that starting insulin signifies a personal failure in management; rather, it reflects the progressive nature of the disease. Adherence to a prescribed regimen is paramount, as inconsistent management can lead to severe long-term complications such as neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy."
What is the main idea of this passage?
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Correct answer: D
The passage discusses multiple aspects of diabetes management (diet, exercise, medication), the progression of treatment (from oral meds to insulin), corrects a misconception, and stresses the importance of adherence to avoid complications. This encompasses the entire message, making it the main idea. The other options are either directly contradicted by the text or are supporting details rather than the central theme.
- Question 2Intermediate
Anatomy and Physiology · Cardiovascular System
True or False: In the cardiovascular system, arteries always carry oxygenated blood and veins always carry deoxygenated blood.
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Correct answer: B
This statement is false. The definition of arteries and veins is based on the direction of blood flow relative to the heart, not oxygenation status. Arteries carry blood away from the heart, and veins carry blood toward the heart. The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs, and the pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the heart.
- Question 3Beginner
Vocabulary and General Knowledge · Healthcare Terminology
Which prefix means 'below' or 'deficient'?
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Correct answer: B
The prefix 'hypo-' means below, under, or deficient. Examples include 'hypoglycemia' (low blood sugar) and 'hypotension' (low blood pressure). 'Hyper-' means above or excessive. 'Inter-' means between. 'Intra-' means within.
- Question 4Beginner
Chemistry · Acids and Bases
A solution has a pH of 8.5. How would this solution be classified?
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Correct answer: D
The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral. A pH below 7 is acidic, and a pH above 7 is alkaline (or basic). Since 8.5 is slightly above 7, the solution is classified as weakly alkaline.
graph LR A[pH 0-6.9] --> Acidic B[pH 7] --> Neutral C[pH 7.1-14] --> Alkaline/Basic subgraph pH Scale direction LR A -- B -- C end style B fill:#d3d3d3,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px - Question 5Beginner
Mathematics · Metric System
Convert 1.5 liters (L) to milliliters (mL).
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Correct answer: C
The prefix 'milli-' means one-thousandth. Therefore, there are 1000 milliliters in 1 liter. To convert liters to milliliters, you multiply the number of liters by 1000. So, 1.5 L * 1000 mL/L = 1500 mL.
- Question 6Beginner
Grammar · Parts of Speech
Identify the part of speech of the underlined word in the following sentence: The patient felt nauseous after the procedure.
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Correct answer: D
An adjective is a word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun. In this sentence, 'nauseous' describes the state of the 'patient' (a noun). It answers the question 'How did the patient feel?'. Therefore, 'nauseous' is an adjective.
- Question 7Beginner
Vocabulary and General Knowledge · Healthcare Terminology
A patient's chart notes 'PRN medication'. What does the abbreviation 'PRN' stand for?
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Correct answer: B
'PRN' is a medical abbreviation from the Latin phrase 'pro re nata,' which translates to 'as the thing is needed' or simply 'as needed.' It means the medication should be administered only when the patient requires it for a specific symptom, not on a fixed schedule.
- Question 8Intermediate
Biology · Cellular Respiration
The process of cellular respiration, which generates ATP for the cell, primarily occurs in which organelle?
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Correct answer: C
The mitochondrion is known as the 'powerhouse' of the cell because it is the primary site of aerobic cellular respiration. The Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain, which produce the vast majority of a cell's ATP, take place within the mitochondria. The nucleus contains genetic material, and ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.
flowchart TD A[Glucose] --> B{Glycolysis in Cytoplasm}; B --> C[Pyruvate]; C --> D{Krebs Cycle in Mitochondria}; D --> E{Electron Transport Chain in Mitochondria}; E --> F[ATP Production]; - Question 9Advanced
Mathematics · Ratios and Proportions
A patient is prescribed 40 mg of a drug that is available in a solution of 10 mg/5 mL. An order is written to administer the medication over 20 minutes using an IV pump. At what rate in mL/hr should the nurse set the pump?
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Correct answer: C
This is a two-step problem. First, determine the total volume to be administered. Using a proportion: (10 mg / 5 mL) = (40 mg / X mL). Solving for X gives 20 mL. Second, calculate the rate in mL/hr. The 20 mL is to be administered over 20 minutes. To find the hourly rate, set up another proportion: (20 mL / 20 min) = (Y mL / 60 min). Solving for Y gives 60 mL. Therefore, the pump should be set to 60 mL/hr.
- Question 10Advanced
Reading Comprehension · Logical Inferences
Based on the passage, what can be inferred about the author's perspective on medical information?
"The internet has democratized access to medical knowledge, empowering patients to become active participants in their own care. However, this accessibility is a double-edged sword. While reputable sources provide valuable education, a vast amount of misinformation circulates online, often presented with a veneer of scientific authority. Patients may arrive at appointments with firm, yet erroneous, beliefs based on unvetted websites, complicating the diagnostic process and straining the patient-provider relationship. Therefore, a crucial role for healthcare professionals today is not just to provide information, but to guide patients in navigating and critically appraising the digital health landscape."
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Correct answer: C
The author acknowledges the benefits ('empowering patients') but immediately contrasts it with the risks ('double-edged sword,' 'misinformation'). The conclusion that professionals must guide patients implies a balanced view: the trend is positive but requires management. The other options present extreme views not supported by the nuanced language of the passage.
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