HESI A2 READINESS EXAM (2026/2027) | 150
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED
ANSWERS | ALREADY GRADED A
HESI A2 Readiness Comprehensive Practice Examination | Core Domains: Reading Comprehension,
Mathematics, Vocabulary & General Knowledge, Grammar, Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology,
and Learning Styles | Nursing & Healthcare Program Admissions Focus | Comprehensive Predictive
Readiness Exam Format
Exam Structure
The HESI A2 Readiness Exam for the 2026/2027 admissions cycle is a 150-question,
multiple-choice question (MCQ) examination.
Introduction
This HESI A2 Readiness Exam guide for the 2026/2027 cycle provides a comprehensive practice
assessment that simulates the full HESI A2 admission test. The content integrates all academic
sections to evaluate overall preparedness, identify strengths and weaknesses, and predict
potential performance on the official exam required for nursing and allied health program entry.
Answer Format
All correct answers and solutions must be presented in bold and green, followed by detailed
rationales that explain reading analysis, mathematical calculations, scientific principles,
grammatical rules, and vocabulary definitions specific to each exam section.
1. In a passage describing the effects of chronic stress on the immune system, the
author states: “Prolonged cortisol elevation suppresses lymphocyte activity.” What
is the primary purpose of this sentence?
A. To define cortisol
B. To compare stress hormones
C. To explain a physiological mechanism linking stress to illness
D. To advocate for stress management programs
Rationale: The sentence directly links elevated cortisol (a stress hormone) to reduced
lymphocyte function, which weakens immunity. This explains a biological pathway—how
stress increases susceptibility to infection.
2. A passage states: “While telehealth improves access in rural areas, disparities
persist due to lack of broadband infrastructure.” What is the author’s tone?
A. Celebratory
,B. Indifferent
C. Cautiously optimistic
D. Angry
Rationale: The author acknowledges a benefit (“improves access”) but notes a limitation
(“disparities persist”), indicating balanced, realistic optimism—not full endorsement or
criticism.
3. Which best summarizes a paragraph about hand hygiene compliance among
nurses?
A. Nurses dislike washing hands
B. Handwashing is outdated
C. Despite education, adherence remains suboptimal due to workflow barriers
D. Gloves eliminate the need for handwashing
Rationale: A strong summary captures main idea and nuance. The correct choice reflects
real-world challenges (education vs. practice) without overgeneralizing.
4. In a research abstract, the phrase “double-blind, randomized controlled trial”
indicates:
A. Only researchers were unaware of group assignments
B. Participants chose their treatment group
C. Neither participants nor researchers knew who received intervention vs.
placebo
D. The study was observational
Rationale: “Double-blind” means both parties are unaware; “randomized” means assignment
was by chance; “controlled” means comparison to a control group. This minimizes bias.
5. A passage argues that early mobility reduces ICU delirium. Which evidence
would best support this claim?
A. Patient testimonials about feeling better
B. A chart showing ICU bed occupancy
C. A study showing 30% lower delirium rates in mobilized patients
,D. A list of physical therapy equipment
Rationale: Quantitative data from a comparative study provides objective, measurable
support for a causal claim—more valid than anecdotes or unrelated details.
6. What is the meaning of “ubiquitous” as used in: “Smartphones have become
ubiquitous in clinical settings”?
A. Expensive
B. Obsolete
C. Present everywhere
D. Dangerous
Rationale: “Ubiquitous” means omnipresent or found everywhere. Context confirms
widespread use in clinics.
7. A passage describes a patient’s journey through the healthcare system. The
organizational pattern is:
A. Compare and contrast
B. Cause and effect
C. Chronological order
D. Problem and solution
Rationale: A “journey” implies sequence over time—admission, diagnosis, treatment,
discharge—indicating chronological structure.
8. The author’s primary purpose in an article titled “Barriers to Vaccination in
Underserved Communities” is likely to:
A. Sell vaccines
B. Criticize government policy
C. Inform readers about systemic obstacles and suggest equity-focused solutions
D. Promote alternative medicine
Rationale: Titles with “barriers” and “underserved” signal a focus on social determinants and
public health equity, not commercial or ideological agendas.
, 9. Which inference is supported by: “Nurses reported higher job satisfaction after
staffing ratios improved”?
A. All nurses quit before the change
B. Staffing ratios had no impact
C. Adequate staffing positively influences nurse morale
D. Patients were dissatisfied
Rationale: The statement directly correlates improved ratios with higher
satisfaction—supporting a positive relationship between staffing and morale.
10. In a passage about diabetes management, the word “glycemic” refers to:
A. Fat metabolism
B. Protein intake
C. Blood sugar levels
D. Blood pressure
Rationale: “Glycemic” derives from “glucose” and relates to blood sugar (e.g., glycemic index,
glycemic control).
11. A graph shows rising antibiotic resistance from 2000–2025. What conclusion is
most valid?
A. Antibiotics are no longer useful
B. Infection rates are falling
C. Resistance has increased over time
D. New antibiotics are being developed faster
Rationale: The graph only shows resistance trend—not efficacy, infection rates, or drug
development. Only C is directly supported.
12. Which sentence best expresses the main idea of a paragraph on cultural
competence?
A. Language barriers are common
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED
ANSWERS | ALREADY GRADED A
HESI A2 Readiness Comprehensive Practice Examination | Core Domains: Reading Comprehension,
Mathematics, Vocabulary & General Knowledge, Grammar, Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology,
and Learning Styles | Nursing & Healthcare Program Admissions Focus | Comprehensive Predictive
Readiness Exam Format
Exam Structure
The HESI A2 Readiness Exam for the 2026/2027 admissions cycle is a 150-question,
multiple-choice question (MCQ) examination.
Introduction
This HESI A2 Readiness Exam guide for the 2026/2027 cycle provides a comprehensive practice
assessment that simulates the full HESI A2 admission test. The content integrates all academic
sections to evaluate overall preparedness, identify strengths and weaknesses, and predict
potential performance on the official exam required for nursing and allied health program entry.
Answer Format
All correct answers and solutions must be presented in bold and green, followed by detailed
rationales that explain reading analysis, mathematical calculations, scientific principles,
grammatical rules, and vocabulary definitions specific to each exam section.
1. In a passage describing the effects of chronic stress on the immune system, the
author states: “Prolonged cortisol elevation suppresses lymphocyte activity.” What
is the primary purpose of this sentence?
A. To define cortisol
B. To compare stress hormones
C. To explain a physiological mechanism linking stress to illness
D. To advocate for stress management programs
Rationale: The sentence directly links elevated cortisol (a stress hormone) to reduced
lymphocyte function, which weakens immunity. This explains a biological pathway—how
stress increases susceptibility to infection.
2. A passage states: “While telehealth improves access in rural areas, disparities
persist due to lack of broadband infrastructure.” What is the author’s tone?
A. Celebratory
,B. Indifferent
C. Cautiously optimistic
D. Angry
Rationale: The author acknowledges a benefit (“improves access”) but notes a limitation
(“disparities persist”), indicating balanced, realistic optimism—not full endorsement or
criticism.
3. Which best summarizes a paragraph about hand hygiene compliance among
nurses?
A. Nurses dislike washing hands
B. Handwashing is outdated
C. Despite education, adherence remains suboptimal due to workflow barriers
D. Gloves eliminate the need for handwashing
Rationale: A strong summary captures main idea and nuance. The correct choice reflects
real-world challenges (education vs. practice) without overgeneralizing.
4. In a research abstract, the phrase “double-blind, randomized controlled trial”
indicates:
A. Only researchers were unaware of group assignments
B. Participants chose their treatment group
C. Neither participants nor researchers knew who received intervention vs.
placebo
D. The study was observational
Rationale: “Double-blind” means both parties are unaware; “randomized” means assignment
was by chance; “controlled” means comparison to a control group. This minimizes bias.
5. A passage argues that early mobility reduces ICU delirium. Which evidence
would best support this claim?
A. Patient testimonials about feeling better
B. A chart showing ICU bed occupancy
C. A study showing 30% lower delirium rates in mobilized patients
,D. A list of physical therapy equipment
Rationale: Quantitative data from a comparative study provides objective, measurable
support for a causal claim—more valid than anecdotes or unrelated details.
6. What is the meaning of “ubiquitous” as used in: “Smartphones have become
ubiquitous in clinical settings”?
A. Expensive
B. Obsolete
C. Present everywhere
D. Dangerous
Rationale: “Ubiquitous” means omnipresent or found everywhere. Context confirms
widespread use in clinics.
7. A passage describes a patient’s journey through the healthcare system. The
organizational pattern is:
A. Compare and contrast
B. Cause and effect
C. Chronological order
D. Problem and solution
Rationale: A “journey” implies sequence over time—admission, diagnosis, treatment,
discharge—indicating chronological structure.
8. The author’s primary purpose in an article titled “Barriers to Vaccination in
Underserved Communities” is likely to:
A. Sell vaccines
B. Criticize government policy
C. Inform readers about systemic obstacles and suggest equity-focused solutions
D. Promote alternative medicine
Rationale: Titles with “barriers” and “underserved” signal a focus on social determinants and
public health equity, not commercial or ideological agendas.
, 9. Which inference is supported by: “Nurses reported higher job satisfaction after
staffing ratios improved”?
A. All nurses quit before the change
B. Staffing ratios had no impact
C. Adequate staffing positively influences nurse morale
D. Patients were dissatisfied
Rationale: The statement directly correlates improved ratios with higher
satisfaction—supporting a positive relationship between staffing and morale.
10. In a passage about diabetes management, the word “glycemic” refers to:
A. Fat metabolism
B. Protein intake
C. Blood sugar levels
D. Blood pressure
Rationale: “Glycemic” derives from “glucose” and relates to blood sugar (e.g., glycemic index,
glycemic control).
11. A graph shows rising antibiotic resistance from 2000–2025. What conclusion is
most valid?
A. Antibiotics are no longer useful
B. Infection rates are falling
C. Resistance has increased over time
D. New antibiotics are being developed faster
Rationale: The graph only shows resistance trend—not efficacy, infection rates, or drug
development. Only C is directly supported.
12. Which sentence best expresses the main idea of a paragraph on cultural
competence?
A. Language barriers are common
