P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
HESI A2 Entrance Exam
Questions & Answers
2026-2027 | Complete
Verified Review
(Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
225 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document provides 225 HESI A2 Entrance Exam questions, each with the correct answer and
detailed rationales. It covers essential medical terminology and concepts, serving as a
comprehensive study resource. This verified review is ideal for students preparing for certification
exams, reviewing course material, and reinforcing their understanding of key subject matter.
CONTENTS
• Medical Terminology & Definitions • Patient Assessment & Data
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 225
virulence
CORRECT ANSWER
the ability to produce disease
RATIONALE
Virulence quantifies the degree of pathogenicity, specifically referring to a microorganism's capacity to
overcome host defenses and cause damage, thereby producing disease. The key concept tested is the
definition of virulence as a measure of disease-producing potential.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 225
efface
CORRECT ANSWER
to wipe out, to rub out, do away with; (medical) the thinning of the cervix during labor
RATIONALE
The term "efface" in obstetrics refers to the shortening and thinning of the cervical canal, measured in
percentage, as it is drawn upward into the lower uterine segment during labor, signifying cervical dilation
progress. This physiological process is key to the passage of the fetus.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 225
ubiquitous
CORRECT ANSWER
omnipresent, existing or being everywhere
Page 2
, RATIONALE
Ubiquitous describes something that is found everywhere, making "omnipresent, existing or being
everywhere" the most accurate synonym. This question tests the understanding of vocabulary related to
widespread existence.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 225
osmosis
CORRECT ANSWER
process of fluid passing through semi-permeable membrane from higher to lower concentration
RATIONALE
Osmosis is the net movement of solvent molecules through a selectively permeable membrane from a
region of higher solvent concentration (lower solute concentration) to a region of lower solvent
concentration (higher solute concentration). This passive process equalizes solute concentrations on both
sides of the membrane.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 225
labile
CORRECT ANSWER
apt or likely to change, changing quickly
-Because the children fever was very labile the nurse instructed the unlicensed assistive personnel to
check the temp frequently.
RATIONALE
The term "labile" describes something that is unstable and prone to rapid fluctuation, which is why
frequent temperature monitoring is indicated for a patient with a labile fever. This tests the understanding
of vocabulary specific to clinical observation and patient status.
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 225
febrile
CORRECT ANSWER
having or showing symptoms of a fever
Page 3
, RATIONALE
Febrile signifies the presence of an elevated body temperature, commonly indicating an underlying
inflammatory or infectious process. This term directly describes the physiological state of having a fever.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 225
dynamic
CORRECT ANSWER
energetic, lively
RATIONALE
The word "dynamic" describes something characterized by constant change, activity, or progress, which
aligns with the meanings of "energetic" and "lively." This question tests the understanding of synonyms and
the nuances of descriptive adjectives.
Q8 QUESTION 8 OF 225
insidious
CORRECT ANSWER
dangerous, treacherous, so gradual as to not become apparent for a long time
-The doctor explained that the cancer probably started years ago but had not been detected because
it spread was so insidious.
RATIONALE
The word "insidious" describes something that develops slowly and subtly, often with harmful effects that
are not immediately obvious, as exemplified by the undetected, gradual spread of cancer. This highlights
the concept of insidious onset, where a condition progresses without noticeable symptoms until it
reaches an advanced stage.
Q9 QUESTION 9 OF 225
empathy
CORRECT ANSWER
understanding another's pain, suffering alongside someone else
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