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HESI A2 - READING COMPREHENSION PRACTICE EXAM
2026/2027 | 100 CERTIFICATION-STYLE QUESTIONS |
EXPERT VERIFIED | DETAILED RATIONALES | PASS
GUARANTEED – A+ GRADED
SECTION 1: MAIN IDEA - Questions 1-20
Q1: Main Idea - Passage 1
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The skeletal system provides support and protection for the body. It also allows for
movement, stores minerals, and produces blood cells. The adult human skeleton consists of 206
bones. The bones are connected by joints, which allow for movement. The skeletal system is divided
into the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton." What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The skeletal system provides support and protection
B. The adult human skeleton consists of 206 bones
C. The skeletal system has multiple functions
D. The skeletal system is divided into two parts
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The passage describes multiple functions of the skeletal system: support, protection,
movement, mineral storage, and blood cell production. Option C best captures this. [100% CORRECT]
Q2: Main Idea - Passage 2
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The muscular system is responsible for movement. There are three types of muscle tissue:
skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, and smooth muscle. Skeletal muscle is attached to bones and is
voluntary. Cardiac muscle is found in the heart and is involuntary. Smooth muscle is found in the
walls of organs and is involuntary." What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The muscular system is responsible for movement
B. There are three types of muscle tissue
C. Skeletal muscle is voluntary
D. Cardiac muscle is involuntary
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The passage introduces the muscular system's function (movement) and then describes
the three types of muscle tissue. Option A best captures the main idea. [100% CORRECT]
Q3: Main Idea - Passage 3
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The cardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood. The heart
pumps blood through the blood vessels to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues and remove waste
products. The cardiovascular system also helps regulate body temperature and pH. The average
,2
adult has about 5 liters of blood." What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The cardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood
B. The heart pumps blood through the blood vessels
C. The cardiovascular system delivers oxygen and nutrients
D. The cardiovascular system has multiple functions
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The passage describes multiple functions of the cardiovascular system: delivering oxygen
and nutrients, removing waste, regulating temperature and pH. Option D best captures this. [100%
CORRECT]
Q4: Main Idea - Passage 4
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The kidneys
filter waste products from the blood to form urine. The ureters transport urine from the kidneys to
the bladder. The bladder stores urine until it is eliminated through the urethra. The urinary system
also helps regulate fluid and electrolyte balance." What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra
B. The kidneys filter waste products from the blood
C. The urinary system filters waste and regulates fluid balance
D. The bladder stores urine
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The passage describes the components of the urinary system and its functions: filtering
waste and regulating fluid balance. Option C best captures this. [100% CORRECT]
Q5: Main Idea - Passage 5
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The reproductive system is responsible for producing offspring. In males, the reproductive
system produces sperm and hormones. In females, the reproductive system produces eggs and
hormones. The male and female reproductive systems work together to facilitate fertilization and
reproduction. The reproductive system also influences secondary sexual characteristics." What is the
main idea of this passage?
A. The reproductive system produces offspring
B. The male reproductive system produces sperm
C. The female reproductive system produces eggs
D. The reproductive system influences secondary sexual characteristics
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The passage introduces the reproductive system's primary function: producing offspring.
Option A best captures the main idea. [100% CORRECT]
Q6: Main Idea - Passage 6
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The lymphatic system is a network of tissues, vessels, and organs that work together to
maintain fluid balance, defend the body against infection, and absorb fats from the digestive system.
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Lymph nodes filter lymph fluid and contain immune cells that help fight infection. The lymphatic
system is closely associated with the immune system." What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The lymphatic system maintains fluid balance
B. The lymphatic system defends the body against infection
C. The lymphatic system has multiple functions
D. Lymph nodes filter lymph fluid
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The passage describes multiple functions of the lymphatic system: fluid balance, immune
defense, and fat absorption. Option C best captures this. [100% CORRECT]
Q7: Main Idea - Passage 7
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The integumentary system consists of the skin, hair, nails, and exocrine glands. The skin is
the largest organ of the body. It serves as a protective barrier against pathogens, UV radiation, and
physical injury. The skin also helps regulate body temperature and contains nerve endings for
sensation." What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The integumentary system consists of the skin, hair, nails, and exocrine glands
B. The skin is the largest organ of the body
C. The integumentary system serves multiple protective functions
D. The skin contains nerve endings for sensation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The passage describes the integumentary system's components and its protective
functions. Option C best captures the main idea. [100% CORRECT]
Q8: Main Idea - Passage 8
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The respiratory system is responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide
between the air and the blood. The lungs are the primary organs of the respiratory system. Air
enters the body through the nose or mouth, travels down the trachea, and into the lungs. Oxygen is
absorbed into the blood, and carbon dioxide is expelled from the body." What is the main idea of
this passage?
A. The respiratory system is responsible for gas exchange
B. The lungs are the primary organs of the respiratory system
C. Air enters through the nose or mouth
D. Oxygen is absorbed into the blood
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The passage describes the respiratory system's primary function: gas exchange. Option A
best captures the main idea. [100% CORRECT]
Q9: Main Idea - Passage 9
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The immune system defends the body against pathogens and foreign substances. It
includes white blood cells, antibodies, and other components that work together to identify and
, 4
destroy harmful invaders. The immune system also has memory, allowing it to respond more quickly
to previously encountered pathogens. Vaccinations work by stimulating the immune system to
develop immunity." What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The immune system defends the body against pathogens
B. The immune system includes white blood cells and antibodies
C. The immune system has memory
D. Vaccinations stimulate the immune system
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The passage introduces the immune system's primary function: defending the body
against pathogens. Option A best captures the main idea. [100% CORRECT]
Q10: Main Idea - Passage 10
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The nervous system controls all body functions, including movement, sensation, and
thought. It is divided into two main parts: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous
system. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous
system consists of all the nerves that branch out from the brain and spinal cord." What is the main
idea of this passage?
A. The nervous system controls all body functions
B. The nervous system is divided into two main parts
C. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord
D. The peripheral nervous system consists of nerves
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The passage introduces the nervous system's overall function of controlling body
functions. Option A best captures the main idea. [100% CORRECT]
Q11: Main Idea - Passage 11
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The endocrine system is a collection of glands that produce hormones. Hormones are
chemical messengers that travel through the blood to target organs and tissues. The endocrine
system regulates many body functions, including growth, metabolism, reproduction, and mood."
What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The endocrine system produces hormones
B. Hormones are chemical messengers
C. The endocrine system regulates body functions
D. The endocrine system is a collection of glands
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The passage describes the endocrine system's function of regulating body functions
through hormones. Option C best captures this. [100% CORRECT]
Q12: Main Idea - Passage 12
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body. It has four
HESI A2 - READING COMPREHENSION PRACTICE EXAM
2026/2027 | 100 CERTIFICATION-STYLE QUESTIONS |
EXPERT VERIFIED | DETAILED RATIONALES | PASS
GUARANTEED – A+ GRADED
SECTION 1: MAIN IDEA - Questions 1-20
Q1: Main Idea - Passage 1
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The skeletal system provides support and protection for the body. It also allows for
movement, stores minerals, and produces blood cells. The adult human skeleton consists of 206
bones. The bones are connected by joints, which allow for movement. The skeletal system is divided
into the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton." What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The skeletal system provides support and protection
B. The adult human skeleton consists of 206 bones
C. The skeletal system has multiple functions
D. The skeletal system is divided into two parts
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The passage describes multiple functions of the skeletal system: support, protection,
movement, mineral storage, and blood cell production. Option C best captures this. [100% CORRECT]
Q2: Main Idea - Passage 2
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The muscular system is responsible for movement. There are three types of muscle tissue:
skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, and smooth muscle. Skeletal muscle is attached to bones and is
voluntary. Cardiac muscle is found in the heart and is involuntary. Smooth muscle is found in the
walls of organs and is involuntary." What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The muscular system is responsible for movement
B. There are three types of muscle tissue
C. Skeletal muscle is voluntary
D. Cardiac muscle is involuntary
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The passage introduces the muscular system's function (movement) and then describes
the three types of muscle tissue. Option A best captures the main idea. [100% CORRECT]
Q3: Main Idea - Passage 3
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The cardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood. The heart
pumps blood through the blood vessels to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues and remove waste
products. The cardiovascular system also helps regulate body temperature and pH. The average
,2
adult has about 5 liters of blood." What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The cardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood
B. The heart pumps blood through the blood vessels
C. The cardiovascular system delivers oxygen and nutrients
D. The cardiovascular system has multiple functions
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The passage describes multiple functions of the cardiovascular system: delivering oxygen
and nutrients, removing waste, regulating temperature and pH. Option D best captures this. [100%
CORRECT]
Q4: Main Idea - Passage 4
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The kidneys
filter waste products from the blood to form urine. The ureters transport urine from the kidneys to
the bladder. The bladder stores urine until it is eliminated through the urethra. The urinary system
also helps regulate fluid and electrolyte balance." What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra
B. The kidneys filter waste products from the blood
C. The urinary system filters waste and regulates fluid balance
D. The bladder stores urine
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The passage describes the components of the urinary system and its functions: filtering
waste and regulating fluid balance. Option C best captures this. [100% CORRECT]
Q5: Main Idea - Passage 5
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The reproductive system is responsible for producing offspring. In males, the reproductive
system produces sperm and hormones. In females, the reproductive system produces eggs and
hormones. The male and female reproductive systems work together to facilitate fertilization and
reproduction. The reproductive system also influences secondary sexual characteristics." What is the
main idea of this passage?
A. The reproductive system produces offspring
B. The male reproductive system produces sperm
C. The female reproductive system produces eggs
D. The reproductive system influences secondary sexual characteristics
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The passage introduces the reproductive system's primary function: producing offspring.
Option A best captures the main idea. [100% CORRECT]
Q6: Main Idea - Passage 6
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The lymphatic system is a network of tissues, vessels, and organs that work together to
maintain fluid balance, defend the body against infection, and absorb fats from the digestive system.
,3
Lymph nodes filter lymph fluid and contain immune cells that help fight infection. The lymphatic
system is closely associated with the immune system." What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The lymphatic system maintains fluid balance
B. The lymphatic system defends the body against infection
C. The lymphatic system has multiple functions
D. Lymph nodes filter lymph fluid
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The passage describes multiple functions of the lymphatic system: fluid balance, immune
defense, and fat absorption. Option C best captures this. [100% CORRECT]
Q7: Main Idea - Passage 7
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The integumentary system consists of the skin, hair, nails, and exocrine glands. The skin is
the largest organ of the body. It serves as a protective barrier against pathogens, UV radiation, and
physical injury. The skin also helps regulate body temperature and contains nerve endings for
sensation." What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The integumentary system consists of the skin, hair, nails, and exocrine glands
B. The skin is the largest organ of the body
C. The integumentary system serves multiple protective functions
D. The skin contains nerve endings for sensation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The passage describes the integumentary system's components and its protective
functions. Option C best captures the main idea. [100% CORRECT]
Q8: Main Idea - Passage 8
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The respiratory system is responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide
between the air and the blood. The lungs are the primary organs of the respiratory system. Air
enters the body through the nose or mouth, travels down the trachea, and into the lungs. Oxygen is
absorbed into the blood, and carbon dioxide is expelled from the body." What is the main idea of
this passage?
A. The respiratory system is responsible for gas exchange
B. The lungs are the primary organs of the respiratory system
C. Air enters through the nose or mouth
D. Oxygen is absorbed into the blood
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The passage describes the respiratory system's primary function: gas exchange. Option A
best captures the main idea. [100% CORRECT]
Q9: Main Idea - Passage 9
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The immune system defends the body against pathogens and foreign substances. It
includes white blood cells, antibodies, and other components that work together to identify and
, 4
destroy harmful invaders. The immune system also has memory, allowing it to respond more quickly
to previously encountered pathogens. Vaccinations work by stimulating the immune system to
develop immunity." What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The immune system defends the body against pathogens
B. The immune system includes white blood cells and antibodies
C. The immune system has memory
D. Vaccinations stimulate the immune system
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The passage introduces the immune system's primary function: defending the body
against pathogens. Option A best captures the main idea. [100% CORRECT]
Q10: Main Idea - Passage 10
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The nervous system controls all body functions, including movement, sensation, and
thought. It is divided into two main parts: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous
system. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous
system consists of all the nerves that branch out from the brain and spinal cord." What is the main
idea of this passage?
A. The nervous system controls all body functions
B. The nervous system is divided into two main parts
C. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord
D. The peripheral nervous system consists of nerves
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The passage introduces the nervous system's overall function of controlling body
functions. Option A best captures the main idea. [100% CORRECT]
Q11: Main Idea - Passage 11
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The endocrine system is a collection of glands that produce hormones. Hormones are
chemical messengers that travel through the blood to target organs and tissues. The endocrine
system regulates many body functions, including growth, metabolism, reproduction, and mood."
What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The endocrine system produces hormones
B. Hormones are chemical messengers
C. The endocrine system regulates body functions
D. The endocrine system is a collection of glands
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The passage describes the endocrine system's function of regulating body functions
through hormones. Option C best captures this. [100% CORRECT]
Q12: Main Idea - Passage 12
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body. It has four
