HESI ENTRANCE EXAM – NURSING SCHOOL ADMISSION
PREPARATION — 2026/2027 | QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS | GRADED A+ | 100% VERIFIED
HESI Admission Assessment (A2) Examination
HESI Admission Assessment (A2) Examination
Core Domains: English Language Arts – Reading Comprehension (55 questions, 60 minutes): Main Idea Identification, Supporting
Details, Author's Purpose and Tone, Text Structure Analysis, Inference and Conclusion Drawing, Fact vs. Opinion, Vocabulary in Context;
English Language Arts – Vocabulary and General Knowledge (50 questions, 50 minutes): Word Meanings, Synonyms, Antonyms, Context
Clues, Medical Terminology, Commonly Confused Words; English Language Arts – Grammar (50 questions, 50 minutes): Parts of Speech
(Nouns, Pronouns, Verbs, Adjectives, Adverbs, Prepositions, Conjunctions), Subject-Verb Agreement, Verb Tenses, Pronoun-Antecedent
Agreement, Sentence Structure, Punctuation, Capitalization, Spelling; Mathematics (50 questions, 50 minutes): Basic Math Operations
(Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division), Fractions and Decimals, Percentages, Ratios and Proportions, Conversions (Fractions to
Decimals to Percentages), Algebra Fundamentals (Equations, Inequalities), Word Problems, Dosage Calculation Fundamentals; Science
(30 questions, 25 minutes): Human Anatomy and Physiology (Body Systems - Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Renal, Digestive, Endocrine,
Nervous, Skeletal, Muscular; Organ Functions, Homeostasis, Basic Pathophysiology), Biology (Cell Structure and Function, Cellular
Respiration, Photosynthesis, DNA and Genetics), Chemistry (Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonds, pH, Solutions, Basic Chemical
Reactions), Scientific Method; Personality Profile (15 questions, untimed): Learning Style Assessment, Personality Indicators (not scored
for admission)
Nursing School Entrance Examination Focus | HESI A2-Aligned Format
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1: Reading Comprehension (55 Questions) 3
Section 2: Vocabulary & General Knowledge (50 Questions) 58
Section 3: Grammar (50 Questions) 108
Section 4: Mathematics (50 Questions) 158
Section 5: Science (30 Questions) 208
Section 6: Personality Profile (15 Questions) 238
Exam Structure
HESI Entrance (A2) Examination is commonly structured as follows:
Academic Sections:
Reading Comprehension: 55 questions (60 minutes)
Vocabulary and General Knowledge: 50 questions (50 minutes)
Grammar: 50 questions (50 minutes)
Mathematics: 50 questions (50 minutes)
Science: 30 questions (25 minutes)
, Personality Profile: 15 questions (untimed)
Multiple-choice format with 4 answer options
Computer-based testing at authorized testing centers or online with remote proctoring
Total testing time: Approximately 4-5 hours including breaks
Scores typically valid for 2 years
Minimum score requirements vary by nursing program (typical range: 75-85%)
Academic Section Breakdown:
Reading Comprehension: 55 questions, 60 minutes Vocabulary and General Knowledge: 50 questions, 50 minutes
Grammar: 50 questions, 50 minutes Mathematics: 50 questions, 50 minutes
Science: 30 questions, 25 minutes Total Academic Questions: 295
Introduction
This HESI Entrance Exam – Nursing School Admission Preparation resource for the 2026/2027 academic cycle reflects Elsevier's HESI
Admission Assessment (A2) standards for nursing program entrance evaluations. The HESI A2 is a standardized, computer-based entrance
exam used by nursing schools to assess prospective students' academic readiness and likelihood of success in rigorous nursing curricula.
The examination evaluates comprehensive knowledge in reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, mathematics, and science,
providing nursing programs with a reliable predictor of student performance. Mastery of HESI A2 content is essential for nursing school
applicants seeking competitive admission to associate, bachelor's, and accelerated nursing programs nationwide.
Answer Format
All questions must be presented in bold text for clear distinction and readability.
All correct answers must be presented in bold and lime green, followed by clearly defined, academically accurate rationales in italic format that
reinforce HESI test concepts, critical thinking strategies, and subject matter mastery required for nursing school entrance examination success.
Section 1: Reading Comprehension (Questions 1-55)
Question 1:
Read the following passage: "Nursing is a demanding profession that requires both technical skills and compassion.
Nurses must be able to administer medications accurately while also providing emotional support to patients and families.
The role has evolved significantly over the past century, with nurses now taking on expanded responsibilities in patient
care, education, and advocacy." What is the main idea of this passage?
A) Nurses only administer medications
B) Nursing requires both technical skills and compassion with expanded responsibilities
C) Nursing has not changed in the past century
D) Nurses only provide emotional support
Correct Answer: B) Nursing requires both technical skills and compassion with expanded responsibilities
,Question 2:
Based on the passage above, what is the author's purpose?
A) To criticize the nursing profession
B) To inform about the nursing profession's requirements and evolution
C) To discourage people from becoming nurses
D) To compare nursing to other professions
Correct Answer: B) To inform about the nursing profession's requirements and evolution
Question 3:
In the passage above, what does "advocacy" most likely mean?
A) Arguing with patients
B) Supporting and speaking up for patients' rights and needs
C) Following doctor's orders only
D) Avoiding patient contact
Correct Answer: B) Supporting and speaking up for patients' rights and needs
Question 4:
Read the following: "Hand hygiene is the single most important measure to prevent healthcare-associated infections.
Proper handwashing technique includes wetting hands, applying soap, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, rinsing
thoroughly, and drying with a clean towel. Healthcare workers should perform hand hygiene before and after patient
contact, after touching contaminated surfaces, and before aseptic procedures." According to the passage, how long should
hands be scrubbed?
A) 5 seconds
B) 10 seconds
C) At least 20 seconds
D) 1 minute
, Correct Answer: C) At least 20 seconds
Question 5:
Based on the hand hygiene passage, when should healthcare workers perform hand hygiene?
A) Only at the beginning of shift
B) Before and after patient contact, after touching contaminated surfaces, and before aseptic procedures
C) Only after patient contact
D) Only when hands are visibly dirty
Correct Answer: B) Before and after patient contact, after touching contaminated surfaces, and before aseptic
procedures
Question 6:
What is the author's tone in the hand hygiene passage?
A) Humorous
B) Instructional and serious
C) Critical
D) Indifferent
Correct Answer: B) Instructional and serious
Question 7:
Read the following: "Vital signs are essential indicators of a patient's health status. The four primary vital signs include
temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. Normal adult temperature ranges from 97.8°F to 99.1°F (36.5°C to
37.3°C). Normal adult pulse ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Normal adult respiration ranges from 12 to 20
breaths per minute. Normal adult blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg." Which of the following is NOT listed as a
primary vital sign?
A) Temperature
PREPARATION — 2026/2027 | QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS | GRADED A+ | 100% VERIFIED
HESI Admission Assessment (A2) Examination
HESI Admission Assessment (A2) Examination
Core Domains: English Language Arts – Reading Comprehension (55 questions, 60 minutes): Main Idea Identification, Supporting
Details, Author's Purpose and Tone, Text Structure Analysis, Inference and Conclusion Drawing, Fact vs. Opinion, Vocabulary in Context;
English Language Arts – Vocabulary and General Knowledge (50 questions, 50 minutes): Word Meanings, Synonyms, Antonyms, Context
Clues, Medical Terminology, Commonly Confused Words; English Language Arts – Grammar (50 questions, 50 minutes): Parts of Speech
(Nouns, Pronouns, Verbs, Adjectives, Adverbs, Prepositions, Conjunctions), Subject-Verb Agreement, Verb Tenses, Pronoun-Antecedent
Agreement, Sentence Structure, Punctuation, Capitalization, Spelling; Mathematics (50 questions, 50 minutes): Basic Math Operations
(Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division), Fractions and Decimals, Percentages, Ratios and Proportions, Conversions (Fractions to
Decimals to Percentages), Algebra Fundamentals (Equations, Inequalities), Word Problems, Dosage Calculation Fundamentals; Science
(30 questions, 25 minutes): Human Anatomy and Physiology (Body Systems - Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Renal, Digestive, Endocrine,
Nervous, Skeletal, Muscular; Organ Functions, Homeostasis, Basic Pathophysiology), Biology (Cell Structure and Function, Cellular
Respiration, Photosynthesis, DNA and Genetics), Chemistry (Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonds, pH, Solutions, Basic Chemical
Reactions), Scientific Method; Personality Profile (15 questions, untimed): Learning Style Assessment, Personality Indicators (not scored
for admission)
Nursing School Entrance Examination Focus | HESI A2-Aligned Format
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1: Reading Comprehension (55 Questions) 3
Section 2: Vocabulary & General Knowledge (50 Questions) 58
Section 3: Grammar (50 Questions) 108
Section 4: Mathematics (50 Questions) 158
Section 5: Science (30 Questions) 208
Section 6: Personality Profile (15 Questions) 238
Exam Structure
HESI Entrance (A2) Examination is commonly structured as follows:
Academic Sections:
Reading Comprehension: 55 questions (60 minutes)
Vocabulary and General Knowledge: 50 questions (50 minutes)
Grammar: 50 questions (50 minutes)
Mathematics: 50 questions (50 minutes)
Science: 30 questions (25 minutes)
, Personality Profile: 15 questions (untimed)
Multiple-choice format with 4 answer options
Computer-based testing at authorized testing centers or online with remote proctoring
Total testing time: Approximately 4-5 hours including breaks
Scores typically valid for 2 years
Minimum score requirements vary by nursing program (typical range: 75-85%)
Academic Section Breakdown:
Reading Comprehension: 55 questions, 60 minutes Vocabulary and General Knowledge: 50 questions, 50 minutes
Grammar: 50 questions, 50 minutes Mathematics: 50 questions, 50 minutes
Science: 30 questions, 25 minutes Total Academic Questions: 295
Introduction
This HESI Entrance Exam – Nursing School Admission Preparation resource for the 2026/2027 academic cycle reflects Elsevier's HESI
Admission Assessment (A2) standards for nursing program entrance evaluations. The HESI A2 is a standardized, computer-based entrance
exam used by nursing schools to assess prospective students' academic readiness and likelihood of success in rigorous nursing curricula.
The examination evaluates comprehensive knowledge in reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, mathematics, and science,
providing nursing programs with a reliable predictor of student performance. Mastery of HESI A2 content is essential for nursing school
applicants seeking competitive admission to associate, bachelor's, and accelerated nursing programs nationwide.
Answer Format
All questions must be presented in bold text for clear distinction and readability.
All correct answers must be presented in bold and lime green, followed by clearly defined, academically accurate rationales in italic format that
reinforce HESI test concepts, critical thinking strategies, and subject matter mastery required for nursing school entrance examination success.
Section 1: Reading Comprehension (Questions 1-55)
Question 1:
Read the following passage: "Nursing is a demanding profession that requires both technical skills and compassion.
Nurses must be able to administer medications accurately while also providing emotional support to patients and families.
The role has evolved significantly over the past century, with nurses now taking on expanded responsibilities in patient
care, education, and advocacy." What is the main idea of this passage?
A) Nurses only administer medications
B) Nursing requires both technical skills and compassion with expanded responsibilities
C) Nursing has not changed in the past century
D) Nurses only provide emotional support
Correct Answer: B) Nursing requires both technical skills and compassion with expanded responsibilities
,Question 2:
Based on the passage above, what is the author's purpose?
A) To criticize the nursing profession
B) To inform about the nursing profession's requirements and evolution
C) To discourage people from becoming nurses
D) To compare nursing to other professions
Correct Answer: B) To inform about the nursing profession's requirements and evolution
Question 3:
In the passage above, what does "advocacy" most likely mean?
A) Arguing with patients
B) Supporting and speaking up for patients' rights and needs
C) Following doctor's orders only
D) Avoiding patient contact
Correct Answer: B) Supporting and speaking up for patients' rights and needs
Question 4:
Read the following: "Hand hygiene is the single most important measure to prevent healthcare-associated infections.
Proper handwashing technique includes wetting hands, applying soap, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, rinsing
thoroughly, and drying with a clean towel. Healthcare workers should perform hand hygiene before and after patient
contact, after touching contaminated surfaces, and before aseptic procedures." According to the passage, how long should
hands be scrubbed?
A) 5 seconds
B) 10 seconds
C) At least 20 seconds
D) 1 minute
, Correct Answer: C) At least 20 seconds
Question 5:
Based on the hand hygiene passage, when should healthcare workers perform hand hygiene?
A) Only at the beginning of shift
B) Before and after patient contact, after touching contaminated surfaces, and before aseptic procedures
C) Only after patient contact
D) Only when hands are visibly dirty
Correct Answer: B) Before and after patient contact, after touching contaminated surfaces, and before aseptic
procedures
Question 6:
What is the author's tone in the hand hygiene passage?
A) Humorous
B) Instructional and serious
C) Critical
D) Indifferent
Correct Answer: B) Instructional and serious
Question 7:
Read the following: "Vital signs are essential indicators of a patient's health status. The four primary vital signs include
temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. Normal adult temperature ranges from 97.8°F to 99.1°F (36.5°C to
37.3°C). Normal adult pulse ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Normal adult respiration ranges from 12 to 20
breaths per minute. Normal adult blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg." Which of the following is NOT listed as a
primary vital sign?
A) Temperature
