HESI A2 FINAL EXAM -
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW QUESTIONS
& ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
WITH EXPERT EXPLANATIONS | 2026 –
2027 UPDATE (PDF)
1. Which of the following anatomical structures is responsible for the production of the
hormone melatonin?
A. Pineal gland
B. Pituitary gland
C. Adrenal gland
D. Thyroid gland
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The pineal gland, located in the epithalamus of the brain,
secretes melatonin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles.
2. In the process of osmosis, water moves across a semipermeable membrane in which
direction?
A. From a low solute concentration to a high solute concentration
B. From a high solute concentration to a low solute concentration
,C. From an area of high pressure to low pressure
D. Against the concentration gradient using ATP
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Osmosis is the diffusion of water from a region of low solute
concentration (high water concentration) to high solute concentration (low water
concentration).
3. What is the primary function of the ribosomes within a eukaryotic cell?
A. Lipid synthesis
B. Protein synthesis
C. Intracellular digestion
D. ATP production
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Ribosomes are the sites of translation, where mRNA is read to
assemble amino acids into proteins.
4. Which valve prevents the backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium?
A. Tricuspid valve
B. Pulmonary valve
C. Mitral valve
, D. Aortic valve
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The mitral (or bicuspid) valve separates the left atrium from the
left ventricle, preventing backflow during ventricular contraction.
5. An atom has 11 protons, 12 neutrons, and 10 electrons. What is the charge of this ion?
A. -1
B. +1
C. +2
D. Neutral
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Protons are positive and electrons are negative. 11 (+) and 10 (-
) results in a net charge of +1.
6. Identify the independent clause in the following sentence: ‘Since the patient was in pain,
the nurse administered the medication immediately.’
A. Since the patient was in pain
B. administered the medication
C. the nurse administered the medication immediately
D. the patient was in pain
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW QUESTIONS
& ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
WITH EXPERT EXPLANATIONS | 2026 –
2027 UPDATE (PDF)
1. Which of the following anatomical structures is responsible for the production of the
hormone melatonin?
A. Pineal gland
B. Pituitary gland
C. Adrenal gland
D. Thyroid gland
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The pineal gland, located in the epithalamus of the brain,
secretes melatonin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles.
2. In the process of osmosis, water moves across a semipermeable membrane in which
direction?
A. From a low solute concentration to a high solute concentration
B. From a high solute concentration to a low solute concentration
,C. From an area of high pressure to low pressure
D. Against the concentration gradient using ATP
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Osmosis is the diffusion of water from a region of low solute
concentration (high water concentration) to high solute concentration (low water
concentration).
3. What is the primary function of the ribosomes within a eukaryotic cell?
A. Lipid synthesis
B. Protein synthesis
C. Intracellular digestion
D. ATP production
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Ribosomes are the sites of translation, where mRNA is read to
assemble amino acids into proteins.
4. Which valve prevents the backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium?
A. Tricuspid valve
B. Pulmonary valve
C. Mitral valve
, D. Aortic valve
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The mitral (or bicuspid) valve separates the left atrium from the
left ventricle, preventing backflow during ventricular contraction.
5. An atom has 11 protons, 12 neutrons, and 10 electrons. What is the charge of this ion?
A. -1
B. +1
C. +2
D. Neutral
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Protons are positive and electrons are negative. 11 (+) and 10 (-
) results in a net charge of +1.
6. Identify the independent clause in the following sentence: ‘Since the patient was in pain,
the nurse administered the medication immediately.’
A. Since the patient was in pain
B. administered the medication
C. the nurse administered the medication immediately
D. the patient was in pain
