HESI A2 Reading Comprehension (2026/2027) | NEWEST ACTUAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Section | Core Domains: Main Idea Identification, Supporting Detail
Recognition, Inference & Conclusion Drawing, Author's Purpose & Tone, Vocabulary in Context, Fact vs.
Opinion, Logical Sequence & Organization, and Healthcare/Medical Passage Analysis | Nursing &
Healthcare Admissions Focus | Standardized Reading Assessment Format
Exam Structure
The HESI A2 Reading Comprehension exam for the 2026/2027 admissions cycle is a 55-question,
multiple-choice examination based on various reading passages.
Introduction
This HESI A2 Reading Comprehension guide for the 2026/2027 academic year develops the critical
analysis and interpretive skills required for nursing education. The content focuses on extracting key
information, evaluating arguments, and making logical inferences from complex texts, including those
related to patient education, medical ethics, and clinical procedures.
Answer Format
All correct answers and interpretive analyses must be presented in bold and green, followed by detailed
rationales that trace the logic within the passage, explain why specific details support the answer, and
highlight common pitfalls in reading comprehension questions.
Passage 1: Hand hygiene is one of the most effective measures to prevent the spread of
healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), proper handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer significantly reduces microbial load on the hands. Despite widespread education,
compliance among healthcare workers remains suboptimal, often due to time constraints, skin
irritation, or lack of accessibility to hand hygiene stations. Improving compliance requires systemic
changes, including better product placement, staff education, and institutional accountability.
1. What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Hand sanitizers are more effective than soap and water.
B. Healthcare workers dislike hand hygiene protocols.
C. Hand hygiene is crucial for infection control, but compliance is inconsistent and requires systemic
support.
D. The CDC mandates handwashing for all hospital staff.
,C. Hand hygiene is crucial for infection control, but compliance is inconsistent and
requires systemic support.
The passage opens by stating hand hygiene is "one of the most effective measures" against HAIs, then
acknowledges low compliance and lists reasons, concluding with solutions. Option C captures both the
importance and the challenge. Option A is not supported (both methods are endorsed); B is an
overgeneralization; D is incorrect—CDC recommends, not mandates.
Passage 2: Informed consent is a cornerstone of ethical medical practice. It ensures that patients
understand the nature, risks, benefits, and alternatives of a proposed treatment or procedure before
agreeing to it. True informed consent requires that the patient be competent, the information be
comprehensible, and the decision be voluntary—free from coercion. Without these elements, consent is
not legally or ethically valid, regardless of a signed form.
2. Based on the passage, what makes informed consent valid?
A. A signed consent form
B. The physician’s verbal explanation
C. Patient competence, clear information, and voluntary choice
D. Presence of a family member
C. Patient competence, clear information, and voluntary choice
The passage explicitly states that valid consent requires three elements: competence, comprehensible
information, and voluntariness. It also clarifies that a signed form alone is insufficient ("regardless of a
signed form"). Thus, C is directly supported; A is explicitly contradicted.
Passage 3: Telehealth has expanded access to care, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Patients can now consult specialists without long travel, reducing missed appointments and improving
chronic disease management. However, challenges remain, including limited internet access, patient
discomfort with technology, and reimbursement disparities. While not a complete replacement for
in-person care, telehealth is a valuable tool in modern healthcare delivery.
3. What is the author’s attitude toward telehealth?
A. Skeptical and dismissive
B. Enthusiastic but realistic
C. Indifferent
, D. Strongly opposed
B. Enthusiastic but realistic
The author highlights significant benefits ("expanded access," "improving chronic disease
management") but also acknowledges limitations ("challenges remain"). The concluding sentence calls it
a "valuable tool"—positive yet measured. This reflects balanced, realistic support, not blind enthusiasm
or opposition.
Passage 4: Cultural competence in nursing involves understanding and respecting patients’ cultural
beliefs, values, and practices. It goes beyond language interpretation; it requires self-awareness of one’s
own biases and a willingness to adapt care plans accordingly. Culturally competent care improves
patient satisfaction, adherence to treatment, and overall health outcomes.
4. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a component of cultural competence?
A. Language interpretation
B. Self-awareness of personal biases
C. Adapting care plans
D. Administering medications on time
D. Administering medications on time
The passage mentions adapting care, self-awareness, and notes that cultural competence "goes beyond
language interpretation"—implying interpretation is part of it, though insufficient alone. Medication
administration is never mentioned. D is the only option not supported by the text.
Passage 5: Sleep deprivation in hospitalized patients is a serious but often overlooked issue. Frequent
vital sign checks, noise from equipment, and staff conversations disrupt sleep cycles. Poor sleep impairs
immune function, delays healing, and increases the risk of delirium. Implementing "quiet hours,"
clustering care, and minimizing nighttime interruptions can help promote restorative sleep.
5. What can be inferred about nighttime care practices in hospitals?
A. They are always necessary and cannot be changed.
B. They may unintentionally harm patient recovery.
C. They are preferred by patients.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Section | Core Domains: Main Idea Identification, Supporting Detail
Recognition, Inference & Conclusion Drawing, Author's Purpose & Tone, Vocabulary in Context, Fact vs.
Opinion, Logical Sequence & Organization, and Healthcare/Medical Passage Analysis | Nursing &
Healthcare Admissions Focus | Standardized Reading Assessment Format
Exam Structure
The HESI A2 Reading Comprehension exam for the 2026/2027 admissions cycle is a 55-question,
multiple-choice examination based on various reading passages.
Introduction
This HESI A2 Reading Comprehension guide for the 2026/2027 academic year develops the critical
analysis and interpretive skills required for nursing education. The content focuses on extracting key
information, evaluating arguments, and making logical inferences from complex texts, including those
related to patient education, medical ethics, and clinical procedures.
Answer Format
All correct answers and interpretive analyses must be presented in bold and green, followed by detailed
rationales that trace the logic within the passage, explain why specific details support the answer, and
highlight common pitfalls in reading comprehension questions.
Passage 1: Hand hygiene is one of the most effective measures to prevent the spread of
healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), proper handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer significantly reduces microbial load on the hands. Despite widespread education,
compliance among healthcare workers remains suboptimal, often due to time constraints, skin
irritation, or lack of accessibility to hand hygiene stations. Improving compliance requires systemic
changes, including better product placement, staff education, and institutional accountability.
1. What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Hand sanitizers are more effective than soap and water.
B. Healthcare workers dislike hand hygiene protocols.
C. Hand hygiene is crucial for infection control, but compliance is inconsistent and requires systemic
support.
D. The CDC mandates handwashing for all hospital staff.
,C. Hand hygiene is crucial for infection control, but compliance is inconsistent and
requires systemic support.
The passage opens by stating hand hygiene is "one of the most effective measures" against HAIs, then
acknowledges low compliance and lists reasons, concluding with solutions. Option C captures both the
importance and the challenge. Option A is not supported (both methods are endorsed); B is an
overgeneralization; D is incorrect—CDC recommends, not mandates.
Passage 2: Informed consent is a cornerstone of ethical medical practice. It ensures that patients
understand the nature, risks, benefits, and alternatives of a proposed treatment or procedure before
agreeing to it. True informed consent requires that the patient be competent, the information be
comprehensible, and the decision be voluntary—free from coercion. Without these elements, consent is
not legally or ethically valid, regardless of a signed form.
2. Based on the passage, what makes informed consent valid?
A. A signed consent form
B. The physician’s verbal explanation
C. Patient competence, clear information, and voluntary choice
D. Presence of a family member
C. Patient competence, clear information, and voluntary choice
The passage explicitly states that valid consent requires three elements: competence, comprehensible
information, and voluntariness. It also clarifies that a signed form alone is insufficient ("regardless of a
signed form"). Thus, C is directly supported; A is explicitly contradicted.
Passage 3: Telehealth has expanded access to care, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Patients can now consult specialists without long travel, reducing missed appointments and improving
chronic disease management. However, challenges remain, including limited internet access, patient
discomfort with technology, and reimbursement disparities. While not a complete replacement for
in-person care, telehealth is a valuable tool in modern healthcare delivery.
3. What is the author’s attitude toward telehealth?
A. Skeptical and dismissive
B. Enthusiastic but realistic
C. Indifferent
, D. Strongly opposed
B. Enthusiastic but realistic
The author highlights significant benefits ("expanded access," "improving chronic disease
management") but also acknowledges limitations ("challenges remain"). The concluding sentence calls it
a "valuable tool"—positive yet measured. This reflects balanced, realistic support, not blind enthusiasm
or opposition.
Passage 4: Cultural competence in nursing involves understanding and respecting patients’ cultural
beliefs, values, and practices. It goes beyond language interpretation; it requires self-awareness of one’s
own biases and a willingness to adapt care plans accordingly. Culturally competent care improves
patient satisfaction, adherence to treatment, and overall health outcomes.
4. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a component of cultural competence?
A. Language interpretation
B. Self-awareness of personal biases
C. Adapting care plans
D. Administering medications on time
D. Administering medications on time
The passage mentions adapting care, self-awareness, and notes that cultural competence "goes beyond
language interpretation"—implying interpretation is part of it, though insufficient alone. Medication
administration is never mentioned. D is the only option not supported by the text.
Passage 5: Sleep deprivation in hospitalized patients is a serious but often overlooked issue. Frequent
vital sign checks, noise from equipment, and staff conversations disrupt sleep cycles. Poor sleep impairs
immune function, delays healing, and increases the risk of delirium. Implementing "quiet hours,"
clustering care, and minimizing nighttime interruptions can help promote restorative sleep.
5. What can be inferred about nighttime care practices in hospitals?
A. They are always necessary and cannot be changed.
B. They may unintentionally harm patient recovery.
C. They are preferred by patients.
