HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Exam (2026/2027) –
Nursing & Healthcare Admissions Reading Assessment |
Newest Actual Questions with Answers
Anemia is a condition in which there is an abnormally low number of red blood cells (RBCs). This condition
also can occur if the RBCs don't contain enough hemoglobin, the iron-rich protein that makes the blood
red. Hemoglobin helps RBCs carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Anemia presents in a number of forms.
B. Anemia is a potentially dangerous condition characterized by low numbers of RBCs.
C. Anemia is a deficiency of WBCs and platelets.
D. Anemia is a treatable condition - CORRECT ANSWER: B. Anemia is a potentially dangerous condition
characterized by low numbers of RBCs.
Contrary to previous reports, drinking four or more cups of coffee a day does not put women at risk of
rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to a new study partially funded by the National Institute of Arthritis
and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). The study concluded that there is little evidence to
support a connection between consuming coffee or tea and the risk of RA among women.
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. In the past, doctors have cautioned older women to avoid caffeinated beverages.
B. Rheumatoid arthritis affects the joints of older women.
C. A recent study found no link between caffeine consumption and RA among women.
D. Cigarette smoking increases the incidence of RA. - CORRECT ANSWER: C. A recent study found no link
between caffeine consumption and RA among women.
Exercise is vital at every age for healthy bones. Not only does exercise improve bone health, but it also
increases muscle strength, coordination, and balance, and it leads to better overall health. Exercise is
especially important for preventing and treating osteoporosis.
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Weight-bearing exercise is the best for bones.
B. Exercise increases balance.
C. Exercise improves bone health.
D. Women benefit from regular exercise more than men - CORRECT ANSWER: C. Exercise improves bone
health.
, Foodborne illnesses are contracted by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated with bacteria,
parasites, or viruses. Harmful chemicals can also cause foodborne illnesses if they have contaminated food
during harvesting or processing. Foodborne illnesses can cause symptoms ranging from upset stomach to
diarrhea, fever, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and dehydration. Most foodborne infections are
undiagnosed and unreported, though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that every
year about 76 million people in the United States become ill from pathogens in food. About 5,000 of these
people die. Harmful bacteria are the most common cause of foodborne illness.
What is the subject of the passage?
A. foodborne illnesses
B. the dangers of uncooked food
C. bacteria
D. proper food preparation - CORRECT ANSWER: A. foodborne illnesses
It is most likely that you have never had diphtheria. You probably don't even know anyone who has
suffered from this disease. In fact, you may not even know what diphtheria is. Similarly, diseases like
whooping cough, measles, mumps, and rubella may all be unfamiliar to you. In the nineteenth and early
twentieth centuries, these illnesses struck hundreds of thousands of people in the United States each year,
mostly children, and tens of thousands of people died. The names of these diseases were frightening
household words.
1. What is the main idea of the passage?
A. The nineteenth and early twentieth centuries were a dark period for medicine.
B. You have probably never had diphtheria.
C. Traditional vaccines contain altered microbes.
D. Vaccines help the immune system function properly. - CORRECT ANSWER: D. Vaccines help the immune
system function properly.
Searching for medical information can be confusing, especially for first-timers. However, if you are patient
and stick to it, you can find a wealth of information. Your community library is a good place to start your
search for medical information. Before going to the library, you may find it helpful to make a list of topics
you want information about and questions you have. Your list of topics and questions will make it easier
for the librarian to direct you to the best resources.
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Infotrac is a useful source of information.
B. The community library offers numerous resources for medical information.
C. Searching for medical information can be confusing.
Nursing & Healthcare Admissions Reading Assessment |
Newest Actual Questions with Answers
Anemia is a condition in which there is an abnormally low number of red blood cells (RBCs). This condition
also can occur if the RBCs don't contain enough hemoglobin, the iron-rich protein that makes the blood
red. Hemoglobin helps RBCs carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Anemia presents in a number of forms.
B. Anemia is a potentially dangerous condition characterized by low numbers of RBCs.
C. Anemia is a deficiency of WBCs and platelets.
D. Anemia is a treatable condition - CORRECT ANSWER: B. Anemia is a potentially dangerous condition
characterized by low numbers of RBCs.
Contrary to previous reports, drinking four or more cups of coffee a day does not put women at risk of
rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to a new study partially funded by the National Institute of Arthritis
and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). The study concluded that there is little evidence to
support a connection between consuming coffee or tea and the risk of RA among women.
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. In the past, doctors have cautioned older women to avoid caffeinated beverages.
B. Rheumatoid arthritis affects the joints of older women.
C. A recent study found no link between caffeine consumption and RA among women.
D. Cigarette smoking increases the incidence of RA. - CORRECT ANSWER: C. A recent study found no link
between caffeine consumption and RA among women.
Exercise is vital at every age for healthy bones. Not only does exercise improve bone health, but it also
increases muscle strength, coordination, and balance, and it leads to better overall health. Exercise is
especially important for preventing and treating osteoporosis.
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Weight-bearing exercise is the best for bones.
B. Exercise increases balance.
C. Exercise improves bone health.
D. Women benefit from regular exercise more than men - CORRECT ANSWER: C. Exercise improves bone
health.
, Foodborne illnesses are contracted by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated with bacteria,
parasites, or viruses. Harmful chemicals can also cause foodborne illnesses if they have contaminated food
during harvesting or processing. Foodborne illnesses can cause symptoms ranging from upset stomach to
diarrhea, fever, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and dehydration. Most foodborne infections are
undiagnosed and unreported, though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that every
year about 76 million people in the United States become ill from pathogens in food. About 5,000 of these
people die. Harmful bacteria are the most common cause of foodborne illness.
What is the subject of the passage?
A. foodborne illnesses
B. the dangers of uncooked food
C. bacteria
D. proper food preparation - CORRECT ANSWER: A. foodborne illnesses
It is most likely that you have never had diphtheria. You probably don't even know anyone who has
suffered from this disease. In fact, you may not even know what diphtheria is. Similarly, diseases like
whooping cough, measles, mumps, and rubella may all be unfamiliar to you. In the nineteenth and early
twentieth centuries, these illnesses struck hundreds of thousands of people in the United States each year,
mostly children, and tens of thousands of people died. The names of these diseases were frightening
household words.
1. What is the main idea of the passage?
A. The nineteenth and early twentieth centuries were a dark period for medicine.
B. You have probably never had diphtheria.
C. Traditional vaccines contain altered microbes.
D. Vaccines help the immune system function properly. - CORRECT ANSWER: D. Vaccines help the immune
system function properly.
Searching for medical information can be confusing, especially for first-timers. However, if you are patient
and stick to it, you can find a wealth of information. Your community library is a good place to start your
search for medical information. Before going to the library, you may find it helpful to make a list of topics
you want information about and questions you have. Your list of topics and questions will make it easier
for the librarian to direct you to the best resources.
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Infotrac is a useful source of information.
B. The community library offers numerous resources for medical information.
C. Searching for medical information can be confusing.
