HESI A2 Reading Exam Study Guide with English
Biology Math Complete Practice Questions and
Guaranteed Pass Strategies for Nursing Students
Question 1 (Main Idea):
What is the main idea of this passage?
A) Alzheimer's disease is a rare condition that only affects the elderly.
B) Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder with no known cause.
C) Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by
memory loss and brain changes.
D) Alzheimer's disease can be cured with early diagnosis and treatment.
Answer: C
Rationale: The passage introduces Alzheimer's as a progressive neurodegenerative
disorder and describes its characteristics, symptoms, and risk factors. Choice A is
incorrect (the passage states it affects 5.8 million Americans). Choice B is partially correct
but misses the key description of the disorder. Choice D is incorrect because the
passage clearly states "there is currently no cure."
Question 2 (Supporting Detail):
According to the passage, what is the most significant known risk factor for Alzheimer's
disease?
A) Family history
B) Genetics
C) Age
D) Cardiovascular disease
Answer: C
Rationale: The passage explicitly states: "age is the most significant known risk factor."
While family history, genetics, and cardiovascular disease are mentioned as other risk
factors, age is identified as the most significant.
,Question 3 (Words in Context):
The word "progressive" as used in the passage most likely means:
A) Rapid and sudden
B) Gradual and worsening over time
C) Temporary and reversible
D) Mild and easily treated
Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of Alzheimer's disease, "progressive" means that the condition
worsens over time. The passage supports this by describing how symptoms "typically
begin with mild memory loss" and "as the disease progresses" more severe symptoms
develop.
Question 4 (Inference):
Based on the passage, which statement can be reasonably inferred?
A) Scientists have identified the exact cause of Alzheimer's disease.
B) Alzheimer's disease primarily affects people over 65 years of age.
C) All people with a family history of Alzheimer's will develop the disease.
D) Medications are available to cure Alzheimer's disease.
Answer: B
Rationale: While not explicitly stated, since "age is the most significant known risk
factor," it is reasonable to infer that the disease primarily affects older adults. Choice A is
contradicted by the statement "The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is not fully
understood." Choice C is not supported, and Choice D is contradicted by "there is
currently no cure."
Question 5 (Author's Purpose):
The primary purpose of this passage is to:
A) Persuade readers to donate to Alzheimer's research
B) Entertain readers with a story about Alzheimer's
, C) Inform readers about the characteristics and risk factors of Alzheimer's disease
D) Argue that Alzheimer's disease is not serious
Answer: C
Rationale: The passage provides factual information about Alzheimer's disease,
including its prevalence, characteristics, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.
This is a clear informative purpose.
Question 6 (Fact vs. Opinion):
Which statement from the passage is a fact?
A) "Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder."
B) "Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms."
C) "Alzheimer's disease is a devastating condition."
D) "More research is urgently needed to find a cure."
Answer: A
Rationale: This statement can be verified as a medical fact. Choices C and D are
opinions (devastating, urgently needed). Choice B is a statement based on medical
evidence but is presented as a possibility rather than a definitive fact.
ADDITIONAL READING PASSAGE
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
The human circulatory system is a complex network of blood vessels and the heart that
functions to transport oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the
body. The heart is a muscular organ divided into four chambers: the right atrium, right
ventricle, left atrium, and left ventricle. Deoxygenated blood returns to the heart through
the right atrium, then moves to the right ventricle, which pumps it to the lungs for
oxygenation. Oxygenated blood returns to the left atrium, moves to the left ventricle, and
Biology Math Complete Practice Questions and
Guaranteed Pass Strategies for Nursing Students
Question 1 (Main Idea):
What is the main idea of this passage?
A) Alzheimer's disease is a rare condition that only affects the elderly.
B) Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder with no known cause.
C) Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by
memory loss and brain changes.
D) Alzheimer's disease can be cured with early diagnosis and treatment.
Answer: C
Rationale: The passage introduces Alzheimer's as a progressive neurodegenerative
disorder and describes its characteristics, symptoms, and risk factors. Choice A is
incorrect (the passage states it affects 5.8 million Americans). Choice B is partially correct
but misses the key description of the disorder. Choice D is incorrect because the
passage clearly states "there is currently no cure."
Question 2 (Supporting Detail):
According to the passage, what is the most significant known risk factor for Alzheimer's
disease?
A) Family history
B) Genetics
C) Age
D) Cardiovascular disease
Answer: C
Rationale: The passage explicitly states: "age is the most significant known risk factor."
While family history, genetics, and cardiovascular disease are mentioned as other risk
factors, age is identified as the most significant.
,Question 3 (Words in Context):
The word "progressive" as used in the passage most likely means:
A) Rapid and sudden
B) Gradual and worsening over time
C) Temporary and reversible
D) Mild and easily treated
Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of Alzheimer's disease, "progressive" means that the condition
worsens over time. The passage supports this by describing how symptoms "typically
begin with mild memory loss" and "as the disease progresses" more severe symptoms
develop.
Question 4 (Inference):
Based on the passage, which statement can be reasonably inferred?
A) Scientists have identified the exact cause of Alzheimer's disease.
B) Alzheimer's disease primarily affects people over 65 years of age.
C) All people with a family history of Alzheimer's will develop the disease.
D) Medications are available to cure Alzheimer's disease.
Answer: B
Rationale: While not explicitly stated, since "age is the most significant known risk
factor," it is reasonable to infer that the disease primarily affects older adults. Choice A is
contradicted by the statement "The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is not fully
understood." Choice C is not supported, and Choice D is contradicted by "there is
currently no cure."
Question 5 (Author's Purpose):
The primary purpose of this passage is to:
A) Persuade readers to donate to Alzheimer's research
B) Entertain readers with a story about Alzheimer's
, C) Inform readers about the characteristics and risk factors of Alzheimer's disease
D) Argue that Alzheimer's disease is not serious
Answer: C
Rationale: The passage provides factual information about Alzheimer's disease,
including its prevalence, characteristics, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.
This is a clear informative purpose.
Question 6 (Fact vs. Opinion):
Which statement from the passage is a fact?
A) "Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder."
B) "Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms."
C) "Alzheimer's disease is a devastating condition."
D) "More research is urgently needed to find a cure."
Answer: A
Rationale: This statement can be verified as a medical fact. Choices C and D are
opinions (devastating, urgently needed). Choice B is a statement based on medical
evidence but is presented as a possibility rather than a definitive fact.
ADDITIONAL READING PASSAGE
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
The human circulatory system is a complex network of blood vessels and the heart that
functions to transport oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the
body. The heart is a muscular organ divided into four chambers: the right atrium, right
ventricle, left atrium, and left ventricle. Deoxygenated blood returns to the heart through
the right atrium, then moves to the right ventricle, which pumps it to the lungs for
oxygenation. Oxygenated blood returns to the left atrium, moves to the left ventricle, and
