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HESI-STYLE MOCK EXAM 2026 QUESTIONS
LATEST VERSION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
HESI-STYLE MOCK EXAM — 250 Questions
This comprehensive HESI-style mock exam is designed to simulate the actual HESI
Admission Assessment (A2) Exam format. The exam covers all major content areas tested on
the HESI A2, including Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary & General Knowledge,
Grammar, Mathematics, Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, and Chemistry.
10-Point Summary of HESI A2 Exam Coverage
Reading Comprehension: Main ideas, supporting details, inferences, vocabulary in context,
author's purpose, and logical conclusions from passages.
Vocabulary & General Knowledge: Word meanings, synonyms, antonyms, prefixes,
suffixes, root words, and context clues.
Grammar: Parts of speech, subject-verb agreement, punctuation, sentence structure, verb
tense, and common grammatical errors.
Mathematics / Basic Math Skills: Basic operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios,
proportions, conversions, word problems, and dosage calculations.
Anatomy & Physiology: Body systems, organs, tissues, cells, homeostasis, and
physiological processes.
Biology: Cell structure, genetics, metabolism, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, and basic
biological processes.
Chemistry: Atomic structure, chemical bonding, reactions, pH, acids and bases, and basic
chemical principles.
Scientific Reasoning: Interpreting scientific data, understanding the scientific method, and
applying scientific concepts.
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Critical Thinking: Analyzing information, drawing conclusions, and applying knowledge to
new situations.
Test-Taking Strategies: Time management, question analysis, and process of elimination.
SECTION 1: READING COMPREHENSION (Questions 1-40)
Read each passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Passage A
The concept of evidence-based practice (EBP) has become a cornerstone of modern
healthcare. EBP involves integrating the best available research evidence with clinical
expertise and patient values and preferences. The process begins with formulating a clinical
question, typically using the PICO framework (Population, Intervention, Comparison,
Outcome). Next, the healthcare professional searches for relevant evidence from research
literature, appraises the quality of that evidence, and applies findings to clinical practice.
Finally, outcomes are evaluated to determine the effectiveness of the intervention. EBP helps
ensure that patients receive care that is both scientifically sound and tailored to their
individual needs and circumstances.
1. What is the primary purpose of evidence-based practice as described in the passage?
A. To reduce healthcare costs.
B. To integrate research evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences.
C. To standardize all healthcare interventions.
D. To eliminate the need for clinical judgment.
Answer: B. Rationale: The passage states that EBP involves "integrating the best available
research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values and preferences."
2. The PICO framework is used for:
A. Evaluating research quality.
B. Formulating a clinical question.
C. Implementing evidence-based interventions.
D. Analyzing patient outcomes.
Answer: B. Rationale: The passage states that EBP begins with "formulating a clinical
question, typically using the PICO framework."
3. According to the passage, what is the final step in the EBP process?
A. Appraising the evidence.
B. Searching for relevant evidence.
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C. Evaluating outcomes.
D. Applying findings to practice.
Answer: C. Rationale: The passage states that "finally, outcomes are evaluated to determine
the effectiveness of the intervention."
4. The word "appraises" in the passage most nearly means:
A. Ignores.
B. Evaluates.
C. Accepts.
D. Rejects.
Answer: B. Rationale: "Appraises" means to assess or evaluate the quality of something.
5. Which of the following is NOT a component of EBP according to the passage?
A. Research evidence.
B. Clinical expertise.
C. Patient values and preferences.
D. Administrative policies.
Answer: D. Rationale: The passage lists research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient
values and preferences as components of EBP. Administrative policies are not mentioned.
Passage B
The human digestive system is a complex series of organs and glands that processes food. In
the mouth, teeth mechanically break down food while saliva, containing the enzyme amylase,
begins the chemical breakdown of carbohydrates. The esophagus transports food to the
stomach via peristalsis. In the stomach, gastric juices containing hydrochloric acid and pepsin
break down proteins into smaller peptides. The partially digested food, now called chyme,
enters the small intestine where most nutrient absorption occurs. The small intestine's inner
surface is covered with villi and microvilli that increase the surface area for absorption. The
pancreas secretes digestive enzymes, and the liver produces bile, both of which aid in
digestion. The large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes before waste is eliminated.
6. Where does the chemical breakdown of carbohydrates begin?
A. Stomach.
B. Small intestine.
C. Mouth.
D. Esophagus.
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Answer: C. Rationale: The passage states that saliva contains amylase, which begins the
chemical breakdown of carbohydrates in the mouth.
7. The process by which food is moved through the esophagus is called:
A. Digestion.
B. Peristalsis.
C. Absorption.
D. Metabolism.
Answer: B. Rationale: The passage states that the esophagus transports food "via peristalsis."
8. What is the primary function of villi and microvilli?
A. To produce digestive enzymes.
B. To increase surface area for absorption.
C. To secrete hydrochloric acid.
D. To break down proteins.
Answer: B. Rationale: The passage states that villi and microvilli "increase the surface area
for absorption."
9. The term "chyme" refers to:
A. Saliva in the mouth.
B. Enzymes secreted by the pancreas.
C. Partially digested food in the stomach and small intestine.
D. Waste material in the large intestine.
Answer: C. Rationale: The passage defines chyme as "partially digested food" that enters the
small intestine.
10. Which organ produces bile?
A. Pancreas.
B. Gallbladder.
C. Liver.
D. Stomach.
Answer: C. Rationale: The passage states that "the liver produces bile."
Passage C
Patient safety is a fundamental priority in healthcare delivery. Despite advances in medical
knowledge and technology, errors continue to occur, with medication errors being among the
most common. Contributing factors include look-alike and sound-alike drug names, illegible
handwriting, and interruptions during medication preparation and administration. The
HESI-STYLE MOCK EXAM 2026 QUESTIONS
LATEST VERSION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
HESI-STYLE MOCK EXAM — 250 Questions
This comprehensive HESI-style mock exam is designed to simulate the actual HESI
Admission Assessment (A2) Exam format. The exam covers all major content areas tested on
the HESI A2, including Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary & General Knowledge,
Grammar, Mathematics, Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, and Chemistry.
10-Point Summary of HESI A2 Exam Coverage
Reading Comprehension: Main ideas, supporting details, inferences, vocabulary in context,
author's purpose, and logical conclusions from passages.
Vocabulary & General Knowledge: Word meanings, synonyms, antonyms, prefixes,
suffixes, root words, and context clues.
Grammar: Parts of speech, subject-verb agreement, punctuation, sentence structure, verb
tense, and common grammatical errors.
Mathematics / Basic Math Skills: Basic operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios,
proportions, conversions, word problems, and dosage calculations.
Anatomy & Physiology: Body systems, organs, tissues, cells, homeostasis, and
physiological processes.
Biology: Cell structure, genetics, metabolism, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, and basic
biological processes.
Chemistry: Atomic structure, chemical bonding, reactions, pH, acids and bases, and basic
chemical principles.
Scientific Reasoning: Interpreting scientific data, understanding the scientific method, and
applying scientific concepts.
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Critical Thinking: Analyzing information, drawing conclusions, and applying knowledge to
new situations.
Test-Taking Strategies: Time management, question analysis, and process of elimination.
SECTION 1: READING COMPREHENSION (Questions 1-40)
Read each passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Passage A
The concept of evidence-based practice (EBP) has become a cornerstone of modern
healthcare. EBP involves integrating the best available research evidence with clinical
expertise and patient values and preferences. The process begins with formulating a clinical
question, typically using the PICO framework (Population, Intervention, Comparison,
Outcome). Next, the healthcare professional searches for relevant evidence from research
literature, appraises the quality of that evidence, and applies findings to clinical practice.
Finally, outcomes are evaluated to determine the effectiveness of the intervention. EBP helps
ensure that patients receive care that is both scientifically sound and tailored to their
individual needs and circumstances.
1. What is the primary purpose of evidence-based practice as described in the passage?
A. To reduce healthcare costs.
B. To integrate research evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences.
C. To standardize all healthcare interventions.
D. To eliminate the need for clinical judgment.
Answer: B. Rationale: The passage states that EBP involves "integrating the best available
research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values and preferences."
2. The PICO framework is used for:
A. Evaluating research quality.
B. Formulating a clinical question.
C. Implementing evidence-based interventions.
D. Analyzing patient outcomes.
Answer: B. Rationale: The passage states that EBP begins with "formulating a clinical
question, typically using the PICO framework."
3. According to the passage, what is the final step in the EBP process?
A. Appraising the evidence.
B. Searching for relevant evidence.
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C. Evaluating outcomes.
D. Applying findings to practice.
Answer: C. Rationale: The passage states that "finally, outcomes are evaluated to determine
the effectiveness of the intervention."
4. The word "appraises" in the passage most nearly means:
A. Ignores.
B. Evaluates.
C. Accepts.
D. Rejects.
Answer: B. Rationale: "Appraises" means to assess or evaluate the quality of something.
5. Which of the following is NOT a component of EBP according to the passage?
A. Research evidence.
B. Clinical expertise.
C. Patient values and preferences.
D. Administrative policies.
Answer: D. Rationale: The passage lists research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient
values and preferences as components of EBP. Administrative policies are not mentioned.
Passage B
The human digestive system is a complex series of organs and glands that processes food. In
the mouth, teeth mechanically break down food while saliva, containing the enzyme amylase,
begins the chemical breakdown of carbohydrates. The esophagus transports food to the
stomach via peristalsis. In the stomach, gastric juices containing hydrochloric acid and pepsin
break down proteins into smaller peptides. The partially digested food, now called chyme,
enters the small intestine where most nutrient absorption occurs. The small intestine's inner
surface is covered with villi and microvilli that increase the surface area for absorption. The
pancreas secretes digestive enzymes, and the liver produces bile, both of which aid in
digestion. The large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes before waste is eliminated.
6. Where does the chemical breakdown of carbohydrates begin?
A. Stomach.
B. Small intestine.
C. Mouth.
D. Esophagus.
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Answer: C. Rationale: The passage states that saliva contains amylase, which begins the
chemical breakdown of carbohydrates in the mouth.
7. The process by which food is moved through the esophagus is called:
A. Digestion.
B. Peristalsis.
C. Absorption.
D. Metabolism.
Answer: B. Rationale: The passage states that the esophagus transports food "via peristalsis."
8. What is the primary function of villi and microvilli?
A. To produce digestive enzymes.
B. To increase surface area for absorption.
C. To secrete hydrochloric acid.
D. To break down proteins.
Answer: B. Rationale: The passage states that villi and microvilli "increase the surface area
for absorption."
9. The term "chyme" refers to:
A. Saliva in the mouth.
B. Enzymes secreted by the pancreas.
C. Partially digested food in the stomach and small intestine.
D. Waste material in the large intestine.
Answer: C. Rationale: The passage defines chyme as "partially digested food" that enters the
small intestine.
10. Which organ produces bile?
A. Pancreas.
B. Gallbladder.
C. Liver.
D. Stomach.
Answer: C. Rationale: The passage states that "the liver produces bile."
Passage C
Patient safety is a fundamental priority in healthcare delivery. Despite advances in medical
knowledge and technology, errors continue to occur, with medication errors being among the
most common. Contributing factors include look-alike and sound-alike drug names, illegible
handwriting, and interruptions during medication preparation and administration. The
