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HESI A2 EXAM 2026 QUESTIONS LATEST
VERSION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
HESI A2 Exam: 250 Practice Questions with Rationales
DOMAIN 1: READING COMPREHENSION (50 Questions)
Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.
Passage 1: The Role of the Heart
The heart is a muscular organ located slightly left of the center of the chest. Its primary
function is to pump blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues
while removing carbon dioxide and waste products. The heart beats approximately 100,000
times per day, pumping about 2,000 gallons of blood. This continuous process is essential for
maintaining life, as all cells depend on the circulatory system for survival. The heart is
divided into four chambers: the left and right atria, which receive blood, and the left and right
ventricles, which pump blood out. Valves between the chambers prevent backflow and ensure
that blood flows in one direction. Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death
worldwide, with risk factors including high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, and a
sedentary lifestyle.
1. What is the primary function of the heart as described in the passage?
A) To filter waste from the blood
B) To pump blood throughout the body
C) To produce new blood cells
D) To regulate body temperature
Answer: B) To pump blood throughout the body
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Rationale: The passage explicitly states, "Its primary function is to pump blood throughout
the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues while removing carbon dioxide and waste
products." This is a direct statement that identifies the heart's main purpose .
2. According to the passage, how many times does the heart beat each day?
A) Approximately 50,000 times
B) Approximately 100,000 times
C) Approximately 200,000 times
D) Approximately 500,000 times
Answer: B) Approximately 100,000 times
Rationale: The passage provides this specific detail: "The heart beats approximately 100,000
times per day." This is a supporting detail that can be directly verified in the text .
3. The word "sedentary" in the passage most nearly means:
A) Active
B) Inactive or sitting
C) Healthy
D) Dangerous
Answer: B) Inactive or sitting
Rationale: In context, "sedentary lifestyle" refers to a way of life with little physical activity.
The passage lists it as a risk factor for heart disease, contrasting it with active living. Context
clues suggest it means inactive or involving much sitting .
4. What can be inferred from the passage about the importance of the heart?
A) The heart is only important during exercise
B) All cells depend on the circulatory system for survival
C) Heart disease is not a serious condition
D) The heart can stop for short periods without consequences
Answer: B) All cells depend on the circulatory system for survival
Rationale: The passage states, "This continuous process is essential for maintaining life, as
all cells depend on the circulatory system for survival." This is directly stated, not merely
implied .
5. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a risk factor for heart disease?
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A) High blood pressure
B) Smoking
C) High cholesterol
D) Family history
Answer: D) Family history
Rationale: The passage lists high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, and a sedentary
lifestyle as risk factors. Family history is not mentioned .
6. The passage states that the heart has how many chambers?
A) Two
B) Three
C) Four
D) Five
Answer: C) Four
Rationale: "The heart is divided into four chambers: the left and right atria, which receive
blood, and the left and right ventricles, which pump blood out." This is a direct supporting
detail .
7. What is the purpose of the valves in the heart?
A) To produce blood cells
B) To prevent backflow and ensure one-directional flow
C) To regulate heart rate
D) To filter impurities
Answer: B) To prevent backflow and ensure one-directional flow
Rationale: The passage states, "Valves between the chambers prevent backflow and ensure
that blood flows in one direction." This is an explicit statement .
8. The author's purpose in writing this passage is to:
A) Entertain readers with stories about the heart
B) Inform readers about the structure and function of the heart
C) Persuade readers to become cardiologists
D) Describe a surgical procedure
Answer: B) Inform readers about the structure and function of the heart
, Page 4 of 66
Rationale: The passage provides factual information about the heart's function, structure,
and associated health risks. The tone is informative, not entertaining or persuasive .
9. Which of the following best summarizes the passage?
A) The heart is a complex organ that pumps blood and is affected by lifestyle factors
B) Heart disease is the only cause of death
C) The heart has two chambers
D) Exercise is not important for heart health
Answer: A) The heart is a complex organ that pumps blood and is affected by lifestyle
factors
Rationale: This summary captures the main points: the heart's function, its structure, and the
risk factors for heart disease. It is comprehensive and accurate .
10. The word "continuous" in the passage most nearly means:
A) Intermittent
B) Uninterrupted
C) Occasional
D) Temporary
Answer: B) Uninterrupted
Rationale: "This continuous process" refers to the heart's ongoing pumping action. In
context, "continuous" means uninterrupted or ongoing without stopping .
Passage 2: Nutrition and Health
A balanced diet is essential for maintaining good health. Macronutrients—carbohydrates,
proteins, and fats—provide the energy needed for daily activities. Carbohydrates are the
body's primary energy source, while proteins are vital for tissue repair and growth. Fats are
necessary for hormone production and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Micronutrients,
including vitamins and minerals, are required in smaller amounts but are equally important.
For example, vitamin C supports immune function, vitamin D promotes calcium absorption,
and iron is essential for oxygen transport. Deficiencies in any of these nutrients can lead to
health problems such as anemia, rickets, and weakened immunity. Public health organizations
recommend consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods and limiting added sugars, sodium,
and saturated fats.
HESI A2 EXAM 2026 QUESTIONS LATEST
VERSION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
HESI A2 Exam: 250 Practice Questions with Rationales
DOMAIN 1: READING COMPREHENSION (50 Questions)
Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.
Passage 1: The Role of the Heart
The heart is a muscular organ located slightly left of the center of the chest. Its primary
function is to pump blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues
while removing carbon dioxide and waste products. The heart beats approximately 100,000
times per day, pumping about 2,000 gallons of blood. This continuous process is essential for
maintaining life, as all cells depend on the circulatory system for survival. The heart is
divided into four chambers: the left and right atria, which receive blood, and the left and right
ventricles, which pump blood out. Valves between the chambers prevent backflow and ensure
that blood flows in one direction. Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death
worldwide, with risk factors including high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, and a
sedentary lifestyle.
1. What is the primary function of the heart as described in the passage?
A) To filter waste from the blood
B) To pump blood throughout the body
C) To produce new blood cells
D) To regulate body temperature
Answer: B) To pump blood throughout the body
, Page 2 of 66
Rationale: The passage explicitly states, "Its primary function is to pump blood throughout
the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues while removing carbon dioxide and waste
products." This is a direct statement that identifies the heart's main purpose .
2. According to the passage, how many times does the heart beat each day?
A) Approximately 50,000 times
B) Approximately 100,000 times
C) Approximately 200,000 times
D) Approximately 500,000 times
Answer: B) Approximately 100,000 times
Rationale: The passage provides this specific detail: "The heart beats approximately 100,000
times per day." This is a supporting detail that can be directly verified in the text .
3. The word "sedentary" in the passage most nearly means:
A) Active
B) Inactive or sitting
C) Healthy
D) Dangerous
Answer: B) Inactive or sitting
Rationale: In context, "sedentary lifestyle" refers to a way of life with little physical activity.
The passage lists it as a risk factor for heart disease, contrasting it with active living. Context
clues suggest it means inactive or involving much sitting .
4. What can be inferred from the passage about the importance of the heart?
A) The heart is only important during exercise
B) All cells depend on the circulatory system for survival
C) Heart disease is not a serious condition
D) The heart can stop for short periods without consequences
Answer: B) All cells depend on the circulatory system for survival
Rationale: The passage states, "This continuous process is essential for maintaining life, as
all cells depend on the circulatory system for survival." This is directly stated, not merely
implied .
5. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a risk factor for heart disease?
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A) High blood pressure
B) Smoking
C) High cholesterol
D) Family history
Answer: D) Family history
Rationale: The passage lists high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, and a sedentary
lifestyle as risk factors. Family history is not mentioned .
6. The passage states that the heart has how many chambers?
A) Two
B) Three
C) Four
D) Five
Answer: C) Four
Rationale: "The heart is divided into four chambers: the left and right atria, which receive
blood, and the left and right ventricles, which pump blood out." This is a direct supporting
detail .
7. What is the purpose of the valves in the heart?
A) To produce blood cells
B) To prevent backflow and ensure one-directional flow
C) To regulate heart rate
D) To filter impurities
Answer: B) To prevent backflow and ensure one-directional flow
Rationale: The passage states, "Valves between the chambers prevent backflow and ensure
that blood flows in one direction." This is an explicit statement .
8. The author's purpose in writing this passage is to:
A) Entertain readers with stories about the heart
B) Inform readers about the structure and function of the heart
C) Persuade readers to become cardiologists
D) Describe a surgical procedure
Answer: B) Inform readers about the structure and function of the heart
, Page 4 of 66
Rationale: The passage provides factual information about the heart's function, structure,
and associated health risks. The tone is informative, not entertaining or persuasive .
9. Which of the following best summarizes the passage?
A) The heart is a complex organ that pumps blood and is affected by lifestyle factors
B) Heart disease is the only cause of death
C) The heart has two chambers
D) Exercise is not important for heart health
Answer: A) The heart is a complex organ that pumps blood and is affected by lifestyle
factors
Rationale: This summary captures the main points: the heart's function, its structure, and the
risk factors for heart disease. It is comprehensive and accurate .
10. The word "continuous" in the passage most nearly means:
A) Intermittent
B) Uninterrupted
C) Occasional
D) Temporary
Answer: B) Uninterrupted
Rationale: "This continuous process" refers to the heart's ongoing pumping action. In
context, "continuous" means uninterrupted or ongoing without stopping .
Passage 2: Nutrition and Health
A balanced diet is essential for maintaining good health. Macronutrients—carbohydrates,
proteins, and fats—provide the energy needed for daily activities. Carbohydrates are the
body's primary energy source, while proteins are vital for tissue repair and growth. Fats are
necessary for hormone production and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Micronutrients,
including vitamins and minerals, are required in smaller amounts but are equally important.
For example, vitamin C supports immune function, vitamin D promotes calcium absorption,
and iron is essential for oxygen transport. Deficiencies in any of these nutrients can lead to
health problems such as anemia, rickets, and weakened immunity. Public health organizations
recommend consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods and limiting added sugars, sodium,
and saturated fats.
