1
HESI A2 - READING COMPREHENSION FINAL EXAM
2026/2027 | MULTIPLE-CHOICE | 100 VERIFIED Q&A |
DETAILED RATIONALES | NGN-ALIGNED | PASS
GUARANTEED – A+ GRADED
SECTION 1: MAIN IDEA - Questions 1-15
Q1: Main Idea - Passage 1
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body. It has four
chambers: the left and right atria, and the left and right ventricles. The heart beats approximately
100,000 times per day, pumping about 2,000 gallons of blood. The heart's electrical system controls
the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat." What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The heart has four chambers
B. The heart pumps blood and is controlled by an electrical system
C. The heart beats 100,000 times per day
D. The heart is a muscular organ
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage describes the heart's function (pumping blood), its structure (four
chambers), and its control (electrical system). Option B best captures all these elements as the main
idea. [100% CORRECT]
Q2: Main Idea - Passage 2
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that filter waste products from the blood. They also
regulate fluid balance and produce hormones that control blood pressure. Each kidney contains
about one million nephrons, which are the functional units of the kidney. When the kidneys fail,
dialysis or transplantation is required." What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The kidneys filter waste products
B. The kidneys are vital organs with multiple functions
C. Dialysis is required for kidney failure
D. Nephrons are the functional units of the kidney
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage describes the kidneys' multiple functions: filtering waste, regulating fluid
balance, and producing hormones. Option B best captures this. [100% CORRECT]
Q3: Main Idea - Passage 3
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The liver is a large organ located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. It performs
over 500 functions, including filtering blood, producing bile, storing nutrients, and metabolizing
,2
drugs. The liver is the only organ that can regenerate itself after damage. However, chronic liver
disease can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure." What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The liver is located in the upper right quadrant
B. The liver performs many vital functions and can regenerate
C. The liver produces bile
D. Liver disease can lead to cirrhosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage describes the liver's multiple functions and its ability to regenerate. Option B
best captures the main idea. [100% CORRECT]
Q4: Main Idea - Passage 4
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The lungs are the primary organs of the respiratory system. They are located in the
thoracic cavity and are protected by the rib cage. The lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide
between the air and the blood. This process is called respiration. The lungs are divided into lobes:
the right lung has three lobes, and the left lung has two lobes to accommodate the heart." What is
the main idea of this passage?
A. The lungs are located in the thoracic cavity
B. The lungs are the primary organs of the respiratory system
C. The right lung has three lobes
D. The lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage introduces the lungs as the primary organs of the respiratory system and
describes their location, function, and structure. Option B best captures the main idea. [100%
CORRECT]
Q5: Main Idea - Passage 5
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The pancreas is a glandular organ located behind the stomach. It has two main functions:
exocrine and endocrine. The exocrine function produces digestive enzymes that help break down
food. The endocrine function produces hormones, including insulin and glucagon, which regulate
blood sugar levels. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body
does not use insulin properly." What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The pancreas is located behind the stomach
B. The pancreas has exocrine and endocrine functions
C. Diabetes occurs when insulin is not produced properly
D. The pancreas produces digestive enzymes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage describes the pancreas's two main functions: exocrine (digestive enzymes)
and endocrine (hormones). Option B best captures this. [100% CORRECT]
Q6: Main Idea - Passage 6
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
,3
passage: "The skin is the largest organ of the body. It serves as a protective barrier against
pathogens, UV radiation, and physical injury. The skin also helps regulate body temperature through
sweating and blood flow. Additionally, the skin contains nerve endings that allow for the sensation
of touch, pressure, pain, and temperature. The skin is composed of three layers: the epidermis,
dermis, and hypodermis." What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The skin is the largest organ of the body
B. The skin serves as a protective barrier
C. The skin has multiple functions including protection, temperature regulation, and sensation
D. The skin is composed of three layers
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The passage describes multiple functions of the skin: protection, temperature regulation,
and sensation. Option C best captures the main idea. [100% CORRECT]
Q7: Main Idea - Passage 7
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food into nutrients that the body
can absorb. The process begins in the mouth, where food is chewed and mixed with saliva. The food
then travels through the esophagus to the stomach, where it is mixed with gastric juices. The small
intestine absorbs most of the nutrients, and the large intestine absorbs water and eliminates waste."
What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The digestive system breaks down food
B. The digestive system begins in the mouth
C. The small intestine absorbs nutrients
D. The large intestine absorbs water
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The passage describes the overall function of the digestive system: breaking down food
into absorbable nutrients. Option A best captures this. [100% CORRECT]
Q8: Main Idea - Passage 8
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The nervous system is divided into two main parts: the central nervous system and the
peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. The
peripheral nervous system consists of all the nerves that branch out from the brain and spinal cord.
The nervous system controls all body functions, including movement, sensation, and thought." What
is the main idea of this passage?
A. The nervous system is divided into two main parts
B. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord
C. The nervous system controls all body functions
D. The peripheral nervous system consists of nerves
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The passage explains the division of the nervous system and its overall function of
controlling body functions. Option C best captures the main idea. [100% CORRECT]
, 4
Q9: Main Idea - Passage 9
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The endocrine system is a collection of glands that produce hormones. Hormones are
chemical messengers that travel through the blood to target organs and tissues. The endocrine
system regulates many body functions, including growth, metabolism, reproduction, and mood.
Major glands include the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and pancreas." What is the main idea of this
passage?
A. The endocrine system produces hormones
B. The endocrine system regulates many body functions
C. Hormones are chemical messengers
D. Major glands include the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and pancreas
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage describes the endocrine system's function of regulating body functions
through hormones. Option B best captures this. [100% CORRECT]
Q10: Main Idea - Passage 10
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The skeletal system provides support and protection for the body. It also allows for
movement, stores minerals, and produces blood cells. The adult human skeleton consists of 206
bones. The bones are connected by joints, which allow for movement. The skeletal system is divided
into the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton." What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The skeletal system provides support and protection
B. The adult human skeleton consists of 206 bones
C. The skeletal system has multiple functions
D. The skeletal system is divided into two parts
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The passage describes multiple functions of the skeletal system: support, protection,
movement, mineral storage, and blood cell production. Option C best captures this. [100% CORRECT]
Q11: Main Idea - Passage 11
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The muscular system is responsible for movement. There are three types of muscle tissue:
skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, and smooth muscle. Skeletal muscle is attached to bones and is
voluntary. Cardiac muscle is found in the heart and is involuntary. Smooth muscle is found in the
walls of organs and is involuntary." What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The muscular system is responsible for movement
B. There are three types of muscle tissue
C. Skeletal muscle is voluntary
D. Cardiac muscle is involuntary
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The passage introduces the muscular system's function (movement) and then describes
the three types of muscle tissue. Option A best captures the main idea. [100% CORRECT]
HESI A2 - READING COMPREHENSION FINAL EXAM
2026/2027 | MULTIPLE-CHOICE | 100 VERIFIED Q&A |
DETAILED RATIONALES | NGN-ALIGNED | PASS
GUARANTEED – A+ GRADED
SECTION 1: MAIN IDEA - Questions 1-15
Q1: Main Idea - Passage 1
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body. It has four
chambers: the left and right atria, and the left and right ventricles. The heart beats approximately
100,000 times per day, pumping about 2,000 gallons of blood. The heart's electrical system controls
the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat." What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The heart has four chambers
B. The heart pumps blood and is controlled by an electrical system
C. The heart beats 100,000 times per day
D. The heart is a muscular organ
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage describes the heart's function (pumping blood), its structure (four
chambers), and its control (electrical system). Option B best captures all these elements as the main
idea. [100% CORRECT]
Q2: Main Idea - Passage 2
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that filter waste products from the blood. They also
regulate fluid balance and produce hormones that control blood pressure. Each kidney contains
about one million nephrons, which are the functional units of the kidney. When the kidneys fail,
dialysis or transplantation is required." What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The kidneys filter waste products
B. The kidneys are vital organs with multiple functions
C. Dialysis is required for kidney failure
D. Nephrons are the functional units of the kidney
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage describes the kidneys' multiple functions: filtering waste, regulating fluid
balance, and producing hormones. Option B best captures this. [100% CORRECT]
Q3: Main Idea - Passage 3
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The liver is a large organ located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. It performs
over 500 functions, including filtering blood, producing bile, storing nutrients, and metabolizing
,2
drugs. The liver is the only organ that can regenerate itself after damage. However, chronic liver
disease can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure." What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The liver is located in the upper right quadrant
B. The liver performs many vital functions and can regenerate
C. The liver produces bile
D. Liver disease can lead to cirrhosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage describes the liver's multiple functions and its ability to regenerate. Option B
best captures the main idea. [100% CORRECT]
Q4: Main Idea - Passage 4
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The lungs are the primary organs of the respiratory system. They are located in the
thoracic cavity and are protected by the rib cage. The lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide
between the air and the blood. This process is called respiration. The lungs are divided into lobes:
the right lung has three lobes, and the left lung has two lobes to accommodate the heart." What is
the main idea of this passage?
A. The lungs are located in the thoracic cavity
B. The lungs are the primary organs of the respiratory system
C. The right lung has three lobes
D. The lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage introduces the lungs as the primary organs of the respiratory system and
describes their location, function, and structure. Option B best captures the main idea. [100%
CORRECT]
Q5: Main Idea - Passage 5
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The pancreas is a glandular organ located behind the stomach. It has two main functions:
exocrine and endocrine. The exocrine function produces digestive enzymes that help break down
food. The endocrine function produces hormones, including insulin and glucagon, which regulate
blood sugar levels. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body
does not use insulin properly." What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The pancreas is located behind the stomach
B. The pancreas has exocrine and endocrine functions
C. Diabetes occurs when insulin is not produced properly
D. The pancreas produces digestive enzymes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage describes the pancreas's two main functions: exocrine (digestive enzymes)
and endocrine (hormones). Option B best captures this. [100% CORRECT]
Q6: Main Idea - Passage 6
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
,3
passage: "The skin is the largest organ of the body. It serves as a protective barrier against
pathogens, UV radiation, and physical injury. The skin also helps regulate body temperature through
sweating and blood flow. Additionally, the skin contains nerve endings that allow for the sensation
of touch, pressure, pain, and temperature. The skin is composed of three layers: the epidermis,
dermis, and hypodermis." What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The skin is the largest organ of the body
B. The skin serves as a protective barrier
C. The skin has multiple functions including protection, temperature regulation, and sensation
D. The skin is composed of three layers
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The passage describes multiple functions of the skin: protection, temperature regulation,
and sensation. Option C best captures the main idea. [100% CORRECT]
Q7: Main Idea - Passage 7
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food into nutrients that the body
can absorb. The process begins in the mouth, where food is chewed and mixed with saliva. The food
then travels through the esophagus to the stomach, where it is mixed with gastric juices. The small
intestine absorbs most of the nutrients, and the large intestine absorbs water and eliminates waste."
What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The digestive system breaks down food
B. The digestive system begins in the mouth
C. The small intestine absorbs nutrients
D. The large intestine absorbs water
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The passage describes the overall function of the digestive system: breaking down food
into absorbable nutrients. Option A best captures this. [100% CORRECT]
Q8: Main Idea - Passage 8
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The nervous system is divided into two main parts: the central nervous system and the
peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. The
peripheral nervous system consists of all the nerves that branch out from the brain and spinal cord.
The nervous system controls all body functions, including movement, sensation, and thought." What
is the main idea of this passage?
A. The nervous system is divided into two main parts
B. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord
C. The nervous system controls all body functions
D. The peripheral nervous system consists of nerves
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The passage explains the division of the nervous system and its overall function of
controlling body functions. Option C best captures the main idea. [100% CORRECT]
, 4
Q9: Main Idea - Passage 9
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The endocrine system is a collection of glands that produce hormones. Hormones are
chemical messengers that travel through the blood to target organs and tissues. The endocrine
system regulates many body functions, including growth, metabolism, reproduction, and mood.
Major glands include the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and pancreas." What is the main idea of this
passage?
A. The endocrine system produces hormones
B. The endocrine system regulates many body functions
C. Hormones are chemical messengers
D. Major glands include the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and pancreas
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage describes the endocrine system's function of regulating body functions
through hormones. Option B best captures this. [100% CORRECT]
Q10: Main Idea - Passage 10
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The skeletal system provides support and protection for the body. It also allows for
movement, stores minerals, and produces blood cells. The adult human skeleton consists of 206
bones. The bones are connected by joints, which allow for movement. The skeletal system is divided
into the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton." What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The skeletal system provides support and protection
B. The adult human skeleton consists of 206 bones
C. The skeletal system has multiple functions
D. The skeletal system is divided into two parts
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The passage describes multiple functions of the skeletal system: support, protection,
movement, mineral storage, and blood cell production. Option C best captures this. [100% CORRECT]
Q11: Main Idea - Passage 11
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The muscular system is responsible for movement. There are three types of muscle tissue:
skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, and smooth muscle. Skeletal muscle is attached to bones and is
voluntary. Cardiac muscle is found in the heart and is involuntary. Smooth muscle is found in the
walls of organs and is involuntary." What is the main idea of this passage?
A. The muscular system is responsible for movement
B. There are three types of muscle tissue
C. Skeletal muscle is voluntary
D. Cardiac muscle is involuntary
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The passage introduces the muscular system's function (movement) and then describes
the three types of muscle tissue. Option A best captures the main idea. [100% CORRECT]
