HESI A2 - READING COMPREHENSION EXAM 3 LATEST
2026/2027 | AUTHOR'S PURPOSE, SEQUENCE, CAUSE &
EFFECT | 40 VERIFIED Q&A | DETAILED RATIONALES |
PASS GUARANTEED – A+ GRADED
SECTION 1: AUTHOR'S PURPOSE - Questions 1-15
Q1: Author's Purpose - Passage 1
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "Hand hygiene is the single most important step in preventing the spread of infection.
Healthcare workers should wash their hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand
sanitizer before and after patient contact. Proper hand hygiene can reduce healthcare-associated
infections by up to 50%." What is the author's purpose?
A. To entertain
B. To inform
C. To persuade
D. To describe
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage provides factual information about hand hygiene and its importance in
preventing infection. The author's purpose is to inform. [100% CORRECT]
Q2: Author's Purpose - Passage 2
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "All healthcare workers must wash their hands before and after patient contact. Failure to
do so can result in the spread of infection and harm to patients. It is your professional responsibility
to practice proper hand hygiene." What is the author's purpose?
A. To inform
B. To persuade
C. To entertain
D. To describe
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The author is trying to convince healthcare workers to wash their hands by emphasizing
responsibility and consequences. This is persuasive. [100% CORRECT]
Q3: Author's Purpose - Passage 3
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The nursing profession is a rewarding career that offers many opportunities for
advancement. Nurses can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and home
health. If you are considering a career in nursing, now is the time to start your education." What is
the author's purpose?
, 2
A. To inform
B. To persuade
C. To entertain
D. To describe
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The author is encouraging the reader to consider a nursing career by highlighting its
benefits. This is persuasive. [100% CORRECT]
Q4: Author's Purpose - Passage 4
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." What is the author's purpose?
A. To entertain
B. To inform
C. To persuade
D. To describe
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage provides factual information about the heart. The author's purpose is to
inform. [100% CORRECT]
Q5: Author's Purpose - Passage 5
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "The smell of antiseptic filled the air as the nurse walked down the hospital hallway. The
sterile white walls and the sounds of beeping monitors reminded her of the critical nature of her
work. She paused outside room 214 and took a deep breath before entering." What is the author's
purpose?
A. To inform
B. To persuade
C. To entertain or describe
D. To instruct
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The passage uses descriptive language to create a scene and atmosphere. The author's
purpose is to describe or entertain. [100% CORRECT]
Q6: Author's Purpose - Passage 6
The nursing student is reviewing reading comprehension for the HESI A2. Read the following
passage: "Before administering any medication, the nurse must check the patient's identification
band, verify the medication order, and confirm the dose and route. The nurse should also assess the
patient's allergies and vital signs before giving the medication." What is the author's purpose?
A. To entertain
B. To persuade