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HESI A2 READING COMPREHENSION
TEST BANK 2026-2027 | 150 PRACTICE
PASSAGES WITH EXPLAINED
ANSWERS | MAIN IDEA, INFERENCE,
VOCABULARY IN CONTEXT | PASS
NURSING ENTRANCE EXAM
Develop critical reading skills with 150 HESI A2 reading
comprehension questions featuring passages on health,
science, and general topics. Questions test main idea,
supporting details, inference, author's purpose, tone,
vocabulary in context, logical reasoning, and fact vs. opinion.
Each passage is followed by multiple-choice questions
formatted exactly like the actual HESI A2 exam. Each question
includes a detailed rationale explaining the reasoning behind
the correct answer, strategies for tackling different passage
types, and tips for eliminating wrong answers. Updated for the
2026-2027 blueprint. Perfect for nursing students who need to
improve their reading comprehension and analytical skills for
the entrance exam. Ideal for self-study. Pass your HESI A2
reading section with this comprehensive practice test bank.
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PASSAGE 1 (Questions 1–4)
The human circulatory system is responsible for transporting oxygen, nutrients,
hormones, and cellular waste products throughout the body. The heart, a four-
chambered muscular organ, serves as the pump that drives this process. The right
side of the heart receives deoxygenated blood from the body and pumps it to the
lungs, where carbon dioxide is exchanged for oxygen. The left side receives
oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it to the rest of the body through the
aorta. This continuous cycle is essential for maintaining homeostasis and supporting
cellular function.
1. READING
What is the primary function of the circulatory system?
A) To produce hormones
B) To transport substances throughout the body
C) To filter waste from the blood
D) To regulate body temperature
Answer: B) To transport substances throughout the body
Rationale: The passage states that the circulatory system is "responsible for
transporting oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and cellular waste products throughout the
body."
2. READING
What happens to blood in the lungs?
A) It receives oxygen and releases carbon dioxide
B) It releases oxygen and receives carbon dioxide
C) It is filtered of waste products
D) It is pumped to the rest of the body
Answer: A) It receives oxygen and releases carbon dioxide
Rationale: The passage states that blood is pumped to the lungs, "where carbon dioxide
is exchanged for oxygen," meaning the blood receives oxygen and releases carbon
dioxide.
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3. READING
Which side of the heart pumps blood to the rest of the body?
A) Right side
B) Left side
C) Both sides
D) Neither side
Answer: B) Left side
Rationale: The passage explicitly states, "The left side receives oxygenated blood from
the lungs and pumps it to the rest of the body through the aorta."
4. READING
The word "homeostasis" in the passage most nearly means:
A) A state of balance
B) A state of disease
C) A state of confusion
D) A state of exhaustion
Answer: A) A state of balance
Rationale: "Homeostasis" refers to a stable, balanced internal environment. The
passage uses it to describe the overall goal of the circulatory system in supporting
cellular function.
PASSAGE 2 (Questions 5–8)
Medication administration is a critical nursing responsibility that requires careful
attention to the "five rights": the right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, and
right time. Before administering any medication, the nurse must verify the patient's
identity using at least two identifiers, such as name and date of birth. The nurse must
also check the medication order against the medication label three times: when
removing it from storage, when preparing it, and before administering it to the
patient. Documentation should be completed immediately after administration to
ensure accuracy and prevent errors.
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5. READING
What is the main idea of this passage?
A) Nurses should document medication after administration
B) Medication administration requires following the "five rights" and safety checks
C) Patients should always verify their own medications
D) Medications should be stored in a secure location
Answer: B) Medication administration requires following the "five rights" and
safety checks
Rationale: The passage focuses on the five rights and the safety checks nurses must
perform before giving medications. The other details support this main idea.
6. READING
According to the passage, how many times should the nurse check the medication
label?
A) Once
B) Twice
C) Three times
D) Four times
Answer: C) Three times
Rationale: The passage states the nurse must check the medication order against the
label "three times: when removing it from storage, when preparing it, and before
administering it."
7. READING
What should the nurse do immediately after administering medication?
A) Store the medication
B) Document the administration
C) Verify the patient's identity
D) Check the medication label
Answer: B) Document the administration
Rationale: The passage states, "Documentation should be completed immediately after
administration to ensure accuracy and prevent errors."
HESI A2 READING COMPREHENSION
TEST BANK 2026-2027 | 150 PRACTICE
PASSAGES WITH EXPLAINED
ANSWERS | MAIN IDEA, INFERENCE,
VOCABULARY IN CONTEXT | PASS
NURSING ENTRANCE EXAM
Develop critical reading skills with 150 HESI A2 reading
comprehension questions featuring passages on health,
science, and general topics. Questions test main idea,
supporting details, inference, author's purpose, tone,
vocabulary in context, logical reasoning, and fact vs. opinion.
Each passage is followed by multiple-choice questions
formatted exactly like the actual HESI A2 exam. Each question
includes a detailed rationale explaining the reasoning behind
the correct answer, strategies for tackling different passage
types, and tips for eliminating wrong answers. Updated for the
2026-2027 blueprint. Perfect for nursing students who need to
improve their reading comprehension and analytical skills for
the entrance exam. Ideal for self-study. Pass your HESI A2
reading section with this comprehensive practice test bank.
,2|Page
PASSAGE 1 (Questions 1–4)
The human circulatory system is responsible for transporting oxygen, nutrients,
hormones, and cellular waste products throughout the body. The heart, a four-
chambered muscular organ, serves as the pump that drives this process. The right
side of the heart receives deoxygenated blood from the body and pumps it to the
lungs, where carbon dioxide is exchanged for oxygen. The left side receives
oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it to the rest of the body through the
aorta. This continuous cycle is essential for maintaining homeostasis and supporting
cellular function.
1. READING
What is the primary function of the circulatory system?
A) To produce hormones
B) To transport substances throughout the body
C) To filter waste from the blood
D) To regulate body temperature
Answer: B) To transport substances throughout the body
Rationale: The passage states that the circulatory system is "responsible for
transporting oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and cellular waste products throughout the
body."
2. READING
What happens to blood in the lungs?
A) It receives oxygen and releases carbon dioxide
B) It releases oxygen and receives carbon dioxide
C) It is filtered of waste products
D) It is pumped to the rest of the body
Answer: A) It receives oxygen and releases carbon dioxide
Rationale: The passage states that blood is pumped to the lungs, "where carbon dioxide
is exchanged for oxygen," meaning the blood receives oxygen and releases carbon
dioxide.
,3|Page
3. READING
Which side of the heart pumps blood to the rest of the body?
A) Right side
B) Left side
C) Both sides
D) Neither side
Answer: B) Left side
Rationale: The passage explicitly states, "The left side receives oxygenated blood from
the lungs and pumps it to the rest of the body through the aorta."
4. READING
The word "homeostasis" in the passage most nearly means:
A) A state of balance
B) A state of disease
C) A state of confusion
D) A state of exhaustion
Answer: A) A state of balance
Rationale: "Homeostasis" refers to a stable, balanced internal environment. The
passage uses it to describe the overall goal of the circulatory system in supporting
cellular function.
PASSAGE 2 (Questions 5–8)
Medication administration is a critical nursing responsibility that requires careful
attention to the "five rights": the right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, and
right time. Before administering any medication, the nurse must verify the patient's
identity using at least two identifiers, such as name and date of birth. The nurse must
also check the medication order against the medication label three times: when
removing it from storage, when preparing it, and before administering it to the
patient. Documentation should be completed immediately after administration to
ensure accuracy and prevent errors.
, 4|Page
5. READING
What is the main idea of this passage?
A) Nurses should document medication after administration
B) Medication administration requires following the "five rights" and safety checks
C) Patients should always verify their own medications
D) Medications should be stored in a secure location
Answer: B) Medication administration requires following the "five rights" and
safety checks
Rationale: The passage focuses on the five rights and the safety checks nurses must
perform before giving medications. The other details support this main idea.
6. READING
According to the passage, how many times should the nurse check the medication
label?
A) Once
B) Twice
C) Three times
D) Four times
Answer: C) Three times
Rationale: The passage states the nurse must check the medication order against the
label "three times: when removing it from storage, when preparing it, and before
administering it."
7. READING
What should the nurse do immediately after administering medication?
A) Store the medication
B) Document the administration
C) Verify the patient's identity
D) Check the medication label
Answer: B) Document the administration
Rationale: The passage states, "Documentation should be completed immediately after
administration to ensure accuracy and prevent errors."
