HESI Admission Assessment (A2) Exam | HESI A2
Entrance Exam Study Guide & Exam Prep 2026/2027 |
Elsevier HESI Nursing School Admission Test,
Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary,
Grammar, Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, Chemistry,
Practice Test Questions, Answers & Detailed
Rationales
Question 1: A patient's lab results show a white blood cell count of 15,000
cells/mcL. Which condition is the patient most likely experiencing?
A. Viral infection
B. Bacterial infection
C. Allergic reaction
D. Autoimmune disorder
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Bacterial infection
Rationale: The normal WBC count is typically 4,500 to 11,000 cells/mcL. A count of
15,000 indicates leukocytosis, which is commonly associated with bacterial infections.
While viral infections can sometimes cause a mild increase, bacterial infections are the
most common cause of a significant elevation.
Question 2: A patient is prescribed a loop diuretic. Which electrolyte
imbalance should the nurse monitor most closely?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Hypokalemia
Rationale: Loop diuretics, such as furosemide, act on the ascending loop of Henle to
inhibit sodium and chloride reabsorption. This leads to increased excretion of potassium
in the distal tubule, potentially causing hypokalemia.
Question 3: Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for regulating
heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure?
A. Cerebellum
B. Hypothalamus
C. Medulla oblongata
D. Cerebral cortex
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Medulla oblongata
,Rationale: The medulla oblongata is located in the brainstem and houses vital centers
that control autonomic functions, including cardiac rate, respiratory rhythm, and
vasomotor tone. The cerebellum coordinates movement, and the hypothalamus
regulates temperature and hunger.
Question 4: During which phase of the cardiac cycle do the ventricles contract
and pump blood into the aorta and pulmonary artery?
A. Diastole
B. Systole
C. Repolarization
D. Depolarization
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Systole
Rationale: Ventricular systole is the phase of the cardiac cycle where the ventricles
contract, increasing intraventricular pressure and forcing blood out through the
semilunar valves into the aorta and pulmonary artery.
Question 5: Convert 2.5 grams to milligrams.
A. 25 mg
B. 250 mg
C. 2,500 mg
D. 25,000 mg
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 2,500 mg
Rationale: There are 1000 milligrams (mg) in 1 gram (g). To convert grams to milligrams,
multiply the number of grams by 1000. Therefore, 2.5 g x 1000 = 2,500 mg.
Question 6: A nurse is preparing to administer 750 mL of IV fluid over 10
hours. What is the hourly infusion rate?
A. 60 mL/hr
B. 75 mL/hr
C. 80 mL/hr
D. 100 mL/hr
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 75 mL/hr
Rationale: To calculate the hourly rate, divide the total volume by the total time. 750 mL
/ 10 hours = 75 mL/hr.
Question 7: Which blood type is considered the universal recipient?
,A. Type A positive
B. Type O negative
C. Type AB positive
D. Type B negative
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Type AB positive
Rationale: Individuals with type AB positive blood have both A and B antigens on the
surface of their red blood cells and the Rh factor. They do not produce anti-A, anti-B, or
anti-Rh antibodies, so they can receive blood from any other blood type.
Question 8: Which of the following structures is NOT part of the lower
respiratory system?
A. Trachea
B. Bronchi
C. Pharynx
D. Lungs
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Pharynx
Rationale: The pharynx is part of the upper respiratory system. The lower respiratory
system includes the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and lungs.
Question 9: A patient with a history of seizures is prescribed phenytoin. Which
adverse effect is commonly associated with this medication?
A. Gingival hyperplasia
B. Bradycardia
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Tinnitus
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Gingival hyperplasia
Rationale: Gingival hyperplasia is a common side effect of phenytoin, a hydantoin
anticonvulsant. It is characterized by an overgrowth of the gums and can be managed
with meticulous oral hygiene.
Question 10: What is the primary function of platelets in the blood?
A. Fight infection
B. Transport oxygen
C. Initiate blood clotting
D. Maintain osmotic pressure
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Initiate blood clotting
, Rationale: Platelets, or thrombocytes, are cell fragments that play a crucial role in
hemostasis. They adhere to the site of a vascular injury, aggregate, and form a platelet
plug. They also release chemicals to activate the coagulation cascade.
Question 11: A patient complains of pain that originates in the left arm and
radiates to the chest. This is an example of which type of pain?
A. Visceral pain
B. Somatic pain
C. Referred pain
D. Radiating pain
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Referred pain
Rationale: Referred pain is pain perceived at a location other than the site of the painful
stimulus. Left arm pain is a classic example of referred pain originating from myocardial
ischemia or an infarct.
Question 12: According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which level must be
met first?
A. Love and belonging
B. Physiological needs
C. Esteem needs
D. Self-actualization
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Physiological needs
Rationale: Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a motivational theory comprising a five-tier
model of human needs. The base of the pyramid is physiological needs (food, water,
shelter, sleep), which must be satisfied before higher-level needs can be addressed.
Question 13: Which organ is responsible for the production of bile?
A. Gallbladder
B. Pancreas
C. Liver
D. Stomach
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Liver
Rationale: The liver is the organ responsible for producing bile. The gallbladder stores
and concentrates bile, while the pancreas produces digestive enzymes and the stomach
produces gastric juices.
Entrance Exam Study Guide & Exam Prep 2026/2027 |
Elsevier HESI Nursing School Admission Test,
Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary,
Grammar, Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, Chemistry,
Practice Test Questions, Answers & Detailed
Rationales
Question 1: A patient's lab results show a white blood cell count of 15,000
cells/mcL. Which condition is the patient most likely experiencing?
A. Viral infection
B. Bacterial infection
C. Allergic reaction
D. Autoimmune disorder
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Bacterial infection
Rationale: The normal WBC count is typically 4,500 to 11,000 cells/mcL. A count of
15,000 indicates leukocytosis, which is commonly associated with bacterial infections.
While viral infections can sometimes cause a mild increase, bacterial infections are the
most common cause of a significant elevation.
Question 2: A patient is prescribed a loop diuretic. Which electrolyte
imbalance should the nurse monitor most closely?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Hypokalemia
Rationale: Loop diuretics, such as furosemide, act on the ascending loop of Henle to
inhibit sodium and chloride reabsorption. This leads to increased excretion of potassium
in the distal tubule, potentially causing hypokalemia.
Question 3: Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for regulating
heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure?
A. Cerebellum
B. Hypothalamus
C. Medulla oblongata
D. Cerebral cortex
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Medulla oblongata
,Rationale: The medulla oblongata is located in the brainstem and houses vital centers
that control autonomic functions, including cardiac rate, respiratory rhythm, and
vasomotor tone. The cerebellum coordinates movement, and the hypothalamus
regulates temperature and hunger.
Question 4: During which phase of the cardiac cycle do the ventricles contract
and pump blood into the aorta and pulmonary artery?
A. Diastole
B. Systole
C. Repolarization
D. Depolarization
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Systole
Rationale: Ventricular systole is the phase of the cardiac cycle where the ventricles
contract, increasing intraventricular pressure and forcing blood out through the
semilunar valves into the aorta and pulmonary artery.
Question 5: Convert 2.5 grams to milligrams.
A. 25 mg
B. 250 mg
C. 2,500 mg
D. 25,000 mg
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 2,500 mg
Rationale: There are 1000 milligrams (mg) in 1 gram (g). To convert grams to milligrams,
multiply the number of grams by 1000. Therefore, 2.5 g x 1000 = 2,500 mg.
Question 6: A nurse is preparing to administer 750 mL of IV fluid over 10
hours. What is the hourly infusion rate?
A. 60 mL/hr
B. 75 mL/hr
C. 80 mL/hr
D. 100 mL/hr
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 75 mL/hr
Rationale: To calculate the hourly rate, divide the total volume by the total time. 750 mL
/ 10 hours = 75 mL/hr.
Question 7: Which blood type is considered the universal recipient?
,A. Type A positive
B. Type O negative
C. Type AB positive
D. Type B negative
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Type AB positive
Rationale: Individuals with type AB positive blood have both A and B antigens on the
surface of their red blood cells and the Rh factor. They do not produce anti-A, anti-B, or
anti-Rh antibodies, so they can receive blood from any other blood type.
Question 8: Which of the following structures is NOT part of the lower
respiratory system?
A. Trachea
B. Bronchi
C. Pharynx
D. Lungs
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Pharynx
Rationale: The pharynx is part of the upper respiratory system. The lower respiratory
system includes the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and lungs.
Question 9: A patient with a history of seizures is prescribed phenytoin. Which
adverse effect is commonly associated with this medication?
A. Gingival hyperplasia
B. Bradycardia
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Tinnitus
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Gingival hyperplasia
Rationale: Gingival hyperplasia is a common side effect of phenytoin, a hydantoin
anticonvulsant. It is characterized by an overgrowth of the gums and can be managed
with meticulous oral hygiene.
Question 10: What is the primary function of platelets in the blood?
A. Fight infection
B. Transport oxygen
C. Initiate blood clotting
D. Maintain osmotic pressure
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Initiate blood clotting
, Rationale: Platelets, or thrombocytes, are cell fragments that play a crucial role in
hemostasis. They adhere to the site of a vascular injury, aggregate, and form a platelet
plug. They also release chemicals to activate the coagulation cascade.
Question 11: A patient complains of pain that originates in the left arm and
radiates to the chest. This is an example of which type of pain?
A. Visceral pain
B. Somatic pain
C. Referred pain
D. Radiating pain
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Referred pain
Rationale: Referred pain is pain perceived at a location other than the site of the painful
stimulus. Left arm pain is a classic example of referred pain originating from myocardial
ischemia or an infarct.
Question 12: According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which level must be
met first?
A. Love and belonging
B. Physiological needs
C. Esteem needs
D. Self-actualization
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Physiological needs
Rationale: Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a motivational theory comprising a five-tier
model of human needs. The base of the pyramid is physiological needs (food, water,
shelter, sleep), which must be satisfied before higher-level needs can be addressed.
Question 13: Which organ is responsible for the production of bile?
A. Gallbladder
B. Pancreas
C. Liver
D. Stomach
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Liver
Rationale: The liver is the organ responsible for producing bile. The gallbladder stores
and concentrates bile, while the pancreas produces digestive enzymes and the stomach
produces gastric juices.
