HESI A2 READING COMPREHENSION– MOST TESTED PASSAGES,
NEWEST QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS (2026–2027EDITION) |
INSTANT PDF DOWNLOAD
Passage 1:
A nurse noticed that a patient was unusually quiet during rounds. The patient had just received
difficult news from the doctor but did not show outward signs of distress. The nurse decided to
sit with the patient and ask if they wanted to talk.
1. What is the main idea of this passage?
A. Nurses should monitor vital signs closely.
B. Patients always show emotions outwardly.
C. The nurse provided emotional support to a patient in distress.
D. Doctors should deliver all news to patients alone.
Rationale: The passage focuses on the nurse recognizing emotional distress and offering
support.
2. What can be inferred about the patient?
A. The patient was happy.
B. The patient was experiencing internal distress.
C. The patient ignored the nurse completely.
D. The patient’s physical condition worsened.
Rationale: Although the patient was quiet, the context indicates internal distress.
Passage 2:
Handwashing is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection in healthcare settings.
Alcohol-based hand rubs are recommended when hands are not visibly dirty, while soap and
water should be used when hands are contaminated with blood or other body fluids.
3. What is the author’s main purpose?
A. To describe symptoms of infection
B. To explain proper hand hygiene techniques
C. To discuss patient satisfaction
D. To explain how to administer medication
Rationale: The passage gives instructions for preventing infection via hand hygiene.
, 4. According to the passage, when should soap and water be used?
A. Only before eating
B. When hands are contaminated with blood or body fluids
C. After every patient interaction
D. Only after leaving the hospital
Rationale: Soap and water are required for visibly contaminated hands.
Passage 3:
Many patients in hospitals experience anxiety before surgery. Research shows that explaining the
procedure in detail and answering questions can reduce anxiety levels. Support from family and
staff is also crucial for emotional well-being.
5. What is the main idea of this passage?
A. Anxiety is rare in hospitals.
B. Family support is unnecessary.
C. Providing information and support reduces pre-surgery anxiety.
D. Surgery should be postponed to prevent stress.
Rationale: The passage emphasizes that information and support reduce anxiety.
6. Which of the following is NOT suggested to reduce patient anxiety?
A. Explaining the procedure
B. Answering patient questions
C. Ignoring the patient’s concerns
D. Family support
Rationale: Ignoring concerns would increase anxiety, not reduce it.
Passage 4:
Vaccinations have greatly reduced the prevalence of many infectious diseases worldwide. They
stimulate the body’s immune system to recognize and fight pathogens, protecting both the
individual and the community through herd immunity.
7. What is the meaning of “herd immunity” in this passage?
A. Immunity only for animals
B. Individual protection only
C. Community-wide protection when many people are vaccinated
D. A type of disease
Rationale: Herd immunity occurs when enough people are vaccinated to reduce disease spread.
NEWEST QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS (2026–2027EDITION) |
INSTANT PDF DOWNLOAD
Passage 1:
A nurse noticed that a patient was unusually quiet during rounds. The patient had just received
difficult news from the doctor but did not show outward signs of distress. The nurse decided to
sit with the patient and ask if they wanted to talk.
1. What is the main idea of this passage?
A. Nurses should monitor vital signs closely.
B. Patients always show emotions outwardly.
C. The nurse provided emotional support to a patient in distress.
D. Doctors should deliver all news to patients alone.
Rationale: The passage focuses on the nurse recognizing emotional distress and offering
support.
2. What can be inferred about the patient?
A. The patient was happy.
B. The patient was experiencing internal distress.
C. The patient ignored the nurse completely.
D. The patient’s physical condition worsened.
Rationale: Although the patient was quiet, the context indicates internal distress.
Passage 2:
Handwashing is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection in healthcare settings.
Alcohol-based hand rubs are recommended when hands are not visibly dirty, while soap and
water should be used when hands are contaminated with blood or other body fluids.
3. What is the author’s main purpose?
A. To describe symptoms of infection
B. To explain proper hand hygiene techniques
C. To discuss patient satisfaction
D. To explain how to administer medication
Rationale: The passage gives instructions for preventing infection via hand hygiene.
, 4. According to the passage, when should soap and water be used?
A. Only before eating
B. When hands are contaminated with blood or body fluids
C. After every patient interaction
D. Only after leaving the hospital
Rationale: Soap and water are required for visibly contaminated hands.
Passage 3:
Many patients in hospitals experience anxiety before surgery. Research shows that explaining the
procedure in detail and answering questions can reduce anxiety levels. Support from family and
staff is also crucial for emotional well-being.
5. What is the main idea of this passage?
A. Anxiety is rare in hospitals.
B. Family support is unnecessary.
C. Providing information and support reduces pre-surgery anxiety.
D. Surgery should be postponed to prevent stress.
Rationale: The passage emphasizes that information and support reduce anxiety.
6. Which of the following is NOT suggested to reduce patient anxiety?
A. Explaining the procedure
B. Answering patient questions
C. Ignoring the patient’s concerns
D. Family support
Rationale: Ignoring concerns would increase anxiety, not reduce it.
Passage 4:
Vaccinations have greatly reduced the prevalence of many infectious diseases worldwide. They
stimulate the body’s immune system to recognize and fight pathogens, protecting both the
individual and the community through herd immunity.
7. What is the meaning of “herd immunity” in this passage?
A. Immunity only for animals
B. Individual protection only
C. Community-wide protection when many people are vaccinated
D. A type of disease
Rationale: Herd immunity occurs when enough people are vaccinated to reduce disease spread.
