,HESI A2 Anatomy & Physiology 2026 Complete Study
Guide – Latest Exam Questions, Verified Answers, and
Detailed Explanations for Guaranteed High Scores (A+
Grade) | 185 Updated Questions and Answers
TRUSTED SOURCE AND VERIFIED, GRADED A+
, Page 2
1. Which physiological response occurs when blood glucose levels rise after a meal?
A. Increased glucagon secretion
B. Increased insulin secretion
C. Decreased glycogen synthesis
D. Increased gluconeogenesis
ANSWER ~B
2. A patient presents with a fractured femur. Which part of the bone is primarily responsible for
blood cell production?
A. Cortex
B. Medullary cavity
C. Trabecular bone
D. Periosteum
ANSWER ~B
3. What role do the kidneys play in acid-base balance during metabolic acidosis?
A. Increase bicarbonate reabsorption
B. Decrease ammonium excretion
C. Increase hydrogen ion secretion
D. Decrease bicarbonate production
ANSWER ~A
4. In a patient with congestive heart failure, which compensatory mechanism is primarily activated
to maintain cardiac output?
A. Increased heart rate
B. Decreased stroke volume
C. Systemic vasodilation
D. Increased venous return
ANSWER ~A
, Page 3
5. During inspiration, which of the following mechanisms facilitates the expansion of the thoracic
cavity?
A. Contraction of abdominal muscles
B. Relaxation of the diaphragm
C. Contraction of the diaphragm
D. Closure of the vocal cords
ANSWER ~C
6. A nurse is assessing a patient’s neurological status. Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible
for the sense of smell?
A. Cranial Nerve II
B. Cranial Nerve I
C. Cranial Nerve VII
D. Cranial Nerve V
ANSWER ~B
7. What is the primary function of the sinoatrial (SA) node in the cardiac cycle?
A. Conducting electrical impulses to ventricles
B. Regulating blood pressure
C. Generating electrical impulses for heart rhythm
D. Pumping blood into the systemic circulation
ANSWER ~C
8. A nurse is reviewing a lab report where the patient's creatinine level is elevated. What does this
primarily indicate?
A. Increased liver function
B. Decreased renal function
C. Improved muscle metabolism
D. Enhanced filtration rate
ANSWER ~B
Guide – Latest Exam Questions, Verified Answers, and
Detailed Explanations for Guaranteed High Scores (A+
Grade) | 185 Updated Questions and Answers
TRUSTED SOURCE AND VERIFIED, GRADED A+
, Page 2
1. Which physiological response occurs when blood glucose levels rise after a meal?
A. Increased glucagon secretion
B. Increased insulin secretion
C. Decreased glycogen synthesis
D. Increased gluconeogenesis
ANSWER ~B
2. A patient presents with a fractured femur. Which part of the bone is primarily responsible for
blood cell production?
A. Cortex
B. Medullary cavity
C. Trabecular bone
D. Periosteum
ANSWER ~B
3. What role do the kidneys play in acid-base balance during metabolic acidosis?
A. Increase bicarbonate reabsorption
B. Decrease ammonium excretion
C. Increase hydrogen ion secretion
D. Decrease bicarbonate production
ANSWER ~A
4. In a patient with congestive heart failure, which compensatory mechanism is primarily activated
to maintain cardiac output?
A. Increased heart rate
B. Decreased stroke volume
C. Systemic vasodilation
D. Increased venous return
ANSWER ~A
, Page 3
5. During inspiration, which of the following mechanisms facilitates the expansion of the thoracic
cavity?
A. Contraction of abdominal muscles
B. Relaxation of the diaphragm
C. Contraction of the diaphragm
D. Closure of the vocal cords
ANSWER ~C
6. A nurse is assessing a patient’s neurological status. Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible
for the sense of smell?
A. Cranial Nerve II
B. Cranial Nerve I
C. Cranial Nerve VII
D. Cranial Nerve V
ANSWER ~B
7. What is the primary function of the sinoatrial (SA) node in the cardiac cycle?
A. Conducting electrical impulses to ventricles
B. Regulating blood pressure
C. Generating electrical impulses for heart rhythm
D. Pumping blood into the systemic circulation
ANSWER ~C
8. A nurse is reviewing a lab report where the patient's creatinine level is elevated. What does this
primarily indicate?
A. Increased liver function
B. Decreased renal function
C. Improved muscle metabolism
D. Enhanced filtration rate
ANSWER ~B
