HESI A2 Reading Comprehension OFFICIAL STUDY RESOURCE: FULL TEST BANK WITH RATIONALES 2026 COMPLETE EXAM SOLUTION - MULTIPLE VERSIONS INCLUDED

As used in the last sentence of the paragraph, the term "concomitant" means: A) Separate B) Accompanying C) Unpredictable D) Quiet • Correct Answer: B) Accompanying • Rationale: "Concomitant" describes something that happens at the same time as something else and is connected with it. In this context, highway deaths and domestic abuse are accompanying issues that go hand-in-hand with alcohol abuse. The information presented in this article is specifically: A) Against eating and drinking B) Against drinking alcohol C) Against eating rich foods D) Unbiased in its approach • Correct Answer: B) Against drinking alcohol • Rationale: While the passage warns against overeating, a large portion of the text directly highlights the severe societal harms, violent behaviors, and tragic consequences uniquely tied to alcohol abuse. The author's motive for writing the paragraph seems to have been to: A) Encourage a liquid diet B) Promote food industry regulations C) Urge self-control D) Condemn modern social gatherings • Correct Answer: C) Urge self-control • Rationale: By emphasizing how the physical, mental, and social consequences of overeating and excessive drinking shorten lives and cause harm, the author aims to warn readers and encourage moderation and self-discipline. What is implied by this paragraph? A) We should eat and drink in reasonable quantities. B) Obesity is a more serious problem than alcoholism. C) Alcohol should be banned completely. D) We need stronger laws to control drunk drivers. • Correct Answer: A) We should eat and drink in reasonable quantities. • Rationale: The passage stresses that food and drink are "necessary and desirable," but points out that "abuse" causes problems. This implies that consuming them in balanced, reasonable quantities is the safest path. The author seems to: A) Oppose drinking alcohol B) Favor a strict diet C) Oppose regulation of personal habits D) Favor moderation • Correct Answer: A) Oppose drinking alcohol • Rationale: The author takes a strong stance against the consumption and results of alcohol abuse, framing it alongside domestic abuse and fatal accidents. Game of Bridge Passage How does a beginner feel when they are confident and excited about learning the game of bridge? A) Bored and uninterested B) Confident and excited about learning the game of bridge C) Frustrated by the rules of card games D) Ready to play professionally without instruction • Correct Answer: B) Confident and excited about learning the game of bridge • Rationale: Novices who approach the game with the right motivation, a good teacher, and patience generally express confidence and eagerness to master its complex layers. According to the passage, what is the definition of a "suit"? A) A fancy outfit worn during tournaments B) Any of the four sets into which a deck of cards is divided C) The rank of an individual card from ace to two D) A matched set of bidding rules • Correct Answer: B) Any of the four sets into which a deck of cards is divided • Rationale: In card games like Bridge, a suit refers explicitly to the four distinct categories that divide a deck (spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs). In the game of Bridge, what is a "trick"? A) A deceptive strategy used to confuse opponents B) A special bidding privilege reserved for the dealer C) A collection of one card played by each of four players D) Shuffling the deck out of order • Correct Answer: C) A collection of one card played by each of four players • Rationale: The passage states directly: "A trick is one card played by each player for a total of four." What does the passage suggest regarding card gameplay hierarchy? A) That the highest card within the "trump" suit always wins the trick. B) That clubs are always the most valuable suit during play. C) That the card numbered two beats an ace. D) That the dealer wins all ties automatically. • Correct Answer: A) That the highest card within the "trump" suit always wins the trick. • Rationale: In standard trick-taking rules detailed by the text, the highest-ranking card played within the designated leading or trump suit captures that specific trick. Which of the following is a core takeaway from the passage? A) Playing bridge requires concentration. B) Bridge is best played in complete silence. C) Anyone can play bridge instantly without learning rules. D) Suits are ranked the same during bidding as they are during play. • Correct Answer: A) Playing bridge requires concentration. • Rationale: The passage explicitly emphasizes that Bridge "requires the player's undivided attention," which directly correlates to strong concentration. Getting a Good Night's Sleep Passage Why did the author write this passage? A) To complain about healthcare costs B) To explain insomnia and propose some solutions for the condition C) To advocate for late-night work shifts D) To list different types of prescription sleeping pills • Correct Answer: B) To explain insomnia and propose some solutions for the condition • Rationale: The primary intent of the passage is to inform readers about the nature of insomnia and provide practical solutions, such as lifestyle changes, herbs, and spices. Insomnia affects intellectual abilities because it: A) Forces people to read more books at night B) Causes a deficit in memory, concentration, and attention C) Increases logical reasoning skills D) Permanently lowers a person's base IQ • Correct Answer: B) Causes a deficit in memory, concentration, and attention • Rationale: Lack of restorative sleep directly degrades cognitive performance, resulting in notable deficits in daytime concentration, short-term memory recall, and focus. Sleep apnea causes: A) Temporary bursts of energy B) Chronic illness C) Improved athletic endurance D) Better dream recall • Correct Answer: B) Chronic illness • Rationale: Sleep apnea repeatedly disrupts breathing patterns throughout the night, causing long-term oxygen deprivation and physical stress that can lead to chronic illness. Which of the following is explicitly stated in the passage? A) Insomnia only impacts elderly individuals. B) Physical illness can cause chronic insomnia. C) Sleeping in a freezing room cures sleep disorders. D) Caffeine consumption cures sleep apnea. • Correct Answer: B) Physical illness can cause chronic insomnia. • Rationale: The text points out that persistent bodily ailments, discomfort, or chronic illnesses are frequent underlying causes of chronic insomnia. Which of the following is a recommended solution for insomnia mentioned in the text? A) Staring at bright screens before bedtime B) Developing good sleep habits and taking herbs and spices C) Exercising heavily right before falling asleep D) Eliminating daytime routines entirely • Correct Answer: B) Developing good sleep habits and taking herbs and spices • Rationale: The author advocates for natural remedies and behavior modifications, explicitly pointing out healthy sleep hygiene patterns alongside holistic remedies like herbs and spices. Phobia Passage According to the passage, which of the following are types of phobias? (Select all that apply) A) Social phobias B) Panic disorder C) Specific phobia D) Minor stress disorder • Correct Answer: A, B, and C (Social phobias, panic disorder, specific phobia) • Rationale: The text outlines these specific categories when breaking down the clinical manifestations of abnormal, debilitating fears.