HESI A2: General Knowledge Exam With
Correct Answer 2025
Break the ice
Example: The nurse tried to break the ice by asking the patient
about their favorite hobbies.<correct answers>Meaning: To
initiate conversation or create a more comfortable atmosphere.
Bite the bullet
Example: The doctor told the patient they would have to bite the
bullet and undergo surgery.<correct answers>Meaning: To do
something unpleasant or difficult that is unavoidable.
Hit the nail on the head
Example: The nurse hit the nail on the head when she identified
the cause of the patient's pain.<correct answers>Meaning: To
describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
A blessing in disguise
Example: Losing her job was a blessing in disguise because it
motivated her to pursue a nursing career.<correct
answers>Meaning: Something that seems bad at first but results
in something good.
Burning the midnight oil
Example: The nursing student had to burn the midnight oil to
study for the exam.<correct answers>Meaning: To work late into
the night.
Cost an arm and a leg
Example: The treatment for the rare condition cost an arm and a
leg, but it was worth it for the patient's recovery.<correct
answers>Meaning: To be very expensive.
, Cry over spoiled milk
Example: The nurse reminded the team not to cry over spilled
milk and to focus on fixing the issue.<correct answers>Meaning:
To be upset about something that has already happened and
cannot be changed.
Under the weather
Example: The nurse was under the weather and had to take the
day off.<correct answers>Meaning: To be ill or unwell.
The ball is in your court
Example: After the diagnosis, the doctor said, "The ball is in your
court regarding treatment options."<correct answers>Meaning: It
is up to you to make the next move or decision.
Once in a blue moon
Example: The hospital receives a once in a blue moon patient who
requires such specialized care.<correct answers>Meaning:
Something that happens very rarely.
Hit the sack
Example: After a long shift, the nurse was ready to hit the
sack.<correct answers>Meaning: To go to bed.
Cut to the chase
Example: The doctor said, "Let's cut to the chase—you need
surgery."<correct answers>Meaning: To get to the point, skipping
over unnecessary details.
Jump the gun
Example: The nurse realized she had jumped the gun by
administering the medication before checking the doctor's
order.<correct answers>Meaning: To act prematurely or too
early.
Correct Answer 2025
Break the ice
Example: The nurse tried to break the ice by asking the patient
about their favorite hobbies.<correct answers>Meaning: To
initiate conversation or create a more comfortable atmosphere.
Bite the bullet
Example: The doctor told the patient they would have to bite the
bullet and undergo surgery.<correct answers>Meaning: To do
something unpleasant or difficult that is unavoidable.
Hit the nail on the head
Example: The nurse hit the nail on the head when she identified
the cause of the patient's pain.<correct answers>Meaning: To
describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
A blessing in disguise
Example: Losing her job was a blessing in disguise because it
motivated her to pursue a nursing career.<correct
answers>Meaning: Something that seems bad at first but results
in something good.
Burning the midnight oil
Example: The nursing student had to burn the midnight oil to
study for the exam.<correct answers>Meaning: To work late into
the night.
Cost an arm and a leg
Example: The treatment for the rare condition cost an arm and a
leg, but it was worth it for the patient's recovery.<correct
answers>Meaning: To be very expensive.
, Cry over spoiled milk
Example: The nurse reminded the team not to cry over spilled
milk and to focus on fixing the issue.<correct answers>Meaning:
To be upset about something that has already happened and
cannot be changed.
Under the weather
Example: The nurse was under the weather and had to take the
day off.<correct answers>Meaning: To be ill or unwell.
The ball is in your court
Example: After the diagnosis, the doctor said, "The ball is in your
court regarding treatment options."<correct answers>Meaning: It
is up to you to make the next move or decision.
Once in a blue moon
Example: The hospital receives a once in a blue moon patient who
requires such specialized care.<correct answers>Meaning:
Something that happens very rarely.
Hit the sack
Example: After a long shift, the nurse was ready to hit the
sack.<correct answers>Meaning: To go to bed.
Cut to the chase
Example: The doctor said, "Let's cut to the chase—you need
surgery."<correct answers>Meaning: To get to the point, skipping
over unnecessary details.
Jump the gun
Example: The nurse realized she had jumped the gun by
administering the medication before checking the doctor's
order.<correct answers>Meaning: To act prematurely or too
early.
