1
HESI A2 Exam Bank 2025: 200 Critical
Reasoning & Data Interpretation Questions
with Answers + Rationales
Table of Contents
Sub-topic 1: Interpreting Charts, Graphs, and Statistical Data in Patient Care (Q1–Q20)..... 2
Sub-topic 2: Analyzing Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Research Findings in Clinical
Scenarios (Q21–Q40) .................................................................................................. 10
Sub-topic 3: Drawing Conclusions from Clinical Case Studies and Patient Narratives (Q41–
Q60) ........................................................................................................................... 19
Sub-topic 4: Evaluating Arguments and Logic in Health Policy and Nursing Ethics Contexts
(Q61–Q80) .................................................................................................................. 27
Sub-topic 5: Synthesizing Information Across Multiple Texts and Case Reports (Q81–Q100)
.................................................................................................................................. 36
Sub-topic 6: Critical Interpretation of Diagnostic Reports and Clinical Lab Data (Q101–
Q120) ......................................................................................................................... 46
Sub-topic 7: Clinical Inference and Trend Recognition in Patient Monitoring Data (Q121–
Q140) ......................................................................................................................... 55
Sub-topic 8: Prioritizing Information in Multisystem Case Reviews (Q141–Q160) ............. 65
Sub-topic 9: Interpreting Research and Evidence-Based Practice Scenarios (Q161–Q180)74
Sub-topic 10: Analyzing Data-Driven Clinical Decision-Making in Case-Based Scenarios
(Q181–Q200) .............................................................................................................. 83
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Sub-topic 1: Interpreting Charts, Graphs, and Statistical
Data in Patient Care (Q1–Q20)
Q1. A nurse is reviewing a bar graph that compares infection rates in different hospital
departments. Which department has the highest infection control compliance if the graph
shows ICU (75%), ER (60%), Med-Surg (85%), and Pediatrics (90%)?
A. ICU
B. ER
C. Pediatrics
D. Med-Surg
Correct Answer: C. Pediatrics
Rationale: The question asks for the highest compliance rate. The Pediatric department
shows 90%, which is the highest among the options.
Q2. A table shows that 48 out of 60 patients experienced reduced pain scores after a new
analgesic was administered. What is the percentage of patients with reduced pain?
A. 70%
B. 80%
C. 75%
D. 85%
Correct Answer: B. 80%
Rationale: 48 ÷ 60 = 0.8 or 80%. Understanding ratios and converting to percentages is key
to interpreting outcomes.
, 3
Q3. A line graph illustrates patient falls per month across six months, showing a steady
decline from 12 to 3 falls. What is the average monthly decrease?
A. 1
B. 1.5
C. 2
D. 3
Correct Answer: B. 1.5
Rationale: (12 - 3) ÷ 6 = 9 ÷ 6 = 1.5 falls per month. This tests basic trend interpretation and
division.
Q4. A pie chart shows the following percentages for patient dissatisfaction reasons: Long
Wait Time (50%), Poor Communication (30%), Cleanliness (15%), and Other (5%). What is
the most critical area for quality improvement?
A. Other
B. Long Wait Time
C. Cleanliness
D. Poor Communication
Correct Answer: B. Long Wait Time
Rationale: The pie chart clearly shows the highest dissatisfaction stems from long wait
times, signaling where action should be taken.
Q5. A research table shows the systolic BP averages of patients on two medications: Drug
A (122 mmHg) and Drug B (130 mmHg). Which drug is more effective in reducing systolic
BP?
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A. Drug B
B. Drug A
C. Both are equal
D. Cannot determine
Correct Answer: B. Drug A
Rationale: Lower systolic pressure indicates better BP control. Drug A shows a lower
average, making it more effective.
Q6. A bar graph shows nurse-to-patient ratios across units. Which unit has the worst
staffing ratio if higher values indicate more patients per nurse?
ICU (1:2), Med-Surg (1:6), Pediatrics (1:4), ER (1:5)
A. ICU
B. Med-Surg
C. ER
D. Pediatrics
Correct Answer: B. Med-Surg
Rationale: Med-Surg has the highest patient-to-nurse ratio, indicating heavier workloads
and potential care quality concerns.
Q7. A patient’s fluid intake chart reads: 400 mL (breakfast), 300 mL (lunch), 200 mL
(dinner), and 100 mL (IV). What is the total intake?
A. 1,100 mL
HESI A2 Exam Bank 2025: 200 Critical
Reasoning & Data Interpretation Questions
with Answers + Rationales
Table of Contents
Sub-topic 1: Interpreting Charts, Graphs, and Statistical Data in Patient Care (Q1–Q20)..... 2
Sub-topic 2: Analyzing Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Research Findings in Clinical
Scenarios (Q21–Q40) .................................................................................................. 10
Sub-topic 3: Drawing Conclusions from Clinical Case Studies and Patient Narratives (Q41–
Q60) ........................................................................................................................... 19
Sub-topic 4: Evaluating Arguments and Logic in Health Policy and Nursing Ethics Contexts
(Q61–Q80) .................................................................................................................. 27
Sub-topic 5: Synthesizing Information Across Multiple Texts and Case Reports (Q81–Q100)
.................................................................................................................................. 36
Sub-topic 6: Critical Interpretation of Diagnostic Reports and Clinical Lab Data (Q101–
Q120) ......................................................................................................................... 46
Sub-topic 7: Clinical Inference and Trend Recognition in Patient Monitoring Data (Q121–
Q140) ......................................................................................................................... 55
Sub-topic 8: Prioritizing Information in Multisystem Case Reviews (Q141–Q160) ............. 65
Sub-topic 9: Interpreting Research and Evidence-Based Practice Scenarios (Q161–Q180)74
Sub-topic 10: Analyzing Data-Driven Clinical Decision-Making in Case-Based Scenarios
(Q181–Q200) .............................................................................................................. 83
, 2
Sub-topic 1: Interpreting Charts, Graphs, and Statistical
Data in Patient Care (Q1–Q20)
Q1. A nurse is reviewing a bar graph that compares infection rates in different hospital
departments. Which department has the highest infection control compliance if the graph
shows ICU (75%), ER (60%), Med-Surg (85%), and Pediatrics (90%)?
A. ICU
B. ER
C. Pediatrics
D. Med-Surg
Correct Answer: C. Pediatrics
Rationale: The question asks for the highest compliance rate. The Pediatric department
shows 90%, which is the highest among the options.
Q2. A table shows that 48 out of 60 patients experienced reduced pain scores after a new
analgesic was administered. What is the percentage of patients with reduced pain?
A. 70%
B. 80%
C. 75%
D. 85%
Correct Answer: B. 80%
Rationale: 48 ÷ 60 = 0.8 or 80%. Understanding ratios and converting to percentages is key
to interpreting outcomes.
, 3
Q3. A line graph illustrates patient falls per month across six months, showing a steady
decline from 12 to 3 falls. What is the average monthly decrease?
A. 1
B. 1.5
C. 2
D. 3
Correct Answer: B. 1.5
Rationale: (12 - 3) ÷ 6 = 9 ÷ 6 = 1.5 falls per month. This tests basic trend interpretation and
division.
Q4. A pie chart shows the following percentages for patient dissatisfaction reasons: Long
Wait Time (50%), Poor Communication (30%), Cleanliness (15%), and Other (5%). What is
the most critical area for quality improvement?
A. Other
B. Long Wait Time
C. Cleanliness
D. Poor Communication
Correct Answer: B. Long Wait Time
Rationale: The pie chart clearly shows the highest dissatisfaction stems from long wait
times, signaling where action should be taken.
Q5. A research table shows the systolic BP averages of patients on two medications: Drug
A (122 mmHg) and Drug B (130 mmHg). Which drug is more effective in reducing systolic
BP?
, 4
A. Drug B
B. Drug A
C. Both are equal
D. Cannot determine
Correct Answer: B. Drug A
Rationale: Lower systolic pressure indicates better BP control. Drug A shows a lower
average, making it more effective.
Q6. A bar graph shows nurse-to-patient ratios across units. Which unit has the worst
staffing ratio if higher values indicate more patients per nurse?
ICU (1:2), Med-Surg (1:6), Pediatrics (1:4), ER (1:5)
A. ICU
B. Med-Surg
C. ER
D. Pediatrics
Correct Answer: B. Med-Surg
Rationale: Med-Surg has the highest patient-to-nurse ratio, indicating heavier workloads
and potential care quality concerns.
Q7. A patient’s fluid intake chart reads: 400 mL (breakfast), 300 mL (lunch), 200 mL
(dinner), and 100 mL (IV). What is the total intake?
A. 1,100 mL
