SI A2 Entrance Exam Complete Study Guide 2026/2027 | Anatomy, Grammar, Reading & Math | Nursing School Admission Prep | All Sections Covered 2026/2027 | Page 1 | Passing Score: Pass/F
HESI / ELSEVIER
HESI A2 Entrance Exam Complete Study Guide 2026/2027
Anatomy, Grammar, Reading & Math | Nursing School Admission Prep | All Sections Covered
2026/2027 Edition - Official Exam 2026/2027
85 P/F N/A
QUESTIONS PASSING SCORE RECERTIFICATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 Reading Comprehension Q1-15
Section 2 Vocabulary and General Knowledge Q16-30
Section 3 Grammar Q31-45
Section 4 Basic Math Skills Q46-60
Section 5 Biology and Anatomy Q61-75
Section 6 Critical Thinking Q76-85
Instructions: Select the single best answer for each question. This exam is designed for HESI A2 Entrance Exam preparation.
Passing score determined by HESI standard.
HESI A2 Entrance Exam -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: Pass/Fail | Page 1 of 31
, SECTION 1 | Reading Comprehension | Q1-Q15 | HESI A2 Entrance Exam 2026/2027
Q1 Question 1 of 85
A 34-year-old patient reads a discharge summary that states the medication should be taken 'on an empty
stomach.' The patient asks the nurse if this means before breakfast. The passage most directly supports which
interpretation of 'on an empty stomach'?
A. One hour before or two hours after a meal
B. First thing in the morning only
C. With a full glass of water only
D. At least 30 minutes after any food
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Standard pharmacological guidelines define 'on an empty stomach' as one hour before or two hours after eating, which is the
most widely accepted clinical interpretation. Taking the medication only in the morning is too restrictive and does not account
for dosing schedules later in the day.
Q2 Question 2 of 85
A nursing student reviews a research article about hand hygiene compliance. The article states that compliance
rates drop significantly when healthcare workers are fatigued. This finding suggests that fatigue most likely
affects which aspect of hand hygiene behavior?
A. The motivation and attentiveness required to follow protocol
B. The physical ability to wash hands properly
C. The knowledge of when hand washing is indicated
D. The availability of soap and sanitizer dispensers
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Fatigue primarily impairs cognitive focus and motivation, making healthcare workers less attentive to hygiene protocols even
when they know the correct procedure. Physical ability to perform hand washing is not typically diminished by fatigue alone,
nor does fatigue affect supply availability.
HESI A2 Entrance Exam -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: Pass/Fail | Page 2 of 31
,Q3 Question 3 of 85
A hospital newsletter reports that patient satisfaction scores improved after implementing bedside shift reports.
The newsletter notes that patients felt more informed and involved in their care. The primary conclusion
supported by this report is that bedside shift reports enhance which outcome?
A. Patient perception of involvement in their care plan
B. Clinical accuracy of medication administration
C. Speed of nurse response to call lights
D. Reduction in hospital-acquired infections
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
The report directly states that patients felt more informed and involved, which is a perception-based outcome about their care
experience. Clinical accuracy of medication administration and infection rates are not mentioned in the report, so no
conclusion can be drawn about those outcomes.
Q4 Question 4 of 85
A patient receives a pamphlet explaining that hypertension is called the 'silent killer' because it often has no
symptoms. The pamphlet urges regular blood pressure screening. Based on the pamphlet, the most logical
reason for regular screening is that hypertension detection relies on which method?
A. Routine measurement since symptoms are unreliable indicators
B. Patient-reported complaints of headache and dizziness
C. Observation of visible physical changes in the patient
D. Laboratory tests performed during annual checkups
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
Since hypertension is described as having no reliable symptoms, the only dependable detection method is routine blood
pressure measurement, making screening essential. Patient-reported symptoms and visible changes are explicitly unreliable
according to the pamphlet, and blood pressure is measured directly, not through lab tests.
Q5 Question 5 of 85
A public health bulletin states that vaccination rates in rural communities are 20% lower than in urban areas, and
that access to healthcare facilities is the most cited barrier. If a health department wants to increase rural
vaccination rates, which strategy is most directly supported by the bulletin's findings?
A. Mobile vaccination clinics that travel to rural areas
B. A social media campaign about vaccine benefits
C. Mandatory vaccination policies for school enrollment
D. Reducing the cost of vaccines at pharmacies
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The bulletin identifies access to healthcare facilities as the primary barrier, so bringing vaccines directly to rural communities
via mobile clinics directly addresses that finding. Social media campaigns and cost reduction do not solve the access
problem, and mandatory policies do not address the logistical barrier identified.
HESI A2 Entrance Exam -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: Pass/Fail | Page 3 of 31
, Q6 Question 6 of 85
A nurse reads a journal article stating that patients who receive preoperative education have shorter hospital
stays. The article controls for age, type of surgery, and comorbidities. The strongest inference from this study is
that preoperative education most likely influences which factor?
A. Patient readiness and adherence to postoperative instructions
B. The surgeon's technical skill during the procedure
C. The type of anesthesia used during surgery
D. The availability of post-discharge home care services
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Preoperative education prepares patients to follow postoperative instructions more effectively, which can accelerate recovery
and shorten stays. Surgeon skill and anesthesia type are not affected by patient education, and home care availability is an
external factor unrelated to the education intervention.
Q7 Question 7 of 85
A medication label reads: 'Store at room temperature, 68-77 degrees F. Protect from light. Do not refrigerate.' A
nurse finds the medication stored in a refrigerator. Based on the label, the correct action is to take which step?
A. Remove the medication from the refrigerator and check its integrity
B. Leave the medication in the refrigerator for safety
C. Transfer the medication to a warm storage area above 80 degrees F
D. Discard the medication immediately without further assessment
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
The label explicitly states not to refrigerate, so the medication must be removed from the refrigerator, and its integrity should
be assessed before use. Discarding without assessment is premature, leaving it in the refrigerator violates the label, and
storing above the specified range would also be incorrect.
Q8 Question 8 of 85
A research summary explains that a new wound dressing reduces healing time by 30% compared to standard
dressings, but the study only included diabetic patients with foot ulcers. A nurse considering this dressing for a
postsurgical abdominal wound should draw which conclusion?
A. The evidence supports use in diabetic foot ulcers but not necessarily in other wound types
B. The dressing will reduce healing time by 30% for all wound types
C. The dressing is not effective for any wound type outside the study
D. The dressing works equally well for surgical and ulcer wounds
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
The study population was limited to diabetic foot ulcers, so findings cannot be generalized to other wound types without
additional research. Assuming equal effectiveness for all wounds or dismissing the dressing entirely both represent logical
errors in applying research evidence.
HESI A2 Entrance Exam -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: Pass/Fail | Page 4 of 31
HESI / ELSEVIER
HESI A2 Entrance Exam Complete Study Guide 2026/2027
Anatomy, Grammar, Reading & Math | Nursing School Admission Prep | All Sections Covered
2026/2027 Edition - Official Exam 2026/2027
85 P/F N/A
QUESTIONS PASSING SCORE RECERTIFICATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 Reading Comprehension Q1-15
Section 2 Vocabulary and General Knowledge Q16-30
Section 3 Grammar Q31-45
Section 4 Basic Math Skills Q46-60
Section 5 Biology and Anatomy Q61-75
Section 6 Critical Thinking Q76-85
Instructions: Select the single best answer for each question. This exam is designed for HESI A2 Entrance Exam preparation.
Passing score determined by HESI standard.
HESI A2 Entrance Exam -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: Pass/Fail | Page 1 of 31
, SECTION 1 | Reading Comprehension | Q1-Q15 | HESI A2 Entrance Exam 2026/2027
Q1 Question 1 of 85
A 34-year-old patient reads a discharge summary that states the medication should be taken 'on an empty
stomach.' The patient asks the nurse if this means before breakfast. The passage most directly supports which
interpretation of 'on an empty stomach'?
A. One hour before or two hours after a meal
B. First thing in the morning only
C. With a full glass of water only
D. At least 30 minutes after any food
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Standard pharmacological guidelines define 'on an empty stomach' as one hour before or two hours after eating, which is the
most widely accepted clinical interpretation. Taking the medication only in the morning is too restrictive and does not account
for dosing schedules later in the day.
Q2 Question 2 of 85
A nursing student reviews a research article about hand hygiene compliance. The article states that compliance
rates drop significantly when healthcare workers are fatigued. This finding suggests that fatigue most likely
affects which aspect of hand hygiene behavior?
A. The motivation and attentiveness required to follow protocol
B. The physical ability to wash hands properly
C. The knowledge of when hand washing is indicated
D. The availability of soap and sanitizer dispensers
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Fatigue primarily impairs cognitive focus and motivation, making healthcare workers less attentive to hygiene protocols even
when they know the correct procedure. Physical ability to perform hand washing is not typically diminished by fatigue alone,
nor does fatigue affect supply availability.
HESI A2 Entrance Exam -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: Pass/Fail | Page 2 of 31
,Q3 Question 3 of 85
A hospital newsletter reports that patient satisfaction scores improved after implementing bedside shift reports.
The newsletter notes that patients felt more informed and involved in their care. The primary conclusion
supported by this report is that bedside shift reports enhance which outcome?
A. Patient perception of involvement in their care plan
B. Clinical accuracy of medication administration
C. Speed of nurse response to call lights
D. Reduction in hospital-acquired infections
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
The report directly states that patients felt more informed and involved, which is a perception-based outcome about their care
experience. Clinical accuracy of medication administration and infection rates are not mentioned in the report, so no
conclusion can be drawn about those outcomes.
Q4 Question 4 of 85
A patient receives a pamphlet explaining that hypertension is called the 'silent killer' because it often has no
symptoms. The pamphlet urges regular blood pressure screening. Based on the pamphlet, the most logical
reason for regular screening is that hypertension detection relies on which method?
A. Routine measurement since symptoms are unreliable indicators
B. Patient-reported complaints of headache and dizziness
C. Observation of visible physical changes in the patient
D. Laboratory tests performed during annual checkups
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
Since hypertension is described as having no reliable symptoms, the only dependable detection method is routine blood
pressure measurement, making screening essential. Patient-reported symptoms and visible changes are explicitly unreliable
according to the pamphlet, and blood pressure is measured directly, not through lab tests.
Q5 Question 5 of 85
A public health bulletin states that vaccination rates in rural communities are 20% lower than in urban areas, and
that access to healthcare facilities is the most cited barrier. If a health department wants to increase rural
vaccination rates, which strategy is most directly supported by the bulletin's findings?
A. Mobile vaccination clinics that travel to rural areas
B. A social media campaign about vaccine benefits
C. Mandatory vaccination policies for school enrollment
D. Reducing the cost of vaccines at pharmacies
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The bulletin identifies access to healthcare facilities as the primary barrier, so bringing vaccines directly to rural communities
via mobile clinics directly addresses that finding. Social media campaigns and cost reduction do not solve the access
problem, and mandatory policies do not address the logistical barrier identified.
HESI A2 Entrance Exam -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: Pass/Fail | Page 3 of 31
, Q6 Question 6 of 85
A nurse reads a journal article stating that patients who receive preoperative education have shorter hospital
stays. The article controls for age, type of surgery, and comorbidities. The strongest inference from this study is
that preoperative education most likely influences which factor?
A. Patient readiness and adherence to postoperative instructions
B. The surgeon's technical skill during the procedure
C. The type of anesthesia used during surgery
D. The availability of post-discharge home care services
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Preoperative education prepares patients to follow postoperative instructions more effectively, which can accelerate recovery
and shorten stays. Surgeon skill and anesthesia type are not affected by patient education, and home care availability is an
external factor unrelated to the education intervention.
Q7 Question 7 of 85
A medication label reads: 'Store at room temperature, 68-77 degrees F. Protect from light. Do not refrigerate.' A
nurse finds the medication stored in a refrigerator. Based on the label, the correct action is to take which step?
A. Remove the medication from the refrigerator and check its integrity
B. Leave the medication in the refrigerator for safety
C. Transfer the medication to a warm storage area above 80 degrees F
D. Discard the medication immediately without further assessment
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
The label explicitly states not to refrigerate, so the medication must be removed from the refrigerator, and its integrity should
be assessed before use. Discarding without assessment is premature, leaving it in the refrigerator violates the label, and
storing above the specified range would also be incorrect.
Q8 Question 8 of 85
A research summary explains that a new wound dressing reduces healing time by 30% compared to standard
dressings, but the study only included diabetic patients with foot ulcers. A nurse considering this dressing for a
postsurgical abdominal wound should draw which conclusion?
A. The evidence supports use in diabetic foot ulcers but not necessarily in other wound types
B. The dressing will reduce healing time by 30% for all wound types
C. The dressing is not effective for any wound type outside the study
D. The dressing works equally well for surgical and ulcer wounds
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
The study population was limited to diabetic foot ulcers, so findings cannot be generalized to other wound types without
additional research. Assuming equal effectiveness for all wounds or dismissing the dressing entirely both represent logical
errors in applying research evidence.
HESI A2 Entrance Exam -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: Pass/Fail | Page 4 of 31
