When preparing for the HESI A2 Exam, you’re not just studying for a test; you’re preparing for your future as a nurse. One of the most effective ways to get ready for this critical exam is by working through HESI practice exam questions. These questions serve as a tool to deepen your understanding of the exam’s content, familiarize you with the format, and help you sharpen the skills that the exam evaluates. But remember, the goal isn’t to memorize answers—it’s to master the concepts that will make you a better nursing professional.
In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the different sections of the HESI A2 Exam and provide you with carefully curated HESI practice exam questions that reflect the types of questions you’ll encounter. Ready to get started?
Why HESI Practice Exam Questions Are Crucial for Success
Your ability to critically think under pressure is what will separate you from others. By working through HESI practice exam questions, you expose yourself to the level of reasoning needed to excel. These practice questions simulate real exam conditions, testing your understanding of subjects such as math, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and science. Whether you’re confident in your skills or feel unsure, practice questions allow you to identify your weaknesses and turn them into strengths. They are designed not just to challenge you but to train your mind for the types of clinical scenarios you’ll face in nursing.
If you’re preparing for the exam, visit our HESI A2 page for more resources and practice materials. At Nursing Elites, we’re committed to helping you succeed.
Key Sections of the HESI A2 Exam with Sample Questions
The HESI A2 Exam covers multiple sections, each designed to evaluate a specific area of knowledge. Below is a breakdown of these sections, along with sample HESI practice exam questions that you can work through as you study.
1. Mathematics
Math is crucial for nursing, whether it’s calculating dosages or understanding IV rates. The math section of the HESI A2 requires you to solve problems involving arithmetic, algebra, and applied problem-solving skills.
Sample HESI Practice Exam Questions:
- Question: A patient requires 500 mg of medication every 6 hours. How much medication will they receive in 24 hours?
- A) 1500 mg
- B) 2000 mg
- C) 2500 mg
- D) 3000 mg
Answer: B) 2000 mg (500 mg × 4 = 2000 mg)
- Question: A nurse administers 0.75 liters of IV fluid. How many milliliters is this?
- A) 75 mL
- B) 750 mL
- C) 500 mL
- D) 1000 mL
Answer: B) 750 mL (1 L = 1000 mL, so 0.75 L = 750 mL)
- Question: How many grams of medication are in 400 mL of a 12% solution?
- A) 48 g
- B) 24 g
- C) 96 g
- D) 4.8 g
Answer: A) 48 g (12% of 400 mL = 48 g)
- Question: A patient is to receive 125 mg of medication in 5 doses. How many mg will be administered per dose?
- A) 15 mg
- B) 25 mg
- C) 35 mg
- D) 45 mg
Answer: B) 25 mg (125 mg ÷ 5 doses = 25 mg)
- Question: If a patient’s IV is running at 150 mL per hour, how much fluid will the patient receive over 4 hours?
- A) 500 mL
- B) 600 mL
- C) 750 mL
- D) 900 mL
Answer: D) 600 mL (150 mL/hour × 4 hours = 600 mL)
2. Reading Comprehension
In the reading comprehension section, you’ll be asked to analyze and interpret healthcare-related texts. As a nurse, understanding written instructions and information is a fundamental part of your job.
Sample HESI Practice Exam Questions:
- Question: Read the passage below:
“The heart’s primary function is to pump oxygenated blood to the body and return deoxygenated blood to the lungs for reoxygenation.”
What is the passage mainly about?- A) The role of the heart in the circulatory system
- B) The process of oxygenation in the body
- C) The importance of blood oxygen levels
- D) The relationship between the heart and lungs
Answer: A) The role of the heart in the circulatory system
- Question: Based on a passage about medical ethics, the author emphasizes which principle?
- A) Patient autonomy
- B) Beneficence
- C) Non-maleficence
- D) Justice
Answer: A) Patient autonomy
- Question: The author’s tone in describing a nurse’s role in patient care can best be described as:
- A) Cautious
- B) Encouraging
- C) Neutral
- D) Urgent
Answer: B) Encouraging
- Question: In a passage about patient recovery, the author suggests which of the following as most important for healing?
- A) Medication adherence
- B) Diet management
- C) Emotional support
- D) Physical exercise
Answer: C) Emotional support
- Question: What is the primary purpose of the passage?
- A) To inform
- B) To entertain
- C) To persuade
- D) To describe
Answer: A) To inform
3. Vocabulary and General Knowledge
This section assesses your understanding of healthcare-related vocabulary. You’ll encounter words and concepts that are frequently used in the nursing profession.
Sample HESI Practice Exam Questions:
- Question: What does “bradycardia” mean?
- A) Slow breathing
- B) Slow heart rate
- C) Irregular heartbeat
- D) High blood pressure
Answer: B) Slow heart rate
- Question: What is the medical term for inflammation of the liver?
- A) Hepatitis
- B) Nephritis
- C) Gastritis
- D) Meningitis
Answer: A) Hepatitis
- Question: Which term refers to the study of tissues?
- A) Cytology
- B) Histology
- C) Embryology
- D) Physiology
Answer: B) Histology
- Question: What does “hypoxia” refer to?
- A) Low oxygen levels in the blood
- B) High oxygen levels in the blood
- C) High carbon dioxide levels
- D) A loss of sensation
Answer: A) Low oxygen levels in the blood
- Question: Which of the following terms means difficulty swallowing?
- A) Dyspnea
- B) Dysphagia
- C) Dysarthria
- D) Dyspepsia
Answer: B) Dysphagia
4. Science (Divided: Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology)
The science section includes several subtopics like biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. Understanding the processes that govern life is crucial for the HESI A2 Exam.
Sample HESI Practice Exam Questions (Science):
- Biology
Question: What is the powerhouse of the cell?- A) Nucleus
- B) Mitochondria
- C) Ribosomes
- D) Endoplasmic reticulum
Answer: B) Mitochondria
- Chemistry
Question: What is the chemical formula for water?- A) CO₂
- B) H₂O
- C) O₂
- D) NaCl
Answer: B) H₂O
- Anatomy and Physiology
Question: Which system controls body movement and coordination?- A) Digestive system
- B) Endocrine system
- C) Nervous system
- D) Respiratory system
Answer: C) Nervous system
- Question: What is the main function of red blood cells?
- A) Fight infection
- B) Transport oxygen
- C) Produce antibodies
- D) Maintain electrolyte balance
Answer: B) Transport oxygen
- Question: The diaphragm plays a key role in which process?
- A) Digestion
- B) Respiration
- C) Circulation
- D) Reproduction
Answer: B) Respiration
Conclusion
Mastering HESI practice exam questions is your key to success in the HESI A2 Exam. The more questions you tackle, the more prepared you will be to face the real exam with confidence. These practice questions help reinforce your understanding of core subjects, making sure you’re fully equipped for nursing school and beyond. Keep pushing through each section, and remember, Nursing Elites has all the resources you need to support your journey. Visit our HESI A2 page for more detailed resources, and make every practice question count on your way to success!
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