Reading practice test: free HESI A2 Admission Assessment questions

Sample Practice Questions for Reading

1. Question 1Ref: HESI A2 Content Outline — Reading: Comprehension

   Read the following passage: 'The heart pumps blood through the circulatory system, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues while removing carbon dioxide and waste products.' What is the main idea of this sentence?

   AThe heart is a muscular organ.BThe circulatory system has many parts.CThe heart circulates blood throughout the body.DCarbon dioxide is a waste product.
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   Correct Answer
   C. The heart circulates blood throughout the body.

   The keyed answer is "The heart circulates blood throughout the body.". The sentence describes the primary role of the heart in circulation. The other options mention supporting details but not the central idea of the entire passage.

2. Question 2Ref: HESI A2 Content Outline — Reading: Vocabulary in Context

   Which sentence is correctly written?

   AThe nurse checked the patients vital signs.BThe nurse checked the patient's vital signs.CThe nurse checked the patients' vital signs.DThe nurse checked the patients' vital sign's.
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   Correct Answer
   B. The nurse checked the patient's vital signs.

   The keyed answer is "The nurse checked the patient's vital signs.". The possessive form of patient is patient's, indicating belonging. The other options misuse apostrophes or apply the wrong possessive form.

3. Question 3Ref: HESI A2 Content Outline — Reading: Vocabulary in Context

   In the sentence 'The medication should be administered intramuscularly,' what does 'intramuscularly' mean?

   AInto a veinBUnder the skinCInto a muscleDThrough the mouth
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   Correct Answer
   C. Into a muscle

   The keyed answer is "Into a muscle". The prefix intra means within, and muscular refers to muscle. Intramuscularly means the medication is delivered into a muscle tissue.

4. Question 4Ref: HESI A2 Content Outline — Reading: Comprehension

   Read this excerpt: 'Postoperative care involves monitoring the patient's vital signs, managing pain, and preventing complications.' What is the author's purpose in this sentence?

   ATo persuade the reader to become a nurseBTo define postoperative careCTo list components of postoperative careDTo compare postoperative and preoperative care
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   Correct Answer
   C. To list components of postoperative care

   The keyed answer is "To list components of postoperative care". The sentence enumerates specific tasks involved in postoperative care, making the purpose to list or describe the components of this type of care.

5. Question 5Ref: HESI A2 Content Outline — Reading: Vocabulary in Context

   What does the prefix 'tachy-' mean in the word 'tachycardia'?

   ASlowBFastCNormalDIrregular
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   Correct Answer
   B. Fast

   The keyed answer is "Fast". The prefix tachy means fast. Tachycardia refers to a heart rate that is faster than the normal resting rate for an adult.

6. Question 6Ref: HESI A2 Content Outline — Reading: Vocabulary in Context

   Which word best completes the sentence: 'The nurse ______ the IV site for signs of infiltration.'?

   AassessedBassessesCassessDassessing
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   Correct Answer
   A. assessed

   The keyed answer is "assessed". The past tense assessed is appropriate here as it describes a completed action in a narrative about patient care.

7. Question 7Ref: HESI A2 Content Outline — Reading: Comprehension

   Read the passage: 'Hypertension, often called the silent killer, can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage if left untreated.' What can be inferred about hypertension?

   AIt always causes symptoms.BIt is easily cured.CIt may not show symptoms but can be dangerous.DIt only affects the heart.
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   Correct Answer
   C. It may not show symptoms but can be dangerous.

   The keyed answer is "It may not show symptoms but can be dangerous.". The phrase silent killer suggests hypertension often has no obvious symptoms but can cause serious health problems if not managed.

8. Question 8Ref: HESI A2 Content Outline — Reading: Vocabulary in Context

   In the sentence 'The patient's condition deteriorated rapidly,' which word is an antonym of 'deteriorated'?

   AWorsenedBImprovedCStabilizedDRemained
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   Correct Answer
   B. Improved

   The keyed answer is "Improved". An antonym is a word with the opposite meaning. Improved is the opposite of deteriorated, which means to become worse.