Hesi A2 Free Sample Questions

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HESI-A2 Sample Questions

  1. Question 1

    Q1

    A nurse is preparing to administer a 2.5 g dose of an antibiotic. The pharmacy supplies the medication in vials containing 500 mg per 2 mL of solution. How many milliliters (mL) should the nurse draw up to administer the correct dose?

    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: B

    First, convert the required dose from grams to milligrams, as the medication concentration is in mg. Since 1 g = 1000 mg, 2.5 g is equal to 2500 mg. Next, set up a proportion to find the required volume in mL. The proportion is: 500 mg / 2 mL = 2500 mg / X mL. Solving for X gives (2500 mg * 2 mL) / 500 mg = 10 mL. Therefore, the nurse must draw up 10 mL.

  2. Question 2

    Q2

    Which of the following sentences contains a grammatical error in subject-verb agreement?

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    Correct answer: B

    The subject of this sentence is 'Each,' which is a singular indefinite pronoun. Therefore, the verb must also be singular. The correct verb form is 'requires,' not 'require.' The prepositional phrase 'of the patients' does not affect the subject-verb agreement.

  3. Question 3

    Q3

    A medical journal abstract states: 'The new treatment demonstrated a significant amelioration of symptoms.' What is the best synonym for 'amelioration'?

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    Correct answer: C

    Amelioration means the act of making something better or improving it. In a medical context, it refers to the reduction or improvement of symptoms or a condition. 'Exacerbation' is an antonym, meaning a worsening of symptoms. 'Diagnosis' is the identification of a disease, and 'complication' is a secondary problem that arises.

  4. Question 4

    Q4Multiple answers

    The cell membrane is primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer, which is selectively permeable. Which TWO of the following processes require energy in the form of ATP to move substances across this membrane? (Select TWO)

    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answers: B, D

    Active transport moves substances against their concentration gradient (from low to high concentration), which requires cellular energy (ATP). The sodium-potassium pump is a classic example.

    Endocytosis is the process by which cells take in large particles or substances by engulfing them, forming a vesicle. This process requires energy (ATP) to change the shape of the cell membrane. Osmosis and facilitated diffusion are forms of passive transport and do not require ATP.

  5. Question 5

    Q5

    Case Study: Patient Intake

    A nursing student is reviewing a patient's intake and output (I&O) chart for an 8-hour shift. The patient consumed 6 oz of juice, 1 cup of coffee, and half of a 500 mL bottle of water. During the same period, the patient's urinary output was 450 mL and a wound drain collected 50 cc.

    What is the patient's total fluid intake in milliliters (mL) for the shift? (Note: 1 oz ≈ 30 mL, 1 cup ≈ 240 mL, 1 cc = 1 mL)

    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: C

    To calculate the total intake, each amount must be converted to milliliters and then summed.

    1. Juice: 6 oz * 30 mL/oz = 180 mL
    2. Coffee: 1 cup * 240 mL/cup = 240 mL
    3. Water: 0.5 * 500 mL = 250 mL
      Total Intake = 180 mL + 240 mL + 250 mL = 670 mL.
      The output information (urinary and drain) is not needed to answer the question about intake.
  6. Question 6

    Q6

    Case Study: Reading a Patient Education Pamphlet

    Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

    "Managing Type 2 diabetes effectively hinges on a multifaceted approach that includes diet, exercise, and medication. While oral hypoglycemics are a common first-line treatment, their efficacy can diminish over time. Consequently, many patients eventually require insulin therapy to maintain glycemic control. It is a prevailing misconception that starting insulin signifies a personal failure in management; rather, it reflects the progressive nature of the disease. Adherence to a prescribed regimen is paramount, as inconsistent management can lead to severe long-term complications such as neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy."

    What is the main idea of this passage?

    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: D

    The passage discusses multiple aspects of diabetes management (diet, exercise, medication), the progression of treatment (from oral meds to insulin), corrects a misconception, and stresses the importance of adherence to avoid complications. This encompasses the entire message, making it the main idea. The other options are either directly contradicted by the text or are supporting details rather than the central theme.

  7. Question 7

    Q7

    True or False: In the cardiovascular system, arteries always carry oxygenated blood and veins always carry deoxygenated blood.

    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: B

    This statement is false. The definition of arteries and veins is based on the direction of blood flow relative to the heart, not oxygenation status. Arteries carry blood away from the heart, and veins carry blood toward the heart. The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs, and the pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the heart.

  8. Question 8

    Q8

    Which prefix means 'below' or 'deficient'?

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    Correct answer: B

    The prefix 'hypo-' means below, under, or deficient. Examples include 'hypoglycemia' (low blood sugar) and 'hypotension' (low blood pressure). 'Hyper-' means above or excessive. 'Inter-' means between. 'Intra-' means within.

  9. Question 9

    Q9

    A solution has a pH of 8.5. How would this solution be classified?

    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: D

    The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral. A pH below 7 is acidic, and a pH above 7 is alkaline (or basic). Since 8.5 is slightly above 7, the solution is classified as weakly alkaline.

    graph LR A[pH 0-6.9] --> Acidic B[pH 7] --> Neutral C[pH 7.1-14] --> Alkaline/Basic subgraph pH Scale direction LR A -- B -- C end style B fill:#d3d3d3,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px

  10. Question 10

    Q10

    Convert 1.5 liters (L) to milliliters (mL).

    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: C

    The prefix 'milli-' means one-thousandth. Therefore, there are 1000 milliliters in 1 liter. To convert liters to milliliters, you multiply the number of liters by 1000. So, 1.5 L * 1000 mL/L = 1500 mL.

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