Which organ is primarily responsible for filtering and removing waste products from the blood?

Kidneys. The kidneys are responsible for filtering blood, removing waste products and excess substances, and excreting them in the form of urine. They play a crucial role in the urinary system to help maintain the body’s chemical balance.

What happens to the rate of a chemical reaction when the temperature is increased?

The rate increases. Raising the temperature raises the kinetic energy of molecules, causing them to move faster and collide more frequently, which increases the reaction rate. Lowering the temperature, not raising it, would decrease the rate. Reactions are temperature-dependent; they cannot stay the same if there is a temperature change. Temperature changes how fast a reaction will occur, not its direction.

What would be considered the dependent clause in this sentence? “The students could finally see the bus, which was running 15 minutes behind schedule.”

which was running 15 minutes behind schedule. “which was running 15 minutes behind schedule” is correct. The dependent clause in a sentence is the part which cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb.

Which punctuation mark would correctly fill in the blank space? After standing in the rain for nearly half an hour ___ Dawn decided she was not going to wait on Mike any longer.

a comma. A comma is the correct answer. In this sentence, the word “after” is a common starter word for the introductory clause and should be followed by a comma. A clause is a group of words that contain both a subject and a predicate and help to form a sentence. Other common starter words that require a comma after the introductory clause include when, while, although, and since.

A nurse needs to administer 0.75 liters of IV fluid. The IV pump is set to mL. Convert 0.75 liters to mL.

750 mL. 1 liter = 1,000 mL; 0.75 × 1,000 = 750 mL. The other options reflect calculation errors: 75 mL would be 0.075 liters, 7,500 mL would be 7.5 liters, and 7.5 mL would be 0.0075 liters.

Select the best word for the blank in the following sentence. My brother is crazy for science fiction stories; ____________, I prefer mysteries.

however. We’re showing a difference between my brother’s likes and mine. "However" is used to show contrast, which is best for this sentence. "Moreover" reinforces a statement. "In addition" adds information, and "as a result" suggests cause and effect.

Select the meaning of the word 'voracious' in the sentence: "His voracious appetite for knowledge is the reason for his academic success."

Insatiable. Voracious means wanting or devouring great quantities of something. In this context, it describes an unending desire for knowledge, contributing to academic achievement.

Which number is represented by the Roman numeral XXVII?

27. In Roman numerals, an “X” represents the number 10, a “V” represents 5, and “I” is representative of the number 1. In this problem we have 2 X’s, 1 V, and two I’s, which means we have two 10’s (20), one 5, and two 1’s (2). Written mathematically, 20 + 5 + 2 = 27

Which organelle is known as the "powerhouse of the cell"?

Mitochondria. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell because they produce most of the cell’s supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), used as a source of chemical energy.

Convert the ratio 5/25 to a percentage.

20%. 5 divided by 25 = 0.20 = 20%. The other percentages (25%, 5%, and 15%) do not result from correctly dividing 5 by 25.

What is the result of (2.0 × 10⁶) × (3.0 × 10⁴)?

6.0 × 10¹⁰. When multiplying numbers in scientific notation, you multiply the coefficients (2.0 and 3.0) and add the exponents (6 + 4). Thus, the result is 6.0 × 10⁶⁺⁴ = 6.0 × 10¹⁰.

The maintenance of a constant internal environment. Homeostasis is the process by which an organism maintains a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions. This includes the regulation of temperature, pH, hydration levels, and more.

Select the meaning of the word 'chivalrous' in the sentence: "In medieval times, knights were expected to uphold chivalrous behavior."

Honorable. Chivalrous means behaving in a way that is honorable and polite, especially towards women. In the context of knights, it refers to their code of conduct, which includes being honorable.

Select the best word for the blank in the following sentence. Once on a dark __________ day, we had four inches of snow fall in two hours.

winter’s. The clues are "dark" and "snow," which tell us it’s a cold time, likely winter. "Quiet" and "mysterious" can describe any day, and "carefree" doesn’t fit with a snowy setting. "Winter’s day" makes sense because it fits with snow.

Select the meaning of the word 'specious' in the sentence: "Her argument was based on specious reasoning that couldn’t be substantiated."

Misleading. Specious means superficially plausible, but actually wrong. The reasoning appeared to make sense but was in fact misleading and couldn’t be backed up with evidence.

What is the basic unit of life?

Cell. The cell is the basic unit of life. The atom is the basic unit of matter. The molecule is the basic unit of a chemical compound. An organ is the result of tissues working together.

Using the Lewis-dot structure model, how many dots would carbon have?

4. The number of dots in a Lewis-dot structure model corresponds to the number of valence electrons for that atom. Because carbon has four valence electrons, its Lewis-dot structure model would have 4 dots.

How is the number 5.67 × 10³ written in standard form?

5,670. 5.67 × 10³ means that the decimal point in 5.67 is moved to the right 3 places, resulting in 5,670.

Which is not an effect of photo-oxidation?

increase in tensile strength. Photo-oxidation occurs when UV light and ozone break down the surface of polymers. The result is the material becoming more brittle and discolored and less strong and smooth.

Which molecule carries genetic information?

DNA. DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) carries the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses.

Updated November 2026

HESI A2 Practice Test With Answers (60 Questions)

Get comfortable with the question style and core subjects tested on the HESI A2, so you can improve accuracy, avoid common traps, and walk into your exam feeling prepared.

Medically reviewed by Michele J. McCarthy, RN, MSN, CNE, nurse educator.

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What This HESI A2 Practice Test Helps You Improve

The HESI A2 rewards careful reading and clean fundamentals. Improved scores come from fixing small gaps, like fraction and percentage mistakes, missed keywords in passages, and grammar rules that may not have been used in a while.

This practice test gives you a balanced mix of the main topics. The results will allow you to focus on weaker topics and create a study plan.

This free HESI A2 practice test has 60 questions, mostly math, reading, vocabulary and grammar, with a few biology, chemistry, and anatomy and physiology questions. You see the right answer and an explanation after each question. There’s no timer and no sign-up. Members get 1,000+ HESI A2 practice questions across every subject.

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HESI A2 Exam at a Glance

The HESI A2 is a computer-based entrance exam from Elsevier that nursing programs use for admission. It can include up to eight academic sections, and your program chooses which ones you take.

Your score on each section is the percentage of graded questions you get right. There’s no curve, and a wrong answer costs you nothing extra, so answer every question. Elsevier doesn’t set a passing score. Most programs set a minimum between 75 and 80 percent, either for each section or as a composite.

Section and what it covers	Graded questions
Mathematics Arithmetic, fractions, ratios, percentages, conversions, dosage-style problems	50
Reading Comprehension Main idea, inference, vocabulary in context, fact vs. opinion	47
Vocabulary and General Knowledge Health and general vocabulary in context	50
Grammar Parts of speech, agreement, punctuation, word choice	50
Biology Cells, respiration, genetics, DNA and RNA	25
Chemistry Atomic structure, bonding, reactions, solutions, acids and bases	25
Anatomy and Physiology Body systems, terminology, directional terms	25
Physics Motion, forces, energy, waves, basic electricity	25

Every section also includes 5 unscored pilot questions, and most sittings add an unscored learning style assessment and personality profile. Click a section name to try a free practice test for it. For timing and retake rules, see What Is the HESI A2 Exam?

Sample HESI A2 Practice Questions

Here are 20 questions from our HESI A2 question bank, covering every section except Reading Comprehension, each with the answer and rationale. Reading questions need longer passages, so you’ll find those in the free practice test. Try each one before you open the answer.

Jump to: Math · Vocabulary · Grammar · Biology · Chemistry · Anatomy and physiology · Physics

Math

A medication order reads: Give 500 mg of medication. The medication is available in 250 mg tablets. How many tablets should the nurse administer?

A. 1 tablet

B. 1.5 tablets

C. 2 tablets

D. 4 tablets

Correct answer: C.

To find the number of tablets, divide the ordered dose by the available dose. 500 mg ÷ 250 mg = 2 tablets.

Incorrect: A. One tablet would only provide 250 mg, which is half the ordered dose. B. This calculation is incorrect; 1.5 tablets would provide 375 mg. D. Four tablets would provide 1,000 mg, which is double the ordered dose.

Math

What is 35% of 80?

A. 28

B. 35

C. 45

D. 24

Correct answer: A.

To find a percentage of a number, convert the percentage to a decimal and multiply. 35% = 0.35, and 0.35 × 80 = 28.

Incorrect: B. This is simply the percentage number, not the calculation result. C. This would be closer to 56% of 80. D. This is 30% of 80, not 35%.

Math

A furniture store offers a 25% discount on all sofas. If a sofa is initially priced at $1,200, what is the sale price?

A. $1,175

B. $300

C. $900

D. $1,500

Correct answer: C.

Step 1: One approach to percent off problems is to calculate the percent you would be paying. The original price is 100%. We are taking off 25%, which means we will be paying 75% (100 – 25) of the purchase price. By multiplying the purchase price by 0.75 (the decimal form of 75%) we can find the discounted price. 1200 × 0.75 = 900.

Vocabulary and General Knowledge

What is the meaning of the word contraindicated in the following sentence? “The use of aspirin is contraindicated in patients with bleeding disorders.”

A. Recommended

B. Required

C. Experimental

D. Inadvisable

Correct answer: D.

Contraindicated means inadvisable or not recommended due to potential harm. In this context, aspirin should not be given to patients with bleeding disorders because it thins the blood. A is incorrect because recommended is the opposite of contraindicated. B is incorrect because required implies necessity, which contradicts the meaning of contraindicated. C is incorrect because experimental refers to something being tested, which is unrelated to the term’s meaning.

Vocabulary and General Knowledge

What is the meaning of the prefix hypo-?

A. Above or excessive

B. Below or deficient

C. Around or surrounding

D. Against or opposite

Correct answer: B.

The prefix hypo- means below, under, or deficient. For example, hypothermia means below-normal body temperature, and hypoglycemia means low blood sugar.

Incorrect: A. Above or excessive is the meaning of the prefix hyper-, not hypo-. C. Around or surrounding is the meaning of the prefix peri-. D. Against or opposite is the meaning of the prefix anti-.

Vocabulary and General Knowledge

What is the meaning of the word chronic?

A. Occurring suddenly and severely

B. Lasting for a long period of time

C. Affecting only one body system

D. Easily cured with medication

Correct answer: B.

Chronic refers to conditions that persist over a long period of time, typically three months or longer. Examples include chronic pain, chronic kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Incorrect: A. This describes an acute condition, which is the opposite of chronic. C. Chronic does not refer to how many body systems are affected. D. Chronic conditions are often difficult to cure and require ongoing management.

Grammar

Select the sentence that is written correctly.

A. The nurse checked the patients vitals before administering the medication.

B. The nurse checked the patient’s vitals before administering the medication.

C. The nurse checked the patients’ vitals before administering the medication.

D. The nurse checked the patien’ts vitals before administering the medication.

Correct answer: B.

The apostrophe is correctly placed before the ‘s’ to show singular possession: the vitals belong to one patient.

Incorrect: A. This sentence is missing the apostrophe needed to show possession. Without the apostrophe, ‘patients’ appears to be a plural noun rather than a possessive form. C. The apostrophe after ‘s’ indicates plural possession (multiple patients), but the context describes one patient receiving medication. D. The apostrophe is incorrectly placed within the word ‘patient,’ which creates a spelling error.

Grammar

Which word correctly completes the sentence? The physician asked the nurse to __________ the patient’s vital signs every hour.

A. moniter

B. monitor

C. monitore

D. monitar

Correct answer: B.

“Monitor” is the correct spelling of the word meaning to observe, check, or keep track of something over time.

Incorrect: A. “Moniter” is a common misspelling. C. “Monitore” is not a correct spelling in English. D. “Monitar” is not a correct spelling in English.

Grammar

Select the word that correctly completes the sentence: The physician explained that the patient’s symptoms were ________ with a viral infection.

A. consistent

B. persistent

C. insistent

D. resistant

Correct answer: A.

Consistent means in agreement with or compatible. Symptoms that are consistent with a diagnosis match the expected presentation. B is incorrect because persistent means continuing over time, not matching or agreeing with. C is incorrect because insistent means demanding or emphatic, which does not fit the context. D is incorrect because resistant means opposing or not yielding, which changes the meaning of the sentence.

Biology

During which phase of mitosis do chromosomes line up along the center of the cell?

A. Prophase

B. Telophase

C. Anaphase

D. Metaphase

Correct answer: D.

During metaphase, chromosomes align along the metaphase plate (the center of the cell) before being separated. A is incorrect because during prophase, chromosomes condense and the nuclear envelope begins to break down, but chromosomes have not yet aligned. C is incorrect because during anaphase, sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles of the cell. B is incorrect because during telophase, chromosomes reach the poles and nuclear envelopes reform around each set.

Biology

Which organelle is responsible for producing energy in the cell?

A. Ribosome

B. Nucleus

C. Mitochondria

D. Golgi apparatus

Correct answer: C.

Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell because they produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate) through cellular respiration, providing energy for cellular processes.

Incorrect: A. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, not energy production. B. The nucleus contains genetic material and controls cell activities but does not produce energy. D. The Golgi apparatus packages and modifies proteins for transport; it does not produce energy.

Biology

What is the primary function of red blood cells?

A. Fighting infection

B. Transporting oxygen

C. Clotting blood

D. Producing antibodies

Correct answer: B.

Red blood cells, or erythrocytes, contain hemoglobin, which binds to oxygen in the lungs and transports it to tissues throughout the body.

Incorrect: A. White blood cells, or leukocytes, are responsible for fighting infection. C. Platelets, or thrombocytes, are responsible for blood clotting. D. Antibodies are produced by B lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, not red blood cells.

Chemistry

What is the pH of a neutral solution?

A. 0

B. 7

C. 14

D. 1

Correct answer: B.

A neutral solution has a pH of 7. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with values below 7 being acidic and values above 7 being basic (alkaline).

Incorrect: A. A pH of 0 indicates a strongly acidic solution. C. A pH of 14 indicates a strongly basic solution. D. A pH of 1 indicates a highly acidic solution.

Chemistry

A solution contains 5 grams of sodium chloride dissolved in 250 milliliters of water. What is the concentration expressed as a percentage (weight/volume)?

A. 0.02%

B. 0.5%

C. 2%

D. 5%

Correct answer: C.

Weight/volume percentage is calculated as (grams of solute ÷ milliliters of solution) × 100. Calculation: (5 g ÷ 250 mL) × 100 = 2%. A is incorrect because this is the result of dividing 5 by 250 without multiplying by 100. B is incorrect because this would be the result if the solution volume were 1,000 mL. D is incorrect because this would be correct if 5 grams were dissolved in 100 mL.

Chemistry

What type of bond is formed when electrons are shared between two atoms?

A. Ionic bond

B. Covalent bond

C. Hydrogen bond

D. Metallic bond

Correct answer: B.

A covalent bond forms when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons. This type of bonding commonly occurs between nonmetal atoms.

Incorrect: A. An ionic bond forms when electrons are transferred from one atom to another, not shared. C. A hydrogen bond is a weak attraction between a hydrogen atom and an electronegative atom like oxygen or nitrogen; it does not involve electron sharing. D. A metallic bond involves a sea of shared electrons among metal atoms, which is different from covalent bonding between specific atoms.

Anatomy and Physiology

Which chamber of the heart pumps oxygenated blood to the body?

A. Right atrium

B. Right ventricle

C. Left atrium

D. Left ventricle

Correct answer: D.

The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood through the aorta to the rest of the body. It has the thickest muscular wall because it must generate enough pressure to circulate blood throughout the entire body.

Incorrect: A. The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body via the superior and inferior vena cava. B. The right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs via the pulmonary artery. C. The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs via the pulmonary veins but does not pump it to the body.

Anatomy and Physiology

Which blood vessel carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body?

A. Pulmonary artery

B. Pulmonary vein

C. Superior vena cava

D. Aorta

Correct answer: D.

The aorta is the largest artery in the body and carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the systemic circulation. A is incorrect because the pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs. B is incorrect because the pulmonary vein carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium, not away from the heart. C is incorrect because the superior vena cava is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper body back to the heart.

Anatomy and Physiology

A person with AB- blood should not receive blood from which other blood type?

A. B-

B. A-

C. O-

D. AB+

Correct answer: D.

Those with an AB- blood type should not receive blood from those with AB+ blood. Although both AB+ and AB- blood have A and B antigens, the person with AB- blood lacks a special protein, or “Rhesus” Factor (Rh), circulating in their blood. If they are given blood that has the Rh factor present, their body will make antibodies to this foreign substance and complications will occur. This is especially true in pregnancy situations where the mother is Rh- and the baby she is carrying is Rh+.

Physics

If the mass of an object is doubled while the force applied to it remains constant, what happens to its acceleration?

A. It doubles.

B. It remains the same.

C. It is halved.

D. It quadruples.

Correct answer: C.

According to Newton’s second law of motion, the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force applied to it and inversely proportional to its mass (a = F/m). Therefore, if the mass (m) is doubled (2m) while the force (F) remains constant, the acceleration (a) is halved (F/2m), because doubling the denominator in a fraction halves the value of the fraction.

Physics

Which of the following is a scalar quantity?

A. Force

B. Velocity

C. Speed

D. Acceleration

Correct answer: C.

Scalar quantities are those that are described by magnitude alone, without a direction. Speed is a scalar quantity because it only describes how fast an object is moving, not the direction of motion. Force, velocity, and acceleration are vector quantities because they describe both magnitude and direction.

Common Questions

These FAQs cover what students worry about most, like required sections, calculator rules, score goals, and the fastest way to review mistakes.

How is the HESI A2 scored, and what should I aim for?

Score targets vary by program, but your best goal is consistency. Keep practicing until you can hit a strong score repeatedly, not just once.

Do I need to study every section for my program?

Not always. Some schools only require certain sections, so confirm the exact subjects your program uses before you plan your study time.

Is the HESI A2 more about speed or accuracy?

Accuracy matters more. Most students lose points from rushed reading, skipped steps in math, or grammar choices that look right at first glance.

Can I use a calculator on test day?

Many testing setups provide an on-screen calculator for certain math problems. Personal calculators are often not allowed, so practice the way you expect to test.

What is the fastest way to raise my math score?

Focus on high-frequency basics like fractions, percentages, ratios, conversions, and word problems. Most math score improvements come from fixing repeated errors, not learning new topics.

How do I improve reading comprehension without taking hours per day?

Practice short passages daily, underline keywords in the question, and answer using only what the text supports. Avoid “almost true” choices that add extra assumptions.

Why do I keep missing vocabulary questions even when I read a lot?

Entrance exam vocabulary often leans on academic roots, prefixes, and context clues. Practice breaking words into parts and understanding the meaning of the sentence before you pick an answer.

What should I do when two answers seem correct?

Choose the option that is most precise and directly matches the question. If one answer is broader or slightly off-topic, it is usually incorrect.

How often should I take a full mixed practice test?

Use full tests to measure progress once in a while, then spend most of your time on section drills where you can fix weaker areas.

How do I review my wrong answers so I don’t repeat the same mistakes?

Label each miss by pattern (careless math step, misread keyword, weak concept, wrong choice between two similar answers), fix that pattern with a short drill, then retest within 24 to 48 hours.

What should I focus on first if my exam date is close?

Start with the sections your program weighs most and the ones you can improve quickly, usually math accuracy, reading questions, and grammar basics. Then fill in science gaps after.

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HESI A2 Practice Test With Answers (60 Questions)

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What This HESI A2 Practice Test Helps You Improve

Tabitha C.

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More HESI Practice Tests

HESI A2 Exam at a Glance

Sample HESI A2 Practice Questions

A medication order reads: Give 500 mg of medication. The medication is available in 250 mg tablets. How many tablets should the nurse administer?

What is 35% of 80?

A furniture store offers a 25% discount on all sofas. If a sofa is initially priced at $1,200, what is the sale price?

What is the meaning of the word contraindicated in the following sentence? “The use of aspirin is contraindicated in patients with bleeding disorders.”

What is the meaning of the prefix hypo-?

What is the meaning of the word chronic?

Select the sentence that is written correctly.

Which word correctly completes the sentence? The physician asked the nurse to __________ the patient’s vital signs every hour.

Select the word that correctly completes the sentence: The physician explained that the patient’s symptoms were ________ with a viral infection.

During which phase of mitosis do chromosomes line up along the center of the cell?

Which organelle is responsible for producing energy in the cell?

What is the primary function of red blood cells?

What is the pH of a neutral solution?

A solution contains 5 grams of sodium chloride dissolved in 250 milliliters of water. What is the concentration expressed as a percentage (weight/volume)?

What type of bond is formed when electrons are shared between two atoms?

Which chamber of the heart pumps oxygenated blood to the body?

Which blood vessel carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body?

A person with AB- blood should not receive blood from which other blood type?

If the mass of an object is doubled while the force applied to it remains constant, what happens to its acceleration?

Which of the following is a scalar quantity?

Common Questions

How is the HESI A2 scored, and what should I aim for?

Do I need to study every section for my program?

Is the HESI A2 more about speed or accuracy?

Can I use a calculator on test day?

What is the fastest way to raise my math score?

How do I improve reading comprehension without taking hours per day?

Why do I keep missing vocabulary questions even when I read a lot?

What should I do when two answers seem correct?

How often should I take a full mixed practice test?

How do I review my wrong answers so I don’t repeat the same mistakes?

What should I focus on first if my exam date is close?

Ready to pass for real?