Nursing Practice Questions

HESI A2 Practice Questions

HESI Admission Assessment (HESI A2)Practice with free HESI A2 sample questions covering math, reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and science - each one includes a detailed explanation so you understand the reasoning behind every answer.

326
Total Questions
5 hours 15 minutes
Time Limit
School-dependent (typically 75-80%)
Passing Score
$40-$100
Registration Fee

Free Sample Questions

Here are 5 free sample questions from our full bank of 450+ HESI A2 practice questions. Try them out below — click "Show Answer" to reveal the correct response and explanation.

1

A nurse needs to administer 1.5 liters of IV fluid over 8 hours. If the IV tubing delivers 15 drops per milliliter, how many drops per minute should be administered?

AA) 32 drops/min
BB) 38 drops/min
CC) 47 drops/min
DD) 52 drops/min
2

Read the following passage: 'Despite advances in sanitation, waterborne diseases remain a leading cause of illness in developing nations. Contaminated water sources account for roughly 1.2 million deaths annually, with children under five being disproportionately affected.' Based on this passage, which of the following can be inferred?

AA) Children under five are more vulnerable to waterborne illness than adults
BB) Sanitation improvements have had no meaningful impact on public health
CC) Waterborne diseases only occur in developing countries
DD) All deaths from contaminated water are preventable with modern technology
3

What is the meaning of the word 'exacerbate' as used in the sentence: 'Skipping prescribed medications can exacerbate a patient's symptoms'?

AA) Diagnose
BB) Relieve
CC) Monitor
DD) Worsen
4

Which of the following sentences uses correct punctuation?

AA) The patients chart indicated, that she was allergic to penicillin.
BB) Before administering the medication, the nurse verified the patient's identity and dosage.
CC) The doctor asked "how are you feeling today."
DD) The nurse checked the patients vitals, and, recorded the results.
5

Which organelle is responsible for producing ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell?

AA) Golgi apparatus
BB) Endoplasmic reticulum
CC) Mitochondria
DD) Ribosome

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About the HESI A2

Format & Structure

Total Questions
326
Time Limit
5 hours 15 minutes
Format
Multiple choice, computer-based

Scoring & Cost

Passing Score
School-dependent (typically 75-80%)
Registration Fee
$40-$100

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the HESI A2 and the TEAS?

Both are nursing school entrance assessments, but they're made by different companies - HESI is from Elsevier and TEAS is from ATI. The HESI A2 tends to have more science-heavy content with separate anatomy, biology, and chemistry sections, while the TEAS combines science into one section. Which one you take usually depends on what your school requires, not personal preference. Some programs accept either, so it's worth checking.

How is the HESI A2 scored?

You'll receive individual scores for each section as a percentage, plus a cumulative score that averages everything together. There's no official pass or fail from Elsevier - each nursing program sets its own minimum score, which typically falls between 75% and 80%. Some competitive programs want 85% or higher on certain sections. Your score report breaks things down by section so you can see exactly where you're strong and where you need work.

Which nursing schools require the HESI A2?

Hundreds of nursing programs across the U.S. require the HESI A2 for admission. It's particularly common at ADN and BSN programs, including schools like Chamberlain University, Herzing University, and many community college nursing programs. The best way to find out is to check the admissions requirements page for the specific programs you're interested in - don't assume based on what another school requires.

Can I retake the HESI A2 if I don't pass?

Yes, but retake policies vary quite a bit from school to school. Some programs allow retakes after a 60-day waiting period, while others require you to wait 90 days or longer. Many schools limit you to two or three attempts within a year. You'll also need to pay the registration fee again each time. Check with your specific program before planning a retake, because some schools won't accept scores from more than a certain number of attempts.

What subjects are on the HESI A2?

The HESI A2 can include up to eight academic sections: Math, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar, Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, and Physics. Most nursing programs only require four or five of these - typically Math, Reading, Vocabulary, Grammar, and either Biology or Anatomy and Physiology. There's also a personality profile and learning style assessment, but those aren't scored. Your school will tell you exactly which sections you need to take.

Which section of the HESI A2 is the hardest?

Anatomy and Physiology tends to give students the most trouble, followed closely by Chemistry - both require solid memorization and understanding of complex systems. That said, it really depends on your background. Students who haven't taken a science class in a while often struggle with Biology too. Math is generally considered one of the easier sections since it covers basic arithmetic, fractions, ratios, and conversions without anything too advanced.

How long should I study for the HESI A2?

Plan on at least 4 to 8 weeks of consistent studying, depending on how comfortable you are with the material. If you've recently completed prerequisite courses like anatomy or chemistry, you might be fine with a month. But if it's been a while since you've studied science, give yourself the full eight weeks or more. Studying 1-2 hours a day is more effective than cramming everything into long weekend sessions.

How much does the HESI A2 cost?

The HESI A2 typically costs between $40 and $100, depending on where you take it. Many schools administer the assessment on campus and set their own pricing, so the cost can vary quite a bit. Some testing centers charge separately for additional sections beyond the core ones. If you need to retake it, you'll pay the full fee again. A few schools include the cost in your application fee, so it doesn't hurt to ask about that when you're applying.

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