HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Test Bank 2025/2026
1.Passage 1: Preventing Falls in Hospitals
Falls are a significant concern in hospitals, particularly for elderly patients. Nurses implement fall prevention strategies, such as ensuring bed rails are raised, providing non-slip footwear, and keeping walkways clear. Patients at risk are assessed using tools like the Morse Fall Scale. Education is key, with nurses teaching patients to call for assistance before moving. Studies show that consistent application of these measures reduces fall rates by up to 30%. However, challenges include staff shortages and patient non-compliance.
Question:What is the main idea of the passage?
A.Elderly patients are the only group at risk for falls.B.Fall prevention is a critical nursing responsibility in hospitals.C.The Morse Fall Scale is the most effective tool.D.Staff shortages cause most hospital falls.
Answer:B
Rationale:The passage focuses on nurses’ role in fall prevention, detailing strategies and their impact. A is too narrow, C is not stated, and D is a detail, not the main idea.
2.Passage 1
Question:What does “non-compliance” most likely mean in the passage?
A.Following instructions B.Ignoring instructions C.Requesting assistance D.Assessing risks
Answer:B
Rationale:Contextually, “patient non-compliance” implies not following fall preven- tion instructions, such as calling for help. A, C, and D do not fit the negative context.
3.Passage 1
Question:What is the purpose of the passage?
A.To criticize hospital staffing levels B.To inform about fall prevention strategies C.To promote the Morse Fall Scale D.To describe patient education programs
Answer:B
Rationale:The passage educates readers on fall prevention measures in hospitals. A, C, and D are too specific or secondary.
4.Passage 1
Question:Which statement is an opinion?
A.Bed rails should be raised to prevent falls.B.Nurses use the Morse Fall Scale for risk assessment.C.Fall rates can decrease by up to 30% with prevention.
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D.Patients are taught to call for assistance.
Answer:A
Rationale:A uses “should,” indicating a subjective recommendation. B, C, and D are factual, based on practices or study data.
5.Passage 1
Question:What can be inferred about fall prevention?
A.It eliminates all hospital falls.B.It requires patient cooperation.C.It is only needed for elderly patients.D.It is ineffective without more staff.
Answer:B
Rationale:The passage mentions patient non-compliance as a challenge, implying
cooperation is needed (B). A, C, and D are contradicted or too extreme.
6.Passage 1
Question:Summarize the passage in one sentence.
A.Hospital falls are caused by poor staffing.B.Nurses use strategies like bed rails and education to reduce hospital falls, despite challenges.C.The Morse Fall Scale is essential for patient safety.D.Elderly patients are the primary focus of fall prevention.
Answer:B
Rationale:B captures the passage’s focus on fall prevention strategies and challenges.A, C, and D are too narrow or incorrect.
7.Passage 2: Managing Asthma in Children
Asthma is a chronic condition affecting children’s airways, causing wheezing and diffi- culty breathing. Nurses educate parents on using inhalers, such as albuterol for quick relief and corticosteroids for long-term control. Environmental triggers like pollen and smoke should be avoided. Action plans help families manage attacks, detailing when to use medication or seek emergency care. Regular check-ups ensure proper asthma control, improving quality of life. Compliance with treatment is critical but can be challenging for young patients.
Question:What is a supporting detail for the main idea of asthma management?
A.Asthma is a common childhood illness.B.Albuterol is used for quick relief of asthma symptoms.C.Nurses have extensive training in pediatric care.D.Emergency care is always needed for asthma attacks.
Answer:B
Rationale:The main idea is managing asthma in children. B details a specific treat- ment, supporting this idea. A, C, and D are too broad or incorrect.
8.Passage 2
Question:What does “triggers” most likely mean in the passage?
A.Symptoms
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