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HESI A2 Vocab study materials
HESI A2 Vocab study resources

HESI A2 Vocab practice questions

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Question 1Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

A patient with hypertension would most likely have which finding?

  1. Low blood sugar
  2. Elevated blood pressure Correct answer.
  3. Slow heart rate
  4. Rapid breathing

Explanation

Hypertension literally means 'high tension/pressure' (hyper- = excessive, -tension = pressure). Clinically it refers to chronically elevated arterial blood pressure, typically 130/80 mmHg or higher per current guidelines.

Question 2Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

The nurse documented that the wound required a suture. A suture is a:

  1. Sterile dressing
  2. Stitch used to close a wound Correct answer.
  3. Type of antibiotic ointment
  4. Drainage tube

Explanation

A suture is a stitch (or the surgical thread used to make it) that holds the edges of a wound or surgical incision together while it heals. Sutures may be absorbable or non-absorbable.

Question 3Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

A patient described as lethargic is exhibiting which behavior?

  1. Restless and agitated
  2. Drowsy and sluggish Correct answer.
  3. Alert and oriented
  4. Anxious and fearful

Explanation

Lethargic means abnormally drowsy, sluggish, or lacking energy. A lethargic patient is difficult to arouse and responds slowly to stimuli - an important neurological assessment finding.

Question 4Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

When the nurse palpates the abdomen, the nurse is:

  1. Listening with a stethoscope
  2. Examining by touch Correct answer.
  3. Tapping to produce sound
  4. Visually inspecting it

Explanation

To palpate means to examine by touch, using the hands or fingers to feel for size, firmness, tenderness, or masses. It is one of the four classic physical-exam techniques along with inspection, percussion, and auscultation.

Question 5Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

The physician's prognosis for the patient was guarded. Prognosis refers to:

  1. The cause of the disease
  2. Identification of the disease
  3. The predicted outcome of an illness Correct answer.
  4. The treatment plan

Explanation

Prognosis is the predicted or likely outcome of a disease, including chance of recovery, recurrence, and survival. A 'guarded' prognosis means the outcome is uncertain and there is concern about recovery.

Question 6Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

A patient is described as febrile. This means the patient has:

  1. Difficulty breathing
  2. A fever Correct answer.
  3. Pain on movement
  4. Bleeding

Explanation

Febrile means having or showing the symptoms of a fever - an elevated body temperature, typically above 38 degrees C (100.4 F). 'Afebrile' is the opposite and means without fever.

Question 7Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

The patient's symptoms were described as transient. Transient means:

  1. Severe and lasting
  2. Short-lived or temporary Correct answer.
  3. Gradually worsening
  4. Returning repeatedly

Explanation

Transient means lasting only a short time; temporary. A transient ischemic attack (TIA), for example, produces stroke-like symptoms that resolve within minutes to hours.

Question 8Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

When a wound is described as purulent, it is:

  1. Clear and watery
  2. Producing or containing pus Correct answer.
  3. Healing well
  4. Covered with a scab

Explanation

Purulent describes drainage or material that contains pus - a thick, often yellow, green, or white fluid produced during infection. Purulent drainage is a key sign that a wound is infected and requires intervention.

Question 9Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

A patient is described as having an exacerbation of asthma. Exacerbation means:

  1. A worsening or flare-up Correct answer.
  2. A gradual improvement
  3. Complete recovery
  4. An initial diagnosis

Explanation

An exacerbation is an increase in the severity of a disease or its signs and symptoms - a flare-up. In asthma, an exacerbation involves worsening wheezing, dyspnea, and decreased peak flow.

Question 10Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

The physician ordered the medication to be given PRN. PRN means the medication is given:

  1. Three times a day
  2. As needed Correct answer.
  3. Before meals
  4. By mouth

Explanation

PRN is from the Latin 'pro re nata,' meaning 'as the situation requires' - i.e., as needed. PRN medications are given when the patient requires them, not on a fixed schedule, within ordered limits.

Question 11Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

The patient was diagnosed with edema in the lower extremities. Edema is:

  1. Bruising of tissue
  2. Swelling caused by fluid accumulation Correct answer.
  3. Numbness and tingling
  4. Loss of muscle function

Explanation

Edema is swelling caused by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in body tissues, most often in the legs and feet. It is commonly assessed by checking for pitting in the lower extremities.

Question 12Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

A patient's incision is described as approximated. This means the wound edges are:

  1. Pulled apart
  2. Brought close together Correct answer.
  3. Reddened and inflamed
  4. Covered with drainage

Explanation

Approximated means brought close together; in wound care it means the edges of the incision are aligned and touching, which promotes healing by primary intention.

Question 13Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

The patient reports being nauseated. Nausea is:

  1. A sensation of wanting to vomit Correct answer.
  2. Dizziness when standing
  3. Pain with swallowing
  4. Loss of appetite

Explanation

Nausea is an unpleasant sensation in the upper abdomen and throat that often precedes vomiting. It is a symptom, not a disease, and can be triggered by many conditions including motion, medications, and illness.

Question 14Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

An ambulatory patient is one who:

  1. Is unable to move
  2. Is able to walk Correct answer.
  3. Requires a wheelchair
  4. Is confined to bed

Explanation

Ambulatory means able to walk about. Ambulatory care is care provided to patients who are not admitted as inpatients - for example, in a clinic - because they can walk in and out.

Question 15Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

A patient who is cyanotic appears:

  1. Pale white
  2. Bluish in color Correct answer.
  3. Yellow
  4. Reddened

Explanation

Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes caused by inadequate oxygenation of the blood. Central cyanosis is seen in the lips and tongue; peripheral cyanosis appears in the fingers and toes.

Question 16Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

A patient with dyspnea is experiencing:

  1. Difficulty swallowing
  2. Difficult or labored breathing Correct answer.
  3. Difficulty speaking
  4. Difficulty walking

Explanation

Dyspnea means difficult or labored breathing, often described by patients as shortness of breath. The prefix dys- means difficult or abnormal, and -pnea refers to breathing.

Question 17Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

A patient is described as obese. Obese means having:

  1. A normal body weight
  2. An excess amount of body fat Correct answer.
  3. Very thin body habitus
  4. Muscle wasting

Explanation

Obese means having an excessive amount of body fat. Clinically, obesity in adults is generally defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, with associated health risks.

Question 18Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

The patient's medication will be administered intramuscularly. This means it will be given:

  1. Under the skin
  2. Into a vein
  3. Into a muscle Correct answer.
  4. By mouth

Explanation

Intramuscular (IM) means within or into a muscle (intra- = within, muscul/o = muscle, -ar = pertaining to). IM injections deliver medications such as vaccines and antibiotics deep into muscle tissue, typically the deltoid or vastus lateralis.

Question 19Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

The patient is described as malaise. Malaise is:

  1. A type of severe pain
  2. A general feeling of discomfort or unease Correct answer.
  3. A high fever
  4. A skin rash

Explanation

Malaise is a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or unease whose exact cause is difficult to identify. It is a common nonspecific symptom seen in infections, chronic disease, and mental illness.

Question 20Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

A patient with anorexia has:

  1. An increased appetite
  2. A loss of appetite Correct answer.
  3. Difficulty swallowing
  4. Excessive thirst

Explanation

Anorexia is loss of appetite for food, often a nonspecific symptom of many illnesses. It is distinct from anorexia nervosa, which is a psychiatric eating disorder named after the symptom.

Question 21Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

A patient's pulse is described as bounding. A bounding pulse is:

  1. Weak and difficult to feel
  2. Strong and forceful Correct answer.
  3. Irregular in rhythm
  4. Absent

Explanation

A bounding pulse is one that is strong and forceful, often felt easily and described as full or pounding. It can be seen in fever, anxiety, exercise, or conditions of high cardiac output.

Question 22Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

The nurse notes the patient is diaphoretic. Diaphoresis is:

  1. Profuse sweating Correct answer.
  2. Excessive urination
  3. Excessive vomiting
  4. Chronic constipation

Explanation

Diaphoresis is profuse (excessive) sweating. It can be triggered by fever, exercise, anxiety, hypoglycemia, or serious conditions such as myocardial infarction.

Question 23Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

A laceration is best described as:

  1. A bruise
  2. A burn
  3. A jagged tear in the skin Correct answer.
  4. A blister

Explanation

A laceration is a wound caused by tearing of soft tissues; it typically has irregular, jagged edges, unlike a clean surgical incision. Lacerations often require irrigation and may need sutures or staples.

Question 24Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

When a medication is contraindicated, it means:

  1. It should be given immediately
  2. It should not be given because it may cause harm Correct answer.
  3. It is the most effective choice
  4. It requires a higher dose

Explanation

Contraindicated means that a medication or treatment should not be used because it could be harmful to the patient. The prefix contra- means against; a contraindication is a reason against giving the treatment.

Question 25Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

A patient is described as comatose. Comatose means:

  1. Alert and answering questions
  2. In a deep, unconscious state Correct answer.
  3. Slightly drowsy
  4. Sleeping normally

Explanation

Comatose describes a patient in a coma - a deep state of unconsciousness from which the patient cannot be aroused even by strong stimuli. Coma is the most severe level on the level-of-consciousness scale.

Question 26Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

The root 'cardi-' refers to which body structure?

  1. Lung
  2. Heart Correct answer.
  3. Liver
  4. Kidney

Explanation

The root 'cardi-' (from Greek kardia) means heart. It appears in many medical terms, including cardiology (study of the heart), cardiac (pertaining to the heart), and electrocardiogram (recording of the heart's electrical activity).

Question 27Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

The suffix '-itis' means:

  1. Removal of
  2. Inflammation Correct answer.
  3. Disease of
  4. Surgical repair

Explanation

The suffix '-itis' means inflammation. It is used with body-part roots to form names of inflammatory conditions: appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix), bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchi), and arthritis (inflammation of a joint).

Question 28Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

The prefix 'hyper-' means:

  1. Low or under
  2. Excessive or above normal Correct answer.
  3. Around or near
  4. Slow

Explanation

The prefix 'hyper-' means excessive, above, or beyond normal. Examples: hypertension (high blood pressure), hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), and hyperthermia (elevated body temperature).

Question 29Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

The prefix 'hypo-' means:

  1. Above normal
  2. Below normal or deficient Correct answer.
  3. Within
  4. Between

Explanation

The prefix 'hypo-' means below, under, or deficient. Examples: hypotension (low blood pressure), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and hypothermia (low body temperature).

Question 30Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

The suffix '-ectomy' means:

  1. Inflammation
  2. Surgical removal Correct answer.
  3. Visual examination
  4. Recording

Explanation

The suffix '-ectomy' means surgical removal or excision. Examples: appendectomy (removal of the appendix), hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), and tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils).

Question 31Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

The suffix '-ology' means:

  1. Disease of
  2. Study of Correct answer.
  3. Process of
  4. Surgical repair

Explanation

The suffix '-ology' means the study of. It comes from the Greek logos (word, study). Examples: cardiology (study of the heart), neurology (study of the nervous system), and pathology (study of disease).

Question 32Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

The prefix 'dys-' means:

  1. Easy or good
  2. Painful, difficult, or abnormal Correct answer.
  3. Toward
  4. Away from

Explanation

The prefix 'dys-' means painful, difficult, or abnormal. Examples: dysuria (painful urination), dyspnea (difficult breathing), dyspepsia (indigestion), and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).

Question 33Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

The root 'hemat-' or 'hem-' refers to:

  1. Bone
  2. Blood Correct answer.
  3. Skin
  4. Muscle

Explanation

The root 'hem-' or 'hemat-' (from Greek haima) means blood. Examples: hematology (study of blood), hematoma (collection of blood), hemorrhage (excessive bleeding), and hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells).

Question 34Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

The suffix '-pnea' refers to:

  1. Breathing Correct answer.
  2. Eating
  3. Speech
  4. Sleep

Explanation

The suffix '-pnea' (from Greek pnein, to breathe) refers to breathing. Examples: apnea (absence of breathing), dyspnea (difficult breathing), tachypnea (rapid breathing), and orthopnea (difficulty breathing while lying flat).

Question 35Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

The root 'gastr-' refers to which body part?

  1. Liver
  2. Stomach Correct answer.
  3. Pancreas
  4. Spleen

Explanation

The root 'gastr-' (from Greek gaster) means stomach. Examples: gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), gastrectomy (removal of part of the stomach), and gastroenterology (study of the stomach and intestines).

Question 36Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

The prefix 'tachy-' means:

  1. Slow
  2. Fast Correct answer.
  3. Irregular
  4. Strong

Explanation

The prefix 'tachy-' means fast or rapid. Examples: tachycardia (rapid heart rate, generally over 100 beats per minute in adults) and tachypnea (rapid breathing).

Question 37Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

The suffix '-algia' means:

  1. Pain Correct answer.
  2. Weakness
  3. Paralysis
  4. Spasm

Explanation

The suffix '-algia' means pain. Examples: neuralgia (nerve pain), myalgia (muscle pain), arthralgia (joint pain), and cephalgia (headache).

Question 38Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

The root 'neur-' or 'neuro-' refers to:

  1. Nerves Correct answer.
  2. Bones
  3. Blood vessels
  4. Glands

Explanation

The root 'neur-' (from Greek neuron) means nerve or nervous system. Examples: neurology (study of the nervous system), neuralgia (nerve pain), neuropathy (nerve disease), and neurosurgery.

Question 39Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

The suffix '-emia' means:

  1. A condition of urine
  2. A condition of the blood Correct answer.
  3. Inflammation
  4. Removal

Explanation

The suffix '-emia' means a blood condition. Examples: anemia (deficiency of red blood cells), leukemia (a cancer of blood-forming tissues with abnormal white cells), hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), and septicemia (infection of the blood).

Question 40Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

The root 'derm-' or 'dermat-' refers to:

  1. Hair
  2. Skin Correct answer.
  3. Nails
  4. Eyes

Explanation

The root 'derm-' (from Greek derma) means skin. Examples: dermatology (study of the skin), dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), epidermis (outer layer of the skin), and transdermal (across the skin).

Question 41Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

Read the following sentence: 'The infection was rampant throughout the unit.' Rampant most nearly means:

  1. Localized to one area
  2. Spreading unchecked Correct answer.
  3. Mild and harmless
  4. Recently diagnosed

Explanation

Rampant means flourishing or spreading unchecked, especially something undesirable. An infection that is rampant is spreading widely and is out of control.

Question 42Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

Read: 'The nurse made a concerted effort to comfort the family.' Concerted most nearly means:

  1. Halfhearted
  2. Carefully planned and combined Correct answer.
  3. Hesitant
  4. Unintentional

Explanation

Concerted means jointly arranged, planned, or carried out - done with deliberate effort or in coordination. A concerted effort is one undertaken with focused intention and energy.

Question 43Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

Read: 'The patient was loath to take the medication.' Loath most nearly means:

  1. Eager
  2. Reluctant Correct answer.
  3. Required
  4. Permitted

Explanation

Loath (an adjective) means reluctant or unwilling. Do not confuse it with 'loathe' (a verb meaning to hate strongly). A patient who is loath to take a medication is unwilling or hesitant to take it.

Question 44Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

Read: 'The new policy will supersede the old one.' Supersede most nearly means:

  1. Be ignored
  2. Take the place of Correct answer.
  3. Be added to
  4. Be reviewed

Explanation

Supersede means to take the place of, especially by reason of superior worth or right; to replace. The new policy that supersedes the old one becomes effective in its place.

Question 45Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

Read: 'The nurse provided an objective assessment.' Objective most nearly means:

  1. Based on personal feelings
  2. Based on observable facts Correct answer.
  3. Brief and vague
  4. Negative in tone

Explanation

Objective means based on observable, measurable facts rather than personal feelings or opinions. Objective data are things the nurse can see, hear, feel, or measure (e.g., blood pressure), as opposed to subjective data (what the patient reports).

Question 46Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

Read: 'The therapist used a benign approach with the child.' Benign most nearly means:

  1. Harmful
  2. Gentle and not harmful Correct answer.
  3. Strict
  4. Confusing

Explanation

Benign means gentle, kind, or not harmful. In medicine, a benign tumor is non-cancerous and not dangerous, in contrast to a malignant tumor that is cancerous.

Question 47Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

Read: 'The patient's symptoms were ambiguous.' Ambiguous most nearly means:

  1. Clearly defined
  2. Open to more than one interpretation Correct answer.
  3. Very severe
  4. Improving rapidly

Explanation

Ambiguous means open to more than one interpretation; unclear. Ambiguous symptoms could point to multiple diagnoses and require further evaluation.

Question 48Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

Read: 'The wound exhibited copious drainage.' Copious most nearly means:

  1. Scant or small in amount
  2. Abundant or plentiful Correct answer.
  3. Foul-smelling
  4. Clear and watery

Explanation

Copious means abundant in supply or quantity; plentiful. Copious drainage from a wound means a large amount of fluid is being produced.

Question 49Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

Read: 'The doctor was meticulous when examining the patient.' Meticulous most nearly means:

  1. Careless
  2. Showing great attention to detail Correct answer.
  3. Quick
  4. Impatient

Explanation

Meticulous means showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise. A meticulous examination is thorough and careful.

Question 50Integrated language comprehension, forms and application

Read: 'The patient remained adamant about refusing the procedure.' Adamant most nearly means:

  1. Easily persuaded
  2. Firm and unyielding Correct answer.
  3. Uncertain
  4. Apologetic

Explanation

Adamant means refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind; firm and unyielding. A patient who is adamant about refusing a procedure has made a clear, fixed decision.