What is the HESI A2 Exam?
The Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) Admission Assessment (A2) exam is a standardized test used by nursing schools to evaluate the readiness of applicants. One of the key sections of this exam is the vocabulary and general knowledge section. This part of the test assesses your understanding of words that are commonly used in healthcare settings.
Why Hesi Vocabulary Practice Test Matters in Nursing
Vocabulary might seem like just another hurdle in your path to becoming a nurse, but it serves a vital purpose. Effective communication can mean the difference between a successful patient outcome and a medical error. Knowing the right terms ensures that you understand medical documentation, can communicate clearly with colleagues, and educate patients accurately.
50 Essential Vocabulary Words for the HESI A2
To help you prepare, here are 50 vocabulary words that frequently appear on the HESI A2 exam:
1- The patient’s stomach appeared distended, and the physician decided to order an ultrasound.
Bloated
Weeping
Sponge-like
Robust
Answer: Bloated
2- The nurse carefully assessed the patient’s vital signs and recorded them in the chart.
Evaluated
Concealed
Exhibited
Replaced
Answer: Evaluated
3- The physician prescribed a medication to alleviate the patient’s pain after surgery.
Prolong
Relieve
Perforate
Enhance
Answer: Relieve
4- The medical team provided adequate care for the terminally ill patient.
Unlimited
Sufficient
Endless
Depleted
Answer: Sufficient
5- The ambulance arrived quickly to transport the patient to the hospital after their car accident.
Medical vehicle
Stretch limousine
Emergency transportation
Public bus
Answer: Emergency transportation
*6- The doctor used a stethoscope to listen to the patient’s ****respiratory**** sounds.*
Heartbeat
Breathing
Digestive
Brain function
Answer: Breathing
*7- After surgery, the nurse instructed the patient to ****abstain**** from eating for 12 hours*
Indulge
Abandon
Avoid
Participate
Answer: Avoid
*8- The patient experienced ****acute**** pain in their abdomen, indicating a possible emergency.*
Sharp
Dull
Chronic
Steady
Answer: Sharp
*9- The physician prescribed a medication to ****alleviate*** the patient’s pain after surgery*
Aggravate
Relieve
Weaken
Worsen
Answer: Relieve
*10- Before administering the medication, the nurse double-checked the ****dosage**** with the doctor.*
Instructions
Amount
Prescription
Brand name
Answer: Amount
11- The patient’s ****electrocardiogram (ECG)*** showed normal heart function.
Blood test
Brain scan
Heart rhythm test
Body temperature reading
Answer: Heart rhythm test
12- The doctor prescribed a mild ****sedative*** to help the patient relax before their procedure.
Pain reliever
Anti-inflammatory drug
Anesthetic
Calming medication
Answer: Calming medication
13- In order to determine the severity of the injury, the nurse performed a ****neurological examination.***
Physical assessment
Emotional evaluation
Mental health screening
Brain function testing
Answer: Physical assessment
14- The patient was diagnosed with ****hypertension*** and prescribed medication to manage their high blood pressure.
Diabetes
Arthritis
High cholesterol
Elevated blood pressure
Answer: Elevated blood pressure
15- After surgery, the nurse carefully monitored the patient’s ****vital signs.***
Level of consciousness
Heart rate
Blood type
Body temperature
Answer: Heart rate
16- The doctor ordered a CT scan to get a better look at the patient’s ***internal organs.
Bones and joints
Brain function
Digestive system
Organs inside the body
Answer: Organs inside the body
17- The patient had a history of *** to certain medications, so the nurse checked for any potential reactions.
Infections
Sensitivities
Physical injuries
Hereditary conditions
Answer: Sensitivities
18- After surgery, the nurse instructed the patient on how to properly ****care for their wound.***
Dress
Investigate
Heal
Cleanse
Answer: Cleanse
19- The doctor prescribed ***antibiotics to treat the patient’s infection.
Pain medication
Medication to reduce inflammation
Medication to counteract side effects
Medication that destroys bacteria
Answer: Medication that destroys bacteria
20- During the physical exam, the doctor palpated the patient’s ***abdomen to check for any abnormalities.
Listened
Percussed
Tapped
Pressed
Answer: Pressed
21- After surgery, the nurse helped the patient ***ambulate through the hallways to promote mobility.
Sit up
Stand up
Walk around
Lie down
Answer: Walk around
22- The lab results showed that the patient had ****anemia*** and needed iron supplements.
Low blood sugar
A decrease in red blood cells
High cholesterol
A decrease in white blood cells
Answer: A decrease in red blood cells
23- The patient’s chart indicated a ***family history of heart disease.
Previous health conditions
Lifestyle choices
Medical treatments received
Genetic predisposition
Answer: Genetic predisposition
24- The doctor prescribed a medication to ***alleviate the patient’s symptoms until they could see a specialist.
Temporarily relieve
Permanently cure
Increase the severity of
Worsen the condition
Answer: Temporarily relieve
25- During surgery, the anesthesiologist carefully monitored the patient’s ***oxygen saturation levels.
***
Heart rate
Body temperature
Blood pressure
Oxygen levels in the blood
Answer: Oxygen levels in the blood
26- The patient’s ***electroencephalogram (EEG) showed abnormal brain activity.
Muscle function test
Heart rhythm test
Brain function test
Respiratory test
Answer: Brain function test
27- Before surgery, the nurse explained the risks and benefits to help the patient make an informed ***
Medical treatment
Financial plan
Professional recommendation
Choice
Answer: Choice
28- The doctor ordered a ****tympanometry*** to assess the patient’s middle ear function.
Audiogram
Blood test
X-ray
MRI
Answer: Tympanometry
29- After the surgery, the patient was given instructions for post-operative care to help with ***pain management and wound healing.
Physical therapy
Dietary restrictions
Medication management
Pulmonary rehabilitation
Answer: Pain management
30- It is important for patients to regularly monitor their ***blood glucose if they have diabetes.
Body mass index
Cardiovascular fitness
Hormone levels
Insulin resistance
Answer: Blood glucose levels 31- Maintaining a healthy ***body mass index can help reduce the risk of various health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
Blood pressure
Cholesterol levels
Sleep patterns
Nutritional intake
Answer: Body mass index 32- Proper ***cardiovascular fitness is essential for maintaining a healthy heart and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Physical activity
Stress management
Mental wellness
Hydration levels
Answer: Cardiovascular fitness
33- Regular check-ups for ***cholesterol levels are important to prevent plaque build-up in arteries and potential heart problems.
Cognitive function
Digestive health
Vitamin levels
Cholesterol levels
Answer: Cholesterol levels 34- Good ***sleep patterns are crucial for maintaining overall health and wellness.
Mood stability
Cognitive function
Immune system function
Hormone regulation
Answer: Sleep patterns
35- Proper hydration is important for maintaining a healthy body, as it helps with ***circulation of nutrients and removal of waste products.
Joint flexibility
Bone density
Metabolism
Kidney function
Answer: Circulation 36- The skin serves as the first line of defense against external factors such as bacteria and UV radiation. It also plays a key role in regulating body temperature through sweat production and insulation from the environment.
Excretion
Protection
Sensation
Immunity
Answer: Protection 37- The skin also has a vital role in ***sensory perception, providing information about touch, pressure, temperature and pain to the brain. This allows us to interact with our environment and protect ourselves from potential harm.
Balance
Coordination
Proprioception
Sensation
Answer: Sensory perception
38- Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining healthy ***bone density and preventing conditions such as osteoporosis.
Muscle strength
Joint stability
Bone health
Nerve function
Answer: Bone density 39- Adequate intake of vitamins and minerals is important for maintaining optimal ***cognitive function, memory and concentration.
Eye health
Hormone regulation
Gut microbiome
Brain function
Answer: Cognitive function 40- Good mental wellness is crucial for overall health. It includes managing stress, practicing self-care, and seeking support when needed.
Emotional stability
Social connections
Mindfulness
Resilience
Answer: Mental wellness 41- Maintaining good ***physical activity levels has numerous benefits including improved cardiovascular health, increased muscle strength and endurance, and enhanced mental well-being.
Bone density
Joint mobility
Balance
Coordination
Answer: Physical activity
- Regular exercise is also important for maintaining ***joint mobility and preventing conditions such as arthritis.
Muscle mass
Bone strength
Flexibility
Range of motion
Answer: Joint mobility 43- Practice good ***stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga to reduce the negative effects of chronic stress on the body.
Cognitive function
Immune system response
Hormone balance
Sleep patterns
Answer: Stress management 44- The gut microbiome plays a major role in our overall health, impacting everything from digestion to immunity to mood. Eating a diet rich in fiber and probiotics can help promote a healthy ***gut microbiome.
Inflammation
Bowel movements
Hormone production
Microbial diversity
Answer: Gut microbiome 45- Good ***eye health is important for maintaining clear vision, preventing eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration, and overall well-being.
Nutrient absorption
Color perception
Depth perception
Visual acuity
Answer: Eye health 46- Mental wellness also includes maintaining good ***social connections, which can provide support, reduce feelings of isolation, and improve overall happiness.
Communication skills
Empathy
Relationships
Community involvement
Answer: Social connections 47- Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help improve ***emotional stability, reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance overall well-being.
Emotional awareness
Self-compassion
Resilience
Mindful eating
Answer: Emotional stability 48- Along with proper nutrition, exercise is crucial for maintaining ***muscle mass and strength as we age. This can help prevent falls, maintain independence, and support overall physical function.
Bone density
Joint health
Cognitive function
Heart health
Answer: Muscle mass and strength 49- Maintaining a healthy ***balance between work and leisure is important for overall well-being and preventing burnout.
Time management
Prioritization
Rest and relaxation
Goal setting
Answer: Work-life balance 50- Good ***hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly and keeping surfaces clean, are essential for preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
Respiratory health
Immune system function
Infection control
Personal grooming
Answer: Hygiene practices
Tips For Hesi a2 Practice Test Vocabulary
- Use flashcards to study and memorize vocabulary words. This is a proven method for improving retention and recall.
- Create a list of commonly used medical abbreviations and their meanings. This will help you familiarize yourself with the terminology used in the healthcare field.
- Look up unfamiliar words in a medical dictionary or online resource to learn their definitions and proper usage.
- Practice using context clues to determine the meaning of unknown words in a sentence or passage.
- Utilize word association techniques, such as creating mnemonics or visual aids, to help remember difficult terms.
- Take practice tests to assess your knowledge and identify any areas where you may need further study.
- Review prefixes, suffixes, and root words commonly used in medical terminology to help break down complex words and understand their meanings.
- Use the vocabulary in context by reading medical articles or textbooks related to the healthcare field.
- Make a list of commonly confused terms and their definitions to avoid mixing them up on the exam.
- Don’t just focus on memorizing individual words, but also learn how they are used in different contexts and how they relate to other concepts in the healthcare field.
Final Words
We hope this guide help for you to prepare for the HESI A2 exam. Remember to focus on your weak areas and practice regularly to improve. Stay calm and confident during the test, and trust in your preparation. Good luck!
Best of luck on your HESI A2 exam! Remember to utilize these tips for vocabulary study and also make sure to thoroughly review all other sections of the exam. With dedication and consistent practice, you can achieve success on this important exam. Keep a positive attitude and trust in yourself – you got this.