HESI A2 anatomy and physiology practice questions

HESI A2 · anatomy and physiology

HESI A2 anatomy and physiology practice questions

You name structures and functions out loud — the HESI A2 module that sinks most retakes. Five of the 15 questions include the correct answer and rationale. The other ten keep answers in the study hub. Continue with the HESI A2 exam guide or more HESI A2 practice questions.

Five anatomy and physiology questions with answers

Cover the key. Write the first action. Then open the rationale and name why the other choices fail.

Question 1

Which of the following hormones is responsible for regulating metabolism?

  1. A. Insulin
  2. B. Thyroxine
  3. C. Glucagon
  4. D. Cortisol
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Thyroxine

Thyroxine, produced by the thyroid gland, is the hormone responsible for regulating metabolism. It plays a fundamental role in controlling the body's metabolic rate, affecting processes such as energy production and utilization. Thyroxine also influences growth and development in the body. Choice A, Insulin, is involved in regulating blood sugar levels and promoting the storage of glucose. While insulin has an impact on metabolism, it is not primarily responsible for regulating overall metabolic rate. Choice C, Glucagon, acts in opposition to insulin, stimulating the release of glucose from the liver to increase blood sugar levels. Glucagon primarily targets glucose regulation rather than overall metabolism. Choice D, Cortisol, is known as the stress hormone and plays a role in the body's response to stress, regulation of blood pressure, immune function, and anti-inflammatory actions. While cortisol can have some effects on metabolism during stress responses, it is not the primary hormone responsible for regulating overall metabolic rate.

Question 2

What is the main function of the circulatory system?

  1. A. Transporting oxygen and nutrients
  2. B. Removing waste products
  3. C. Regulating body temperature
  4. D. Protecting organs
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Transporting oxygen and nutrients

The main function of the circulatory system is to transport oxygen and nutrients to the body's cells while removing waste products. Oxygen and nutrients are carried by the blood to various tissues and organs, ensuring they receive essential elements for their proper function. Waste products are then removed from the cells and transported to the appropriate organs for elimination. This process ensures the overall well-being and functionality of the body. Choice B, removing waste products, is partially correct as one of the functions of the circulatory system is indeed to eliminate waste from the body. However, the primary function is to transport oxygen and nutrients. Choice C, regulating body temperature, is incorrect as temperature regulation is mainly controlled by the body's respiratory and integumentary systems. Choice D, protecting organs, is not a primary function of the circulatory system; protection is more closely associated with the immune system and the skeletal system.

Question 3

An elderly Mexican-American woman with traditional beliefs has been admitted to an inpatient care unit. A culturally-sensitive nurse would:

  1. A. contact the hospital administrator about the best course of action.
  2. B. automatically get a curandero for her because it is not culturally appropriate for her to request one.
  3. C. further assess the patient's cultural beliefs and offer the patient assistance in contacting a curandero or priest if she desires.
  4. D. ask the family what they would like to do because Mexican-Americans traditionally give control of decisions to their families.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — further assess the patient's cultural beliefs and offer the patient assistance in contacting a curandero or priest if she desires.

When caring for a patient with traditional beliefs, especially one belonging to a culture like Mexican-American where folk or religious healers are important, a culturally-sensitive nurse should assess the patient's beliefs and preferences. By offering assistance in contacting a curandero or priest, the nurse acknowledges and respects the patient's cultural practices and provides holistic care that aligns with the patient's values. This approach helps build trust and ensures the patient receives care that is culturally appropriate and respectful. Choice A is incorrect as contacting the hospital administrator may not directly address the patient's cultural needs. Choice B is inappropriate as assuming the patient needs a curandero without assessment disregards individual preferences. Choice D is incorrect because while family involvement is valued in Mexican-American culture, the primary focus should be on the patient's individual preferences and autonomy.

Question 4

The healthcare professional is reviewing concepts of cultural aspects of pain. Which statement is true regarding pain?

  1. A. All individuals will behave the same way when in pain.
  2. B. Just as individuals vary in their perceptions of pain, they will also vary in their expressions of pain.
  3. C. Cultural norms play a significant role in determining pain tolerance, as it is always biologically determined.
  4. D. A patient's expression of pain is largely dependent on the amount of tissue injury associated with the pain.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Just as individuals vary in their perceptions of pain, they will also vary in their expressions of pain.

Patients vary in their perceptions of pain, which can be influenced by cultural factors, personal experiences, and psychological aspects. As a result, individuals will also vary in how they express their pain. Cultural norms, social environment, and individual differences all play a role in how pain is experienced and communicated. Therefore, it is important for healthcare professionals to recognize and respect these variations in order to provide appropriate pain management and support for patients. Choice A is incorrect because individuals do not behave the same way when in pain. Choice C is incorrect because pain tolerance is not solely biologically determined; cultural norms and individual differences also influence it. Choice D is incorrect because a patient's expression of pain can be influenced by various factors beyond the amount of tissue injury, such as emotional state and cultural beliefs.

Question 5

Which organ system is primarily responsible for maintaining temperature control?

  1. A. The skeletal system
  2. B. The digestive system
  3. C. The nervous system
  4. D. The integumentary system
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — The integumentary system

The integumentary system, which includes the skin, hair, and nails, is primarily responsible for maintaining temperature control in the body. The skin helps regulate body temperature through processes like sweating to cool down and shivering to generate heat. Additionally, blood vessels in the skin can dilate or constrict to control the amount of heat lost or retained by the body. This system plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and keeping the body at a stable temperature. The skeletal system (Choice A) provides structural support and protection to the body but is not directly involved in temperature regulation. The digestive system (Choice B) is responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients, not for regulating body temperature. The nervous system (Choice C) controls body functions through electrical impulses but is not the primary system responsible for temperature control.

Keep going past these 15 questions

Missed-question review, longer banks, and the rest of 20,000+ nursing practice questions open when you start studying.

Ten more HESI A2 anatomy and physiology questions

Stems and choices stay public so you can still reason. Correct answers and full rationales unlock with the rest of the bank.

Question 6

How does the lymphatic system work with the circulatory system?

  1. A. The circulatory system produces red blood cells for the lymphatic system.
  2. B. Lymph draws excess fluid from the cells and deposits it into the blood vessels.
  3. C. The heart regulates the production of lymph in the lymph glands.
  4. D. White cells from the lymphatic system eliminate excess red blood cells.
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 7

When working with children from different cultural perspectives, the healthcare provider may find it particularly challenging because:

  1. A. children's spiritual needs are influenced by their stages of development.
  2. B. children's spiritual needs are direct reflections of what is happening in their homes.
  3. C. religious beliefs often impact the parents' views on the illness.
  4. D. parents are usually the decision-makers, but they may lack awareness of their children's spiritual needs.
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 8

When planning a cultural assessment, which component should be included?

  1. A. Family history
  2. B. Chief complaint
  3. C. Medical history
  4. D. Health-related beliefs
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 9

When recording the childhood illnesses of a patient who denies having had any, which note by the nurse would be most accurate?

  1. A. Patient denies usual childhood illnesses.
  2. B. Patient states he was a 'very healthy' child.
  3. C. Patient states sister had measles, but he didn't.
  4. D. Patient denies measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, pertussis, and strep throat.
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 10

How does the endocrine system work with the reproductive system?

  1. A. The reproductive system transforms minerals into useful nutrients.
  2. B. The endocrine system determines the sex of the embryo.
  3. C. The reproductive system controls the growth of secondary sex organs.
  4. D. The endocrine system produces chemicals that regulate sexual function.
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 11

When an American Indian seeks help at the clinic for regulating her diabetes, the nurse can expect that she:

  1. A. will comply with the treatment prescribed.
  2. B. has not necessarily given up her beliefs in naturalistic causes of disease.
  3. C. may also be seeking the assistance of a shaman or medicine man.
  4. D. may need extra help in dealing with her illness and may be experiencing a crisis of faith.
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 12

Before a child undergoes a tonsillectomy, what information should the nurse collect?

  1. A. The child's birth weight
  2. B. The age at which they crawled
  3. C. Whether they have had the measles
  4. D. Reactions to previous hospitalizations
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 13

During an interview, note-taking may impede the nurse's observation of the patient's nonverbal behaviors. Which statement is true regarding note-taking?

  1. A. Note-taking may impede the nurse's observation of the patient's nonverbal behaviors.
  2. B. Note-taking allows the patient to continue at their own pace as the nurse records what is said.
  3. C. Note-taking allows the nurse to shift attention away from the patient, resulting in an increased comfort level.
  4. D. Note-taking allows the nurse to break eye contact with the patient, which may increase their level of comfort.
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 14

Which organelle in the cell is responsible for packaging and distributing proteins?

  1. A. Ribosome
  2. B. Golgi apparatus
  3. C. Endoplasmic reticulum
  4. D. Mitochondrion
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 15

Which of the following structures regulates the transport of substances in and out of a cell?

  1. A. Nucleus
  2. B. Cell membrane
  3. C. Cytoplasm
  4. D. Mitochondria
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

About these HESI A2 anatomy and physiology questions

HESI A2 anatomy and physiology practice questions for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.

No. Nursier is independent practice. Register through the official path named on the HESI A2 exam guide.

The first five questions already include the rationale. Start full practice to unlock the remaining keys, missed-question review, and the rest of the bank.

Keep going past these 15 questions

Missed-question review, longer banks, and the rest of 20,000+ nursing practice questions open when you start studying.