HESI Practice Test: Video 3 Answers (25 Questions) — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the longest muscle in the human body?
- Sartorius (Correct answer)
- Vastus lateralis
- Vastus medialis
- Adductor longus
Correct answer: Sartorius
The sartorius muscle is indeed the longest muscle in the human body. It is a long, thin, superficial muscle that runs obliquely down the length of the thigh, from the hip to the medial side of the knee. It plays a role in various movements of the hip and knee, including flexion, abduction, and lateral rotation.
Question 2: Which of the following is the most abundant component of whole blood?
- Platelets
- Red blood cells
- White blood cells
- Plasma (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Plasma
Plasma is the liquid matrix of blood, making up approximately 55% of its total volume. It is primarily composed of water (about 92%) but also contains dissolved proteins, hormones, nutrients, electrolytes, and waste products. The cellular components like red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are suspended within this plasma.
Question 3: Which blood type is considered the universal donor?
- O- (Correct answer)
- O+
- AB+
- AB-
Correct answer: O-
O- blood is considered the universal donor because its red blood cells lack A, B, and Rh antigens. This absence of antigens means that O- blood will not trigger an immune response in recipients of any other blood type. Consequently, it can be safely transfused to nearly anyone in emergency situations when there is no time to cross-match blood.
Question 4: What is the only artery in the body to carry oxygen-poor blood?
- Interosseous artery
- Renal Artery
- Vena Cava
- Pulmonary Artery (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Pulmonary Artery
The pulmonary artery is unique among arteries because it carries deoxygenated blood. It transports blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs, where the blood will pick up oxygen and release carbon dioxide. All other arteries in the systemic circulation carry oxygenated blood away from the heart.
Question 5: What is called by the release of prolactin during breastfeeding?
- Negative feedback
- Positive feedback (Correct answer)
- Gene regulation
- Cell permeability
Correct answer: Positive feedback
The release of prolactin during breastfeeding is a classic example of a positive feedback loop. When an infant suckles, sensory nerves in the nipple send signals to the hypothalamus, which stimulates the anterior pituitary to release prolactin. Prolactin then promotes milk production, and increased suckling leads to even more prolactin release, amplifying the response until the stimulus is removed.
Question 6: Which of the following is the best definition of the word consternation?
- Anger
- Strict
- Anxiety (Correct answer)
- Laughable
Correct answer: Anxiety
The word 'consternation' refers to a feeling of anxiety or dismay, typically at something unexpected. It describes a sense of alarm or dread that can arise from a sudden, unsettling event or situation. Therefore, 'anxiety' is the best definition, reflecting a state of unease or worry.
Question 7: Which of the following is the closest definition of the word contrite?
- Remorseful (Correct answer)
- Sad
- Excited
- Lonely
Correct answer: Remorseful
The word 'contrite' describes feeling or expressing deep regret or penitence for wrongdoing. It implies a sense of sorrow and guilt for one's actions. Therefore, 'remorseful' is the most fitting synonym, conveying a similar feeling of regret and sorrow for past actions.
Question 8: What is the best way to define "predispose"?
- To dispose an item before using
- To show interest
- To be cautious of bias
- To make susceptible (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To make susceptible
To predispose someone means to make them liable or inclined to a specified attitude, action, or condition. In a medical context, it means to make someone more susceptible or vulnerable to developing a particular disease or condition. For example, genetics can predispose an individual to certain illnesses.
Question 9: What is the meaning of the word bifurcate?
- Smell
- Divide (Correct answer)
- Open
- Shine
Correct answer: Divide
To bifurcate means to divide into two branches or forks. This term is often used to describe anatomical structures, such as blood vessels or nerves, that split into two distinct pathways. For example, the trachea bifurcates into two main bronchi.
Question 10: Which of the following is the best definition of the word taciturn?
- Attentive
- Alert
- Reserved (Correct answer)
- Uncooperative
Correct answer: Reserved
The word 'taciturn' describes a person who is reserved or uncommunicative in speech, saying little. Such individuals tend to be quiet and prefer not to talk much in social situations. Therefore, 'reserved' accurately captures this characteristic of being withdrawn and not openly expressive.
Question 11: A patient education brochure says, 'Take this medication with food to reduce stomach upset.' What is the primary purpose of this statement?
- To persuade the reader to buy
- To describe a scene
- To entertain the reader
- To give instructions (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To give instructions
The sentence directs the reader on how to take the medication, making it instructional.
Question 12: If a passage's main idea is implied rather than stated, what should the reader do?
- Count the paragraphs
- Assume there is no main idea
- Skip to the conclusion
- Infer it from supporting details (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Infer it from supporting details
An implied main idea must be inferred by synthesizing the supporting details.
Question 13: In the sentence 'The nurse was meticulous, checking every detail twice,' the word 'meticulous' most nearly means:
- Friendly and warm
- Careless and rushed
- Careful and precise (Correct answer)
- Tired and bored
Correct answer: Careful and precise
Checking every detail twice shows careful, precise attention, defining 'meticulous.'
Question 14: A reading passage describes steps in order: first, second, then finally. What text structure is being used?
- Problem and solution
- Compare and contrast
- Cause and effect
- Sequence/chronological order (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Sequence/chronological order
Signal words like 'first,' 'then,' and 'finally' indicate sequence or chronological order.
Question 15: Which of the following best defines a supporting detail?
- A personal opinion
- Examples or facts that support the main idea (Correct answer)
- Repeated information
- Unrelated facts
Correct answer: Examples or facts that support the main idea
A supporting detail is a specific piece of information, such as an example, fact, statistic, or description, that serves to elaborate on and provide evidence for the main idea of a passage. These details strengthen the author's argument or explanation, making the central point more understandable, credible, and convincing. Without them, the main idea would lack substantiation.
Question 16: What is the primary function of transfer RNA (tRNA) during translation?
- Carrying the genetic code from the nucleus
- Forming the ribosomal subunits
- Delivering amino acids to the ribosome (Correct answer)
- Splicing introns from mRNA
Correct answer: Delivering amino acids to the ribosome
Transfer RNA carries specific amino acids to the ribosome during translation, matching its anticodon to the mRNA codon.
Question 17: What molecule carries amino acids to the ribosome during translation?
- rRNA
- tRNA (Correct answer)
- DNA polymerase
- mRNA
Correct answer: tRNA
Transfer RNA delivers specific amino acids matching the mRNA codon.
Question 18: Which organelle is the primary site of ATP production in eukaryotic cells?
- Ribosome
- Mitochondria (Correct answer)
- Lysosome
- Golgi apparatus
Correct answer: Mitochondria
Mitochondria generate most cellular ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.
Question 19: Which organelle is responsible for producing ATP through oxidative phosphorylation?
- Golgi apparatus
- Mitochondria (Correct answer)
- Endoplasmic reticulum
- Ribosome
Correct answer: Mitochondria
Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, producing ATP through oxidative phosphorylation during cellular respiration.
Question 20: Which term describes an organism's observable physical traits?
- Chromosome
- Genotype
- Phenotype (Correct answer)
- Allele
Correct answer: Phenotype
Phenotype refers to the expressed, observable characteristics of an organism.
Question 21: A nurse questions whether an assumption about a patient's pain is accurate. This demonstrates:
- Bias confirmation
- Closed-mindedness
- Avoidance
- Reflective skepticism (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Reflective skepticism
Questioning assumptions reflects reflective skepticism, a core thinking skill.
Question 22: Why is it important to have a control group in a biological experiment?
- To test all variables at once
- To serve as a baseline for comparison (Correct answer)
- To eliminate human error
- To increase sample size
Correct answer: To serve as a baseline for comparison
A control group in a biological experiment is essential because it provides a baseline for comparison. This group does not receive the experimental treatment or manipulation, allowing researchers to isolate the effect of the independent variable and determine if observed changes in the experimental group are truly due to the treatment.
Question 23: When prioritizing care for multiple patients, the nurse should use:
- Personal preference
- Room number order
- Alphabetical order
- Urgency and acuity of needs (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Urgency and acuity of needs
Prioritization is based on urgency and acuity of patient needs.
Question 24: A researcher notices bacteria grow faster in warm temperatures. What is the best next step?
- Increase light levels
- Change bacterial species
- Test bacteria at different temperatures (Correct answer)
- Add more nutrients
Correct answer: Test bacteria at different temperatures
To scientifically validate the observation that bacteria grow faster in warm temperatures, the best next step is to systematically test bacterial growth across a range of different temperatures. This controlled experiment would help establish an optimal temperature for growth and quantify the relationship, while keeping other variables constant.
Question 25: When evaluating health information from the internet, which source would be considered most reliable for evidence-based nursing practice?
- A patient forum discussing personal experiences
- A pharmaceutical company's product website
- A peer-reviewed systematic review from the Cochrane Library (Correct answer)
- A popular health blog with thousands of followers
Correct answer: A peer-reviewed systematic review from the Cochrane Library
Peer-reviewed systematic reviews from established databases like Cochrane represent the highest level of evidence in evidence-based practice.
What is the longest muscle in the human body?
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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy
Sources & references
Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy
- service.elsevier.com — Score release, registration deadline, eligibility, test delivery · verified Oct 2026
- evolve.elsevier.com — Retake policy, time limit · verified Oct 2026