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HESI A2 Reading Comprehension: Main Idea practice questions

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These are original practice items written to the HESI A2 blueprint (4 options, no penalty for wrong answers), not actual exam questions. Try each one before you open the answer.

What this topic covers

Reading Comprehension: Main Idea sits inside the Reading Comprehension section of the HESI A2. Our bank holds 93 verified items tagged to it, and the 4 below are a fixed sample so the page stays the same every time you open it. Each one shows the reasoning, not just the letter.

The topic tag comes from our own items rather than from a published syllabus, so treat it as a map of what we cover. For the official section breakdown see the HESI A2 page.

Reading Comprehension: Main Idea sample questions

Question 1

Passage: 'The prevalence of diabetes has increased dramatically over the past two decades, driven largely by lifestyle factors and an aging population. However, early detection and management can significantly reduce complications. Public health campaigns have focused on promoting regular screenings, especially among high-risk groups.' What is the main idea of the passage?

  1. A Screenings are unnecessary for low-risk groups.
  2. B Aging population is the sole driver of diabetes increase.
  3. C Lifestyle choices are the only cause of diabetes.
  4. D Diabetes is increasing but manageable with early detection.
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D

The passage first states the increase, then emphasizes that early detection and management reduce complications, and mentions screenings. The main idea combines the rise with the positive aspect of management.

Why the other options are wrong:
A: The passage does not claim screenings are unnecessary for any group.
B: The passage lists both lifestyle and aging, not aging alone.
C: The passage says 'largely' not 'only', so this is an overstatement.

Question 2

Passage: Hand hygiene is the single most important measure to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings. Alcohol-based hand rubs are preferred when hands are not visibly soiled, while soap and water should be used when hands are visibly dirty or after caring for a patient with diarrhea. Healthcare workers must perform hand hygiene before and after every patient contact.

What is the main idea of this passage?

  1. A Healthcare workers should wash hands only when they are visibly dirty.
  2. B Alcohol-based hand rubs are always better than soap and water.
  3. C Hand hygiene is only necessary after caring for patients with diarrhea.
  4. D Hand hygiene is critical for infection prevention and should be performed according to specific guidelines.
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D

The passage emphasizes that hand hygiene is the most important measure to prevent infection and describes when to use alcohol-based rubs versus soap and water. Option A correctly captures this central idea. Option B is too absolute (soap and water are needed in certain situations). Option C is too narrow (hand hygiene is required before and after every patient contact). Option D contradicts the passage (hand hygiene is required even when hands are not visibly dirty).

Why the other options are wrong:
A: The passage recommends hand hygiene even when hands are not visibly dirty, using alcohol-based rubs, so this option contradicts the passage.
B: The passage states alcohol-based rubs are preferred when hands are not visibly soiled, but soap and water are required when hands are visibly dirty or after caring for a patient with diarrhea, so alcohol-based rubs are not always better.
C: The passage says hand hygiene must be performed before and after every patient contact, not only after caring for patients with diarrhea.

Question 3

Passage: Telehealth services have expanded rapidly, allowing patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely. This reduces travel time and exposure to infectious diseases. However, telehealth also has limitations, such as the inability to perform physical exams and potential technical issues. Despite these drawbacks, telehealth is likely to remain a permanent part of healthcare delivery.

What is the main idea of the passage?

  1. A Telehealth has both benefits and limitations, but it is here to stay.
  2. B Telehealth should be used only for minor illnesses.
  3. C Telehealth is perfect and has no disadvantages.
  4. D Telehealth is less effective than in-person visits.
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A

The passage acknowledges benefits (reduced travel, less infection risk) and limitations (no physical exam, technical issues), then concludes that telehealth will remain permanent. Option B captures this balanced main idea. Option A is false because limitations are mentioned. Option C is not stated. Option D is not the main point; the passage does not claim it is less effective, only that it has limitations.

Why the other options are wrong:
B: The passage does not specify which conditions telehealth should be used for.
C: The passage explicitly lists limitations, so it does not present telehealth as perfect.
D: The passage does not compare effectiveness; it discusses pros and cons and permanence.

Question 4

Passage: "Nurses often use the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) to assess a patient's level of consciousness. The scale assigns points for eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. A total score of 15 indicates full consciousness, while a score of 3 suggests deep unconsciousness."

What is the main idea of the passage?

  1. A Nurses use many assessment tools.
  2. B The GCS has three components.
  3. C A score of 15 means full consciousness.
  4. D The GCS is used to measure consciousness.
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D

The passage focuses on the purpose of the Glasgow Coma Scale as a tool to assess consciousness. Option B is a supporting detail, option C is a specific fact, and option D is too broad and not the main focus.

Why the other options are wrong:
A: The passage only discusses the GCS, not multiple assessment tools, so this is too broad and inaccurate.
B: This is a supporting detail, not the main idea. The passage mentions three components but emphasizes the scale's purpose.
C: This is a specific fact from the passage, but the main idea is broader: the scale's overall use.

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