HESI A2
HESI A2 Reading Comprehension V1 2024
1. What is the meaning of the word 'composed' in the first paragraph?
- A. To consist of
- B. To be uniquely discovered
- C. To be set apart
- D. To be surprised
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In the context provided, 'composed' means to consist of. The paragraph explains that a drop of water is composed of an oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Choice B, 'To be uniquely discovered,' is incorrect as it does not relate to the composition of a drop of water. Choice C, 'To be set apart,' and Choice D, 'To be surprised,' are also incorrect as they do not convey the meaning of 'composed' as it is used in this paragraph.
2. What is the best summary of this passage?
- A. The heart regulates oxygen flow and waste disposal, with the kidneys aiding in salt and water absorption.
- B. The cardiovascular system regulates blood pressure through baroreceptors, chemoreceptors, and the kidneys.
- C. Baroreceptors send impulses to regulate blood pressure by affecting the heart, arteries, and veins.
- D. Chemoreceptors monitor oxygen levels to impact blood pressure.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it provides a comprehensive summary of the passage, explaining how the cardiovascular system regulates blood pressure through baroreceptors, chemoreceptors, and the kidneys. Choice A is incorrect as it only focuses on the heart and kidneys without mentioning the broader cardiovascular system. Choice C is incorrect as it solely emphasizes the role of baroreceptors in regulating blood pressure. Choice D is incorrect as it oversimplifies the role of chemoreceptors in monitoring oxygen levels without mentioning their impact on blood pressure regulation.
3. Which statement is not listed as a detail within the passage?
- A. Changes in the ECG are typically used for the diagnosis of abnormal cardiac rhythm.
- B. The signal has a characteristic record called the electrocardiogram.
- C. The 'wave of excitation' starts at the SA node.
- D. The 'wave of excitation' spreads through the heart wall and is accompanied by electric changes.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The corrected statement should be: Changes in the ECG are not typically used for the diagnosis of abnormal cardiac rhythm. The passage mentions that the heart sends out electric currents in waves, and the 'wave of excitation' spreads through the heart wall accompanied by electric changes. It details the process of how the heart's electric impulses are recorded and how abnormalities can be detected. However, it does not state that ECG changes are specifically used for diagnosing abnormal cardiac rhythms. Choice A is the correct answer because it misrepresents the information provided in the passage. Choices B, C, and D are all supported by the passage and align with the details mentioned regarding the electrocardiogram and the wave of excitation in the heart.
4. What is the best summary of the passage?
- A. Electric currents within the body are due to electrostatic charges set off by the heart. Medical staff are trained to recognize any abnormalities within the heart.
- B. Every individual has unique electric currents on the surface of the body. The ECG measures and records these electric currents.
- C. The ECG systematically and rather quickly measures the stages at which the 'wave of excitation' occurs within the heart and records them. This wave has three distinct steps that spread from the SA node to the AV node.
- D. The ECG measures the electric currents within the body. These currents are detected on the surface of the body when the body is connected to an amplifier.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct summary of the passage is option C. The passage explains how the ECG systematically measures and records the 'wave of excitation' that occurs within the heart in three distinct steps, spreading from the SA node to the AV node. This summary effectively captures the main focus of the passage. Option A is incorrect because it only mentions the detection of electric currents in the body and recognizing abnormalities by medical staff, missing the key information about the 'wave of excitation' and its stages. Option B is incorrect as it focuses solely on the measurement and recording of unique electric currents on the body's surface, neglecting the specific process described in the passage. Option D is also incorrect as it provides a general description of how the ECG measures electric currents without emphasizing the specific stages of the 'wave of excitation' as detailed in the passage.
5. What is the meaning of the word 'pathogens' as it is used in the first paragraph?
- A. diseases
- B. vaccines
- C. disease-causing substances
- D. foods
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In the context provided, 'pathogens' refers to disease-causing substances such as bacteria and viruses. These microorganisms can contaminate food and lead to foodborne illnesses. Choice A ('diseases') is incorrect as pathogens themselves cause diseases but are not diseases. Choice B ('vaccines') is incorrect as vaccines are used to prevent diseases caused by pathogens. Choice D ('foods') is incorrect as pathogens are not foods, but rather contaminants that can be found in food.
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