HESI A2
Reading Comprehension Practice Test HESI A2
1. What is the main idea of the passage about Sickle-Cell Anemia?
- A. Bone pain is a symptom of sickle-cell anemia.
- B. Sickle-cell anemia affects oxygen transport in the body.
- C. Sickle-cell anemia is a genetically inherited disease.
- D. Sickle-cell anemia is a painful, inherited disease.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. The passage focuses on describing sickle-cell anemia as a painful and inherited disease. It details how the abnormal sickle-shaped cells cause symptoms like bone pain, fever, and fatigue. While bone pain is mentioned as a symptom, it is not the main idea of the passage. Choice A is incorrect. Choice B, which mentions oxygen transport, is not the main idea but a general concept. Choice C, stating genetically inherited diseases affect thousands, is too broad and does not focus on the specifics of sickle-cell anemia. Therefore, D is the most precise choice.
2. What is the meaning of the word consensus as it is used in the last paragraph about Barefoot Running?
- A. Investigation.
- B. Purpose.
- C. Trepidation.
- D. Unanimity.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: "Consensus" refers to a general agreement or unanimity among individuals, particularly regarding the safety and effectiveness of barefoot running. The passage discusses differing opinions on this subject, indicating that there is not a unanimous agreement. Thus, choice D accurately captures the meaning of "consensus" within the context of the discussion.
3. Identify the overall tone of the essay about Sunny-Side Up.
- A. Confused.
- B. Confident.
- C. Disheartened.
- D. Disapproving.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The overall tone of the essay is confident, as the author articulates the positive effects of sunlight and presents a well-supported argument. The assertive language used throughout reflects a strong belief in the benefits of sunlight, making B the correct answer.
4. Which statement would not be inferred by the reader in the passage about Hypertension?
- A. Maintaining a healthy weight may help to prevent hypertension.
- B. There is presently no reliable treatment for hypertension.
- C. Your ethnicity may contribute to your risk for hypertension.
- D. A 60-year-old is more likely to have hypertension than a teenager is.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The passage clearly states that there are treatments for hypertension, so the statement that there is presently no reliable treatment for hypertension cannot be inferred from the text. Choice A can be inferred from paragraph 3 where it mentions losing weight to decrease blood pressure. Choice C can be inferred from paragraph 1 where it states that African Americans are more likely to have hypertension. Choice D can be inferred from paragraph 2 where it explains that older people are most often diagnosed with hypertension due to changes in blood vessels as they age.
5. What is the main idea of the passage about Aromatherapy—Fact or Fiction?
- A. Aromatherapy is not a legitimate therapy by anyone’s standards.
- B. Lemon and lavender are not healthy scents to inhale or use.
- C. More studies are needed to determine if aromatherapy is truly beneficial.
- D. Adding aromatherapy to regular treatment will help speed healing.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The main idea of the passage revolves around the skepticism regarding the efficacy of aromatherapy. The mention of needing more studies to determine its true benefits suggests that the current findings are inconclusive. This aligns with choice C, which reflects the need for further research to validate the claims associated with aromatherapy.
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