choose the best summary of the passage about high fructose corn syrup

HESI A2

Reading Comprehension Practice Test HESI A2

1. Choose the best summary of the passage about High Fructose Corn Syrup.

A. After extensive studies, scientists recommend removing HFCS from grocery products.
B. A recent study on rats confirms suspicions that HFCS contributes to unhealthful weight gains.
C. Until more research is done, using HFCS is preferable to replacing it with refined sugar.
D. Avoiding HFCS can have immediate, healthful results on overweight patients, as suggested by the AMA.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best summary of the passage is choice B. The passage discusses concerns about the impact of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) on health, particularly its link to obesity. It mentions a recent study on rats that confirms suspicions about HFCS contributing to unhealthful weight gains. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they introduce recommendations or implications not explicitly mentioned in the passage. Choice A goes beyond the information by stating that scientists recommend removing HFCS from grocery products, choice C suggests that using HFCS is preferable until more research is done, and choice D implies immediate healthful results on overweight patients by avoiding HFCS, as suggested by the AMA, which is not supported by the passage.

2. 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.

3. Which of the following statements is a fact?

A. Nurses should watch for jaundice in newborns.
B. Untreated jaundice may cause brain damage.
C. Phototherapy blankets are a valuable invention.
D. Avoid neonatal units that lack phototherapy.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Untreated jaundice may cause brain damage.' This statement is a fact supported by the passage. Neonatal jaundice, if left untreated, can lead to brain damage due to excess bilirubin levels in the blood. Choice A is not a fact but a general guideline for nurses. Choice C is an opinion as it describes phototherapy blankets as valuable without citing a specific fact. Choice D is not a fact but a recommendation, advising to avoid neonatal units lacking phototherapy.

4. What is the meaning of the word overturn in the last paragraph of the passage?

A. Justify
B. Invalidate
C. Support
D. Review

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The word "overturn" means to invalidate or negate existing guidelines. In this context, the passage questions whether the findings of the study are substantial enough to change established medical recommendations regarding caffeine intake during pregnancy, making option B the appropriate choice.

5. What is the meaning of the word 'technical' as it is used in the fourth paragraph?

A. requiring expert knowledge
B. incomplete
C. foreign
D. plagiarized

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'A: requiring expert knowledge.' In the context provided, 'technical' refers to articles that demand expert knowledge to understand. The passage mentions that articles published in medical journals can be technical, meaning they are complex and require specialized expertise to comprehend. Choice B, 'incomplete,' is incorrect as 'technical' does not imply incompleteness. Choices C and D, 'foreign' and 'plagiarized,' are also incorrect as they do not align with the context of the passage.