choose the best summary of the passage about microbes

HESI A2

Reading Comprehension HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Choose the best summary of the passage about microbes.

A. Scientists have discovered the importance of certain bacteria for a well-functioning immune system, especially in defending against pathogens. The colonization of microbes in the body begins at birth, with the immune system relying on these bacteria for proper function.
B. The passage discusses the role of bacteria in the development of the human immune system. It highlights that the body supports various microorganisms crucial for immunity, starting from birth. The presence of harmless bacteria is essential for the immune system to work effectively.
C. The body hosts a vast number of microorganisms critical for immune system development. Harmless bacteria are necessary for the immune system to defend against pathogens effectively. Early research shows promising results in fecal bacteriotherapy for restoring the immune system's ability to fight off harmful invaders.
D. Microbes play a pivotal role in human health, particularly in immune system development. The introduction of healthy bacteria is essential for the immune system to function correctly. Fecal bacteriotherapy is a novel approach to reintroducing beneficial bacteria into a compromised colon to enhance immune response.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The passage emphasizes the importance of certain bacteria for a properly functioning immune system. It discusses how harmless bacteria play a crucial role in defending the body against pathogens. Choice A is incorrect as it focuses on the immune system's response to certain types of bacteria in lower organisms, not the overall importance of bacteria for immunity. Choice B is incorrect as it mainly discusses bacteriotherapy in relation to the reconstruction of a damaged colon, rather than the broader role of bacteria in immune system health. Choice D is incorrect as it only talks about the process of replacing harmful bacteria with harmless ones, missing the key point about the necessity of certain bacteria for immune system function.

2. In this passage, which of these is not mentioned as a possible sign of heat exhaustion?

A. Dizziness
B. Nausea
C. Headache
D. Drowsiness

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The passage mentions dizziness, nausea, and headache as symptoms but does not list drowsiness.

3. What is the main idea of the passage about The Sleep Workout?

A. Insufficient sleep can lead to obesity.
B. Insufficient sleep inhibits the natural release of human growth hormone in the human body.
C. Getting the proper amount of uninterrupted sleep plays a major role in the development of muscle.
D. Developing muscle growth is an effective way to stay healthy as we get older.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main idea of the passage is that getting the proper amount of uninterrupted sleep plays a major role in the development of muscle. The passage emphasizes how muscle growth occurs during rest periods following a workout, with sleep being a critical time for muscle fiber rebuilding. The connection between sleep, human growth hormone (HGH) release, and muscle development is highlighted. Choice A is incorrect because while the passage mentions the link between inadequate sleep and obesity due to altered appetite hormones, the main focus is on muscle development. Choice B is incorrect because although the passage discusses HGH release during deep sleep, the primary emphasis is on the role of uninterrupted sleep in muscle development. Choice D is incorrect because while the passage acknowledges that developing muscle growth is essential for health as we age, the key point is the significance of uninterrupted sleep in the muscle development process.

4. 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.

5. What is the main idea of the passage about High Fructose Corn Syrup?

A. The passage discusses the potential health risks associated with consuming HFCS.
B. High fructose corn syrup may be contributing to obesity.
C. Manufacturing process of HFCS involves a chemical process.
D. Rats prefer high fructose corn syrup over other sweeteners.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main idea of the passage about High Fructose Corn Syrup is that it may be contributing to obesity in America. This is evident from the information provided in the extract, which discusses how HFCS has been linked to health issues, including obesity. Choice A is incorrect because the passage primarily focuses on the potential health risks associated with HFCS consumption, not just the examination by the American Medical Association. Choice C is irrelevant as it only talks about the manufacturing process of HFCS, which is not the central theme of the passage. Choice D is incorrect as it emphasizes the preference of rats for HFCS, which is a minor point compared to the potential impact on human health, particularly in relation to obesity.