what does the term elasticity mean as used in the passage about hypertension

HESI A2

Reading Comprehension Practice Test HESI A2

1. What does the term elasticity mean, as used in the passage about Hypertension?

A. Firmness.
B. Compactness.
C. Flexibility.
D. Rigidity.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Elasticity, as used in the passage about Hypertension, refers to the stretchiness or flexibility of blood vessels. The text mentions that blood vessels lose elasticity and stiffen as a person ages, indicating that they become less flexible. This eliminates choices A and D (Firmness and Rigidity) as the correct answers. Choice B (Compactness) is unrelated to the concept of elasticity in the context of blood vessels and is therefore incorrect. Understanding elasticity as the ability to stretch or flex helps in choosing flexibility as the correct answer.

2. What was the author’s primary purpose for writing this essay?

A. To persuade the reader to conserve water
B. To persuade the reader that runoff is not the best way to collect water
C. To analyze different types of runoff
D. To inform the reader about the stages of the water cycle

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The author's primary purpose for writing the essay is to inform the reader about the stages of the water cycle. The essay discusses the various stages of the water cycle, including precipitation, runoff, evaporation, and condensation. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the essay focuses on explaining the water cycle stages rather than persuading the reader to conserve water, discussing the effectiveness of runoff, or analyzing different types of runoff.

3. Which claim from the passage best describes the benefits of nanotechnology?

A. Scientists can develop novel technologies and products.
B. Nanotechnology is defined as the understanding and control of matter at dimensions of roughly 1 to 100 nanometers.
C. The different colors can be used in simple medical tests to indicate infection or disease.
D. Unique properties of materials emerge.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the passage specifically states that at the nanoscale, unique properties of materials emerge, which is a key benefit of nanotechnology. Choice A talks about what scientists can do but does not directly describe the benefits mentioned in the passage. Choice B is the definition of nanotechnology and not a specific benefit. Choice C mentions the use of different colors in medical tests, which is a specific application rather than a general benefit of nanotechnology.

4. What conclusion can be drawn from the passage on the Amazon Rainforest?

A. The Amazon Rainforest is shrinking at a rapid pace.
B. The Amazon Rainforest is not affected by human activity.
C. The Amazon Rainforest will survive indefinitely.
D. The Amazon Rainforest has no significant impact on global warming.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct conclusion that can be drawn from the passage on the Amazon Rainforest is that it is shrinking at a rapid pace. The passage explicitly mentions the rapid deforestation and shrinking of the Amazon Rainforest due to human activities like logging and burning. This conclusion is supported by the alarming statistics provided, such as 9,169 square miles of forest being cut down in Brazil in 2003, and an area of rainforest the size of a football field being burned down every minute. This rapid destruction poses a significant threat to the survival of the Amazon Rainforest and its biodiversity. Choice B is incorrect as the passage clearly states that human activities are causing harm to the rainforest. Choice C is incorrect because the passage highlights the current dangers and threats faced by the Amazon Rainforest, indicating that its survival is at risk. Choice D is also incorrect as the passage clearly explains the significant impact of deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest on global warming due to the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.