which statement would not be inferred by the reader in the passage about hypertension

HESI A2

Reading Comprehension Practice Test HESI A2

1. 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.

2. What is the meaning of the word 'shifts' as used in the third paragraph?

A. Alterations
B. Stints
C. Removals
D. Transfers

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this context, 'shifts' refers to changes or alterations in brain chemistry and electrophysiology. The word 'alterations' best captures the idea that significant changes are occurring in the brain. 'Stints' (choice B) refer to short periods of time or work, which is not the meaning intended here. 'Removals' (choice C) and 'transfers' (choice D) do not fit the context of the sentence and are not related to the changes happening in the brain as described in the extract.

3. What conclusion can a reader draw from this passage?

A. It is advisable to choose unsaturated fats over saturated fats.
B. Saturated fats are more calorically dense than unsaturated fats.
C. Trans fats are more calorically dense than saturated fats.
D. Unsaturated fats are mostly found in animal products.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct conclusion that can be drawn from the passage is that it is advisable to choose unsaturated fats over saturated fats. The passage emphasizes the health benefits of unsaturated fats, such as lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease. It also mentions that saturated fats, although not as healthy as unsaturated fats, should still be consumed sparingly. Trans fats are highlighted as the least healthy fats, increasing the risk of heart disease. Choice B is incorrect because the passage does not explicitly compare the caloric density of saturated and unsaturated fats. Choice C is incorrect as the passage does not discuss the caloric density of trans fats in comparison to saturated fats. Choice D is incorrect as the passage states that unsaturated fats are found in sources like olive oil, walnut oil, and avocado oil, not mostly in animal products.

4. Which might be a good title for this passage?

A. “Everyone Should Run Barefoot”
B. “How to Prevent Running Injuries”
C. “Modern Road Surfaces Versus Barefoot Running”
D. “The Debate over Barefoot Running”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The title "The Debate over Barefoot Running" encapsulates the central theme of the passage, which explores both the advantages and disadvantages of barefoot running. It effectively summarizes the discussions around differing opinions and the lack of consensus on this topic. Other titles do not accurately reflect the primary focus of the essay, making D the most suitable choice.

5. What is the main idea of the passage about MRSA?

A. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant problem both within and outside of hospitals, and there are ways to mitigate the risk.
B. A new textile made of nanomaterials could significantly reduce the spread of hospital-associated MRSA infections.
C. There are multiple strains of MRSA, and they pose various risks beyond just fatality.
D. MRSA is a significant problem both within and outside of hospitals, but there are ways to mitigate the risk.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The main idea of the passage is that MRSA is a significant issue both within and outside of hospitals. It highlights the challenges posed by MRSA, including its resistance to antibiotics, high mortality rates, and widespread presence in various settings. While the development of new technologies like nanomaterial textiles shows promise in reducing hospital-associated MRSA, the passage also emphasizes the importance of practicing good hygiene to prevent community-associated MRSA infections. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not capture the comprehensive overview of MRSA provided in the passage. Choice A encompasses the main idea by emphasizing the significance of MRSA and ways to mitigate the risk. Choice B focuses on a specific solution rather than the broader issue of MRSA. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies the risks associated with MRSA strains by only mentioning fatality.