reading comprehension practice test hesi a2 Reading Comprehension Practice Test HESI A2 - Nursing Elites
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HESI A2

Reading Comprehension Practice Test HESI A2

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Extract:

  • HCFS: The impact of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) on health has been a topic of concern in recent years. High fructose corn syrup, a sweetener derived from corn, has been linked to various health issues, including obesity. Unlike refined table sugar, which is a natural product, HFCS is manufactured through a chemical process. Studies have shown that rats tend to prefer HFCS over other sweeteners, raising questions about its effects on human health. The American Medical Association (AMA) has examined the implications of HFCS consumption and its potential role in the obesity epidemic. Despite some benefits in terms of cost and versatility in food products, the association has highlighted potential health risks, including increased caloric intake and potential links to obesity. As research continues, the debate over the safety and health implications of HFCS remains relevant.

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

    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.

    2. Which of the following is not mentioned as a detail in the passage about High Fructose Corn Syrup?

    Correct answer: D

    Rationale: The correct answer is D because the passage does not mention that HFCS contains more calories than aspartame. While the passage discusses the concerns and implications of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), it does not compare its caloric content to aspartame. Detail A is supported by the passage as both HFCS and sugar share a biological structure. Detail B is also mentioned in the passage, stating that HFCS is cheaper to use than sugar. Detail C is supported by the text, which mentions that HFCS is now used to sweeten a variety of products. However, detail D is never discussed in the passage, making it the correct answer.

    3. What is the author’s primary purpose in writing the essay about High Fructose Corn Syrup?

    Correct answer: A

    Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'To inform.' The essay provides detailed information about High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), discussing its impact on health, how it is derived, its link to health issues like obesity, and the ongoing debates surrounding its consumption and health implications. The primary goal of the author is to educate the readers about HFCS and its effects, rather than persuade them to take a particular stance (choice B), entertain them (choice C), or analyze the topic in depth (choice D). The essay presents facts, studies, and expert opinions to inform the audience about the controversies and health risks associated with HFCS consumption, aiming to enhance the readers' knowledge and understanding of this sweetener's implications on health.

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

    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.

    Extract:

  • HYPERTENSION: The term hypertension is used to describe the condition of chronically high blood pressure. People who are obese, experience a lot of stress, smoke tobacco products, have a diet with too much salt in it, or have diabetes are often at a higher risk for hypertension. As well, African Americans are more likely to have hypertension than other population groups. Hypertension often develops over many years. Older people are most often diagnosed with hypertension. One reason for this is that blood vessels lose elasticity and stiffen as a person ages. This creates more resistance to the blood flowing through the body and elevates blood pressure. Symptoms of hypertension can include blurred vision, headaches, a buzzing in the ears, fatigue, an irregular heartbeat, and nosebleeds. Hypertension that goes untreated over a period of time can lead to serious complications such as kidney disease, heart disease, loss of vision, heart attack, brain damage, and even early death. Fortunately, treating hypertension reduces blood pressure and can lower the risk of complications. For many people, losing weight can result in a significant decrease in blood pressure. For others, physicians may prescribe one or more medications to help bring blood pressure down into a safe range. One thing is certain: physicians believe that people over the age of 20 should monitor their blood pressure by having it checked at least once a year. Those with a history of hypertension in the immediate family should have it checked more frequently.

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

    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.

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