Nokea
HEAT EXHAUSTION:
One of the human effects of the climate crisis is that as temperatures climb, more and more people are in danger of heat exhaustion. A recent spate of triple-digit temperatures occurred in states where such temperatures are rare. Municipalities provided cooling centers, which doubtless saved some lives. Knowing the signs of heat exhaustion can help you protect yourself on the hottest of days. Left untreated, heat exhaustion may lead to heatstroke, which can be fatal.
If you are forced to be outside and active in a place where high temperatures combine with high humidity, monitor your body for unusual reactions. People with heat exhaustion may sweat heavily yet have skin that feels clammy or cold. They may have a sudden sharp headache or muscle cramps and experience dizziness when standing up, which can lead to nausea. If you notice that your heart is racing and you feel faint, stop your activity at once. Find a cool place to rest, and hydrate immediately with water or an electrolyte-fortified sports drink.
If you suddenly stop sweating entirely, become confused, or cannot drink, you need immediate medical attention. Be aware that certain medical conditions—such as obesity or any condition that requires you to take beta blockers, tranquilizers, or antipsychotics—may exacerbate your reaction to excessive heat. If your weight or medications make you susceptible to heat exhaustion, avoid all physical activity when the heat index is over 90 degrees.
The term exacerbate, as used in the last paragraph, can best be defined as ___________.
- A. To soothe
- B. To intensify
- C. To adapt
- D. To disclose
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: "Exacerbate" means to intensify or worsen, especially in the context of medical conditions worsening heat exhaustion.
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Microsurgery as we know it today was developed in Sweden in the 1920s for use on animals. The first microsurgery used a monocular microscope, but soon a Swedish doctor developed a surgical binocular microscope, which became widely used in delicate ear operations. It was not until the 1960s that microscopy was first used to augment neurovascular surgery. Surgeons found that with the help of the microscope, they could repair the tiniest of blood vessels and even reconstruct vessels in partially amputated limbs.
In that same decade, a German surgeon developed the diploscope, which consisted of two independent binocular microscopes. This innovation allowed a surgeon to use high magnification while a surgical assistant followed along at a lower magnification, thereby observing a larger area of operation and addressing potential issues more effectively. This improvement in microscopy led to advances in plastic surgery, an area of medicine that regularly requires work on the tiniest of blood vessels and nerves.
Technological advances have continued to expand the possibilities of microsurgery. Surgeons can now perform procedures on cerebral aneurysms, reverse vasectomies, and improve breast reconstruction after cancer surgery. New tools such as telerobotic arms connected to microsurgical forceps and video microscopy, where the operative field is displayed in high definition on a TV monitor, have made even the most complex surgeries routine.
What is the meaning of the word delicate as used in the first paragraph?
- A. Subtle
- B. Fragile
- C. Refined
- D. Intricate
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the context of microsurgery, the word 'delicate' refers to the intricate, precise, and fine nature of surgeries performed using microscopy. These surgeries require intricate attention to detail and precision due to the small and delicate structures involved, making 'intricate' the most appropriate synonym. 'Subtle' implies understated or not obvious, 'fragile' suggests easily broken or damaged, and 'refined' refers to something developed or improved over time, none of which fully capture the detailed and precise nature of microsurgery. Therefore, 'intricate' is the correct answer.
HEAT EXHAUSTION:
One of the human effects of the climate crisis is that as temperatures climb, more and more people are in danger of heat exhaustion. A recent spate of triple-digit temperatures occurred in states where such temperatures are rare. Municipalities provided cooling centers, which doubtless saved some lives. Knowing the signs of heat exhaustion can help you protect yourself on the hottest of days. Left untreated, heat exhaustion may lead to heatstroke, which can be fatal.
If you are forced to be outside and active in a place where high temperatures combine with high humidity, monitor your body for unusual reactions. People with heat exhaustion may sweat heavily yet have skin that feels clammy or cold. They may have a sudden sharp headache or muscle cramps and experience dizziness when standing up, which can lead to nausea. If you notice that your heart is racing and you feel faint, stop your activity at once. Find a cool place to rest, and hydrate immediately with water or an electrolyte-fortified sports drink.
If you suddenly stop sweating entirely, become confused, or cannot drink, you need immediate medical attention. Be aware that certain medical conditions—such as obesity or any condition that requires you to take beta blockers, tranquilizers, or antipsychotics—may exacerbate your reaction to excessive heat. If your weight or medications make you susceptible to heat exhaustion, avoid all physical activity when the heat index is over 90 degrees.
Which conclusion can the reader draw after reading this passage?
- A. The climate crisis has increased deaths from heatstroke.
- B. Heat exhaustion rarely occurs in dry environments.
- C. The cessation of sweat is not necessarily a positive sign.
- D. Temperatures below 90 degrees are usually not dangerous.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The passage notes that stopping sweating entirely is a serious sign that requires medical attention.
Microsurgery as we know it today was developed in Sweden in the 1920s for use on animals. The first microsurgery used a monocular microscope, but soon a Swedish doctor developed a surgical binocular microscope, which became widely used in delicate ear operations. It was not until the 1960s that microscopy was first used to augment neurovascular surgery. Surgeons found that with the help of the microscope, they could repair the tiniest of blood vessels and even reconstruct vessels in partially amputated limbs.
In that same decade, a German surgeon developed the diploscope, which consisted of two independent binocular microscopes. This innovation allowed a surgeon to use high magnification while a surgical assistant followed along at a lower magnification, thereby observing a larger area of operation and addressing potential issues more effectively. This improvement in microscopy led to advances in plastic surgery, an area of medicine that regularly requires work on the tiniest of blood vessels and nerves.
Technological advances have continued to expand the possibilities of microsurgery. Surgeons can now perform procedures on cerebral aneurysms, reverse vasectomies, and improve breast reconstruction after cancer surgery. New tools such as telerobotic arms connected to microsurgical forceps and video microscopy, where the operative field is displayed in high definition on a TV monitor, have made even the most complex surgeries routine.
The passage mentions all of these uses for microscopy EXCEPT ___________.
- A. Ear surgery
- B. Amputations
- C. Vasectomies
- D. Reconstructions
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The passage discusses various uses of microscopy in surgery, including ear surgery, amputations, and reconstructions. However, vasectomies are not mentioned as an application of microscopy in the text. Therefore, vasectomies are the exception among the listed uses. Choices A, B, and D are supported by details in the extract, making them incorrect answers. The passage highlights the uses of microscopy in delicate ear operations, repairing blood vessels in partially amputated limbs, and improving breast reconstructions. While vasectomies are mentioned briefly in the extract, they are not connected to the application of microscopy in the context of surgeries.
Gout is a form of arthritis that typically comes on suddenly, causing intense joint pain, especially in the feet, ankles, wrists, or fingers. It is caused by the accumulation of urate crystals in the joint. Whereas normally, uric acid dissolves in the bloodstream and passes out of the body in the urine, at times, uric acid builds up, forming crystals. A diet rich in the foods that increase levels of uric acid—meat, seafood, fructose—may be a risk factor for gout.
It now appears that nurse-led treatments focusing on lifestyle may provide significant aid for gout patients. Medical treatment for gout has usually involved pain relievers and corticosteroids. In addition, doctors may prescribe uric acid inhibitors for patients who have recurrent gout attacks. A recent British study indicates that nurse-led care, which includes holistic education, lifestyle advice, and some form of urate-lowering therapy, is not only cheaper but also more successful than the usual physician-led treatment. Nurses were thoroughly trained in the causes and management of gout and were encouraged to include patients in decisions involving their own treatment. After two years, outcomes largely favored the nurse-led patients.
What does the term inhibitors mean, as used in the second paragraph?
- A. Protectors
- B. Deterrents
- C. Stressors
- D. Transporters
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Inhibitors refer to substances that slow down or prevent a particular process, in this case, the buildup of uric acid.
Omega-3 fatty acids include alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Your body needs omega-3s; they appear in the membranes that surround every cell in your body. Some people take omega-3 supplements such as cod liver oil, but with a little dietary care, you should be able to obtain adequate omega-3s from your daily nutrition. ALA is available in plant-based oils, especially flaxseed and canola oils. Some leafy greens, wheat germ, and walnuts also contain ALA. DHA and EPA occur naturally in fatty fish such as tuna, mackerel, sardines, bluefish, and salmon. Vegetarians may obtain some DHA and EPA from algal sources.
The positive effects on health of a diet rich in omega-3s are clear, although further research is needed to know exactly how omega-3s help. They seem to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and reduce the buildup of plaque in the arteries, making them critical in maintaining heart health. Researchers have found that people with a high omega-3 intake seem to have fewer colon and breast cancers. Because of the fatty acids’ effect on inflammation, some doctors find omega-3 supplements useful for asthma and arthritis patients.
Less clear are the effects on mental health, although there are health professionals who believe strongly that high levels of omega-3s can reduce depression, improve memory, and moderate symptoms of attention deficit hyperactive disorder. Until more research takes place, it is unwise to rely on omega-3s to cure mental health issues. However, ensuring that your diet contains ample amounts of these critical fatty acids is still a good idea.
What is one of the author's primary purposes in writing this essay?
- A. To persuade
- B. To entertain
- C. To analyze
- D. To reflect
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The author primarily aims to persuade the reader of the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and encourages ensuring sufficient omega-3 intake through diet.