Reading Comprehension Practice Test HESI A2

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CONCUSSIONS:
A concussion is a traumatic injury to the brain that can interfere with the way the brain processes information and functions. A concussion often results in severe headaches, diminished alertness, and even unconsciousness. While more than one million people in the United States suffer concussions every year, many believe that, like people, no two concussions are identical.
Recently, two professional baseball players suffered concussions. The first player was injured early in the season and tried twice to return to regular play but was not medically cleared to play until the following year. Even after eight months, this player reported a recurring condition of “fogginess” that seemed to linger. The second player had brief symptoms of sleepiness and involuntary movement, or “shakiness.” A few days later, and after several tests, the second player reported that the effects of the concussion had subsided, and he was cleared to play.
No matter the duration of a person’s recovery, refraining from trying to do too much, too soon is vital. A specialist at Boston University’s Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy believes that someone who suffers a second concussion while still recovering from the first risks an even longer recovery. Full recovery from concussions is possible. Problems are seldom permanent, and for most people who have had a concussion, the long-term prognosis is typically excellent. The first baseball player recently returned to his team. And though he was told by his physician that he has no greater risk than anyone else of suffering another concussion, other physicians believe that suffering one sports-related concussion increases the likelihood of suffering another.

What is the meaning of the word diminished as used in the passage about Concussions?

  • A. Miniature.
  • B. Reduced.
  • C. Recurrent.
  • D. Hollow.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Substitute the choices in place of the vocabulary word. Only
reduced (choice B) fits the context.

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SUNLIGHT:
Most people are familiar with the damaging effects of the sun on unprotected skin, but not enough attention is paid to the many positive effects of receiving direct exposure to sunlight on a regular basis. The most compelling argument for increased exposure to sunlight is the need for vitamin D in the human body. Vitamin D is integral for maintaining healthy bones and preventing diseases like rickets and osteoporosis. It is synthesized by the skin when it comes into contact with the UVB rays found in sunlight. In order to ensure you are receiving the proper amount of vitamin D, it is recommended to get 15 minutes of direct exposure to sunlight at least two or three times a week. UVB rays are made less intense when passing through clouds and pollution, and they will not transmit through glass or sunscreen. UVB rays are also less effective the farther you are from the equator. People with darker skin require more exposure to the sun to receive the same amount of vitamin D.
In addition to vitamin D, sunlight will help regulate the circadian rhythms that ensure you get a good night’s sleep. Sunlight helps to prevent an overactive immune system, which may prove useful in preventing autoimmune diseases like psoriasis and lupus. Recent studies have even shown that sunlight can help lessen the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. The negative impacts of excess exposure to sunlight should not be ignored; cancers resulting from skin damage are a real concern that must be taken seriously. But the importance of vitamin D and the other positive impacts of sunlight make a compelling argument for making sure we are spending enough time every week in direct sunlight.

Identify the overall tone of the essay about Sunny-Side Up.

  • A. Confused.
  • B. Confident.
  • C. Disheartened.
  • D. Disapproving.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The tone of the essay is confident, as the author argues for the positive effects of sunlight.

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.

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

  • A. After extensive studies, scientists recommend removing HFCS from grocery products.
  • B. A recent study on rats confirms suspicions that HFCS contributes to unhealthful weight gains.
  • C. Until more research is done, using HFCS is preferable to replacing it with refined sugar.
  • D. Avoiding HFCS can have immediate, healthful results on overweight patients, as suggested by the AMA.
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.

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.

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

  • A. HFCS and sugar share a biological structure.
  • B. HFCS is cheaper to use than sugar.
  • C. HFCS is now used to sweeten a variety of products.
  • D. HFCS contains more calories than aspartame.
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.

Evolution of the CDC:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) started in 1946 as the Communicable Disease Center (CDC). Its original goal was to stop malaria in the United States. From a small office in Atlanta, health workers spread out over the South, spraying mosquitoes and using shovels to eliminate low spots of standing water. At that time, most of the CDC’s workers were not doctors; the need was for entomologists and engineers. The founder of the CDC, Dr. Joseph Mountin, enlarged the organization’s mission to fight communicable diseases of all kinds, and over the next 20 years, the CDC would focus on smallpox, measles, and polio.
In 1970, the name was changed to the Center for Disease Control, but the mission continued to expand. By 1980, the CDC was working not only on the eradication of existing diseases but also on disease prevention. By this point, it had hundreds of doctors and researchers looking into health problems such as depression and addiction. The name changed again, to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Today, the CDC has thousands of employees and coordinates research activities with public health agencies worldwide. It is especially known for its work to protect people from epidemics and unexpected health threats, but its everyday work in the areas of environmental health, injury prevention, birth defects, healthy schools and workplaces, and health education is just as important and beneficial to all Americans.

What is the overall tone of the essay about A Short History of the CDC?

  • A. Appreciative.
  • B. Awestruck.
  • C. Somber.
  • D. Disheartened.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The tone is appreciative of the work and impact of the CDC over time.

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.

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.

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