HESI A2 reading comprehension practice questions, set 7

HESI A2 · reading comprehension

HESI A2 reading comprehension practice questions set 7

You follow the passage and answer what it said, not what you already knew. Five of the 15 questions include the correct answer and rationale. The other ten keep answers in the study hub. Continue with the HESI A2 exam guide or more HESI A2 practice questions.

Five reading comprehension questions with answers

Cover the key. Write the first action. Then open the rationale and name why the other choices fail.

Question 1

MICROBES IN HUMAN HEALTH: There are 10 times more microbes than human cells in the human body. Scientists have long known that the human body hosts a staggering number of microorganisms. Recent discoveries, however, are shedding light on how pivotal these bacteria are in the development of the human immune system. The body supports a wide array of microorganisms specially adapted to survive in particular regions. Remarkably, there is such variation in these microorganisms that few people share the same strains in the same quantities. The colonization of microbes begins at birth. A newborn infant, emerging from the germ-free environment of the womb, is immediately exposed to germs from its mother's birth canal. These bacteria swiftly begin to breed and colonize the infant's body, which becomes their new host. The most fascinating discovery is not just that the immune system tolerates these millions of harmless organisms, but that it may actually rely on their presence to function properly. For example, laboratory mice unable to produce a specific inflammation-reducing molecule were injected with a particular strain of bacteria. After the bacteria colonized, the mice's immune systems developed the ability to synthesize the molecule. Essentially, the mice needed the bacteria for their immune systems to function correctly. This concept is also being applied to humans through a relatively experimental procedure known as fecal bacteriotherapy. This treatment reintroduces healthy bacteria into a colon that has lost its ability to defend against pathogens. While scientists are only beginning to understand the critical role these microorganisms play in human health, early research has yielded remarkable discoveries.

Which of the following is not listed as a detail in the passage about microbes?

  1. A. Babies are born coated with germs from the birth canal.
  2. B. Mice and humans respond to microbes differently.
  3. C. Few people share the same microbes in the same quantities.
  4. D. Human bodies contain far more microbes than they do cells.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Mice and humans respond to microbes differently.

The correct answer is B because the passage does not detail that mice and humans respond to microbes differently. The passage discusses how laboratory mice required a particular strain of bacteria to help their immune systems function correctly, indicating a difference in how mice and humans respond to microbes. Choices A, C, and D are all details mentioned in the passage: A discusses babies being coated with germs from the birth canal, C talks about the variation in microbes among individuals, and D states that human bodies contain more microbes than cells.

Question 2

Cystic fibrosis is a disease that is passed down through families. It is caused by a defective gene that makes the body produce abnormally thick and sticky fluid, called mucus. This mucus builds up in the breathing passages of the lungs and in the pancreas. The buildup of mucus results in life-threatening lung infections and serious digestion problems. The disease may also affect the sweat glands and a man's reproductive system. Millions of Americans carry a CF gene, but do not have symptoms. This is because a person with CF must inherit two defective genes, one from each parent. About 1 in 29 Caucasian Americans have the CF gene. It is more common among those of northern or central European descent. Most children with CF are diagnosed by age 2. For a small number, the disease is not detected until age 18 or older. These children often have a milder form of the disease.

In context, the word 'defective' in the first sentence of the passage means which of the following?

  1. A. Unusual
  2. B. Remarkable
  3. C. Postponed
  4. D. Faulty
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — Faulty

In the context provided, 'defective' means faulty, referring to the gene that causes cystic fibrosis (CF). The passage explains that CF is caused by a defective gene, resulting in the production of abnormally thick and sticky fluid. The word 'defective' suggests that the gene is not functioning correctly, leading to the symptoms associated with the disease. Therefore, 'faulty' is the correct choice. The other options, 'unusual,' 'remarkable,' and 'postponed,' do not accurately capture the meaning of 'defective' in this context and are therefore incorrect.

Question 3

PHOTOTHERAPY: Phototherapy, commonly referred to as light therapy, has been an established form of medicine for more than a century. In recent years it has become closely associated with seasonal affective disorder, of which it is an effective and well-known treatment, but it is also used to treat a broad range of medical issues including acne, psoriasis, and eczema. The most common form of light therapy involves a patient sitting in front of a medically designed light box for a prescribed amount of time every morning. The light is positioned at an exact distance from the patient's eyes so that it strikes both the skin and the retina. The light box mimics the effects of natural sunlight, but the UV rays are filtered to ensure there is no damage to the patient's skin or eyes. Phototherapy is thought to be a safe method of reducing the amount of bacteria on the skin, reducing inflammatory responses, and affecting the chemicals in the brain associated with mood. One of the most recent technologies to be associated with phototherapy is the phototherapy blanket. In the late 1960s it was discovered that phototherapy can be used to treat jaundice in newborn babies. Neonatal jaundice, a yellowing of the skin in newborn infants due to excess bilirubin levels in the blood, is usually harmless but can cause brain damage if left untreated. Newborns are given a phototherapy blanket, a small pad with flexible LED light panels sewn into the fabric, to sleep with until their livers are able to process the excess bilirubin. The many benefits of phototherapy make it a valuable resource for addressing a variety of ailments. Emerging innovations in LED and photo technologies ensure that many more practical applications will be developed for this particular form of treatment in the years to come.

What is the meaning of the word 'established' as used in the first paragraph?

  1. A. Created
  2. B. Ascertained
  3. C. Founded
  4. D. Reputable
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — Founded

In this context, 'established' means 'founded' or set up for a long time. The word is used to indicate that phototherapy has been a recognized and in place form of medicine for over a century. 'Created' (choice A) is incorrect as it implies the initial invention of phototherapy, which is not the intended meaning here. 'Ascertained' (choice B) means to find out for certain, which does not match the context of how phototherapy has been practiced. 'Reputable' (choice D) means having a good reputation, which is not the same as being long-standing or founded.

Question 4

VOICE: What effect does your voice have on others? Does it persuade or irritate, attract or repel? One of the worst qualities is harshness. If you ever get the feeling that people are uncomfortable when you speak, it may be that your harsh tones are jarring their eardrums. your voice will sound unpleasant if it is shrill, grating, hard, piercing, brassy, to loud, or too nasal. Harsh voice qualities usually come from too much tension in the throat and jaw. Tension tightens muscles and blocks the relaxed voice tones essential to a pleasing impression. Because tension occurs in higher pitched voices, women tend to have shriller voices than men, which usually makes them less desirable public speakers, newscasters, or political candidates.

What can be inferred about the author's reaction to different voices?

  1. A. Be an experienced public speaker
  2. B. Prefer shrill, grating, and brassy voice
  3. C. Have no particular reactions to different voices
  4. D. nan
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — Have no particular reactions to different voices

Based on the extract provided, the author discusses the effects of different voice qualities on others but does not express any preference or reaction towards specific voices. The author emphasizes the negative impact of harsh tones and provides insights into how voice qualities can influence perceptions. As a result, it can be inferred that the author has no particular reactions to different voices. Choices A and B are incorrect as there is no mention of the author's public speaking experience or preference for specific voice qualities in the passage.

Question 5

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.

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

  1. A. Firmness.
  2. B. Compactness.
  3. C. Flexibility.
  4. D. Rigidity.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — Flexibility.

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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Question 6

BICYCLES: Today, bicycles are so common that it's hard to believe they haven't always been around. But two hundred years ago, bicycles didn't even exist, and the first bicycle, invented in Germany in 1818, was nothing like our bicycles today. It was made of wood and didn't even have pedals. Since then, however, numerous innovations and improvements in design have made the bicycle one of the most popular means of recreation and transportation around the world. In 1839,Kirkpatrick Macmillan, a Scottish blacksmith, dramatically improved upon the original bicycle design. Macmillan's machine had tires with iron rims to keep them from getting worn down. He also used foot-operated cranks like pedals,so his bicycle could be ridden at a quick pace. It didn't look much like a modern bicycle, though, because its back wheel was substantially larger than its front wheel. In 1861, the French Michaux brothers took the evolution of the bicycle a step further by inventing an improved crank mechanism. Ten years later, James Starley, an English inventor, revolutionized bicycle design. He made the front wheel many times larger than the back wheel, put a gear on the pedals to make the bicycle more efficient, and lightened the wheels by using wire spokes. Although this bicycle was much lighter and less tiring to ride, it was still clumsy, extremely top heavy, and ridden mostly for entertainment. It wasn't until 1874 that the first truly modern bicycle appeared on the scene. (14) Invented by another Englishman, H.J. Lawson, the "safety bicycle" would look familiar to today's cyclists. This bicycle had equal-sized wheels, which made it less prone to toppling over. Lawson also attached a chain to the pedals to drive the rear wheel. With these improvements, the bicycle became extremely popular and useful for transportation. Today they are built, used, and enjoyed all over the world.

What does Macmillan's invention of the bicycle signify?

  1. A. He made important changes in bicycle design.
  2. B. He invented the first bicycle with pedals.
  3. C. He developed the modern chain drive.
  4. D. He improved the safety of bicycles.
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Question 7

EXERCISE: It sounds contradictory, but here is some new advice for people who are feeling unusually tired: get out and get some exercise. Studies have shown that regular, low-impact workouts such as short strolls or brief bike rides can help increase overall energy levels by 20 percent and decrease fatigue levels by 65 percent. In other words, if you are feeling tired, the best way to feel more energetic is to get some exercise. This advice is based on a study done by the University of Georgia's Exercise Pathology Lab. Three dozen people who did not get any kind of regular exercise yet consistently felt exhausted were divided into three groups. One group did not exercise at all. A second group worked out intensively on an exercise bike three times a week. The third group also worked out but at a slower pace. Of the two groups that exercised, both reported a 20 percent increase in energy levels. However, the group that exercised at a more leisurely pace stated that they experienced far less fatigue than the high-intensity group. This was not the first study to point out a link between regular exercise and energy levels. The same team that conducted it also published one several years ago that stated that low-impact exercise can also help reduce fatigue in patients with serious health conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Clearly, it is time to get off the couch and onto the track.

The word 'track' as used in the last paragraph of the passage can best be defined as ___________.

  1. A. Keep a record of
  2. B. A new attitude
  3. C. Follow carefully
  4. D. A paved, circular path
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Question 8

DAY LIGHT SAVINGS TIME: It is a well-known fact that it takes the Earth approximately 365 days to move around the sun. At the same time, the Earth revolves or spins around itself over the course of 24 hours, which explains why there is day and night. One half of the Earth is always facing the Sun and the other half is facing away from it. As a result, there are different time zones dividing the globe. Moving suddenly from one time zone into the other, as when flying for example from Asia to North America, causes jetlag. People feel tired, they wake up suddenly during the night and cannot go back to sleep. It takes time to get used to a new time zone. Another thing to consider is the slight tilting of the Earth towards the sun. The Earth does not stand straight but leans a little to one side. Therefore, when it revolves around the Sun, the middle part of the Earth is always closer to the Sun and gets more heat. This part is called the equator, and above it lathes tropics. Countries at the tropics get the same amount of daylight all the time. The sun always rises at 6 am and sets at 6 pm. In contrast, the tips of the Earth or the Poles get hardly any light at all because they are so far away from the sun. There are two main seasons at the Poles. There are 6 months of summer, when the sun is always shining, even at night, and there are 6 months of winter, when there is constant darkness. In between the tropics and the Poles lies the temperate zone, where there are 4 seasons. The sun rises and sets at different times throughout the year. In the spring and summer, it gets light earlier; in the fall and winter it gets dark earlier. People who live in temperate zones take advantage of that fact to get more daylight. At the beginning of spring, countries in Europe and North America re-adjust their clocks. They change the time on their clocks and watches by moving them an hour ahead. As a result, the sun does not set around 7 or 8 pm as usual, but an hour later. This measure is called Daylight Savings Time (DST) and lasts until the beginning of fall, when people move their clocks back one hour to Standard or regular Time. It is thought that Benjamin Franklin first suggested the introduction of Daylight Savings Time in the 18th century. But, the first serious proposal came in 1907 from William Willet. Yet his idea was shelved by the British government, who refused it because they thought it was unnecessary. Daylight Savings Time was first put into practice by the German government in 1916 in order to save energy during the First World War. Shortly after, the United Kingdom followed suit, with the United States doing the same in 1918. The law was very unpopular since people had to wake up earlier and many experienced a feeling like jetlag. But the 1970s energy crisis forced the US to make Daylight Savings Time the law. Studies have shown that the introduction of Daylight Savings Time in the spring saved the US 10,000 barrels of oil per day between 1974-1975. It also prevented 2,000 traffic injuries and 50 traffic-related deaths, saving the country $28 million. Currently, Americans switch to Daylight Savings Time on the first Sunday in April and move back to Standard Time on the last Sunday in October. But as of 2007, the time re-adjustment happened even earlier, in March and November.

What is implied about Benjamin Franklin in the passage on Daylight Savings Time?

  1. A. Benjamin Franklin opposed the idea of Daylight Savings Time.
  2. B. Benjamin Franklin was the first to implement Daylight Savings Time.
  3. C. Benjamin Franklin proposed the idea of Daylight Savings Time.
  4. D. Benjamin Franklin had no role in Daylight Savings Time.
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Question 9

MRSA: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a form of the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium that is resistant to antibiotics and, as a result, is very difficult to treat. MRSA now kills more Americans every year than HIV/AIDS, and the rates of infection are rising. Methicillin, an antibiotic introduced in the 1960s, was intended to combat Staphylococcus aureus, which is ubiquitous in hospitals. However, within a year of its introduction, doctors began finding strains of bacteria that had already developed immunity to methicillin. By the 1990s, MRSA had become the leading hospital-acquired skin infection in the United States. At the same time MRSA started appearing outside of hospitals, different strains of the bacteria emerged, spreading just as quickly and being just as dangerous. In the past 15 years, MRSA bacteria have become ubiquitous not only in hospitals but also in gyms, locker rooms, swimming pools, and other settings with frequent human contact. Researchers in Ireland are developing technology that may significantly halt the spread of hospital-associated MRSA bacteria. They have created a textile made of nanomaterials 1,000 times smaller than a human hair. These textiles have been shown to halt the spread of infection and can be used for linens, drapes, and upholstery in hospitals. The potential for this technology to reduce instances of hospital-associated MRSA is staggering. To reduce your risk of community-associated MRSA infection, regularly wash your hands, cover all open wounds with a clean bandage, and avoid sharing personal items like razors or towels.

Which of the following statements is an opinion related to MRSA?

  1. A. Hand-washing stations are one means of combating MRSA infection.
  2. B. Not all Staphylococcus bacteria are resistant to antibiotics.
  3. C. Hospitals in the United States should quickly adopt the use of new germ-fighting textiles.
  4. D. MRSA infection kills more people in the United States than does HIV/AIDS.
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Question 10

OSTEOPOROSIS: Almost everyone knows, thanks to everything from newspaper articles to endless television commercials, that bone density is a major health concern for women. Osteoporosis has become a familiar term, and more and more women are booking bone density tests to make sure all is well underneath the skin. In all the hype, however, there are certain people who are being overlooked: men. It appears that older men need routine checks for bone thinning as well. A new computerized tool sponsored by the World Health Organization is being used to identify the people most at risk for experiencing a broken bone. One of its findings is that men older than 70 years of age should have a bone mineral density x-ray test on a regular basis. This tool, called FRAX, calculates the risk of a person experiencing a hip, wrist, shoulder, or spine fracture within the next decade. Those tested were age 40 or older and either had osteoporosis or low bone mass. FRAX takes many different elements into consideration when figuring a person's risk level. It factors in diet, exercise, and exposure to sunlight, for example. It also looks at where people live, what genetic factors might be involved, as well as lifestyle factors such as smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and the use of steroids. The National Osteoporosis Foundation has used the FRAX predictions to create updated guidelines. Their new recommendations not only include bone density tests for men but also a stronger emphasis on the importance of weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises and an increased amount of vitamin D supplementation.

FRAX takes into account all of the following factors EXCEPT ___________.

  1. A. Lifestyle choices
  2. B. Exposure to toxins
  3. C. Genetic heritage
  4. D. Exposure to sunlight
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Question 11

Lub-dub! Lub-dub! Lub-dub! This sound is made by the rapid contracting and extending of the chamber doors on the inside of theheart. This ventricular contracting injects roughly 70 mL of blood into a vascular system with a given volume at differing pressure.Blood pressure refers to the pressure in the arterial system; and it is typically taken in the brachial artery of the arm because the pressure at different places along the circulatory route is different. Blood pressure is simply the force that the blood exerts in all directions within any given area and is the basis for the movement of blood from the heart, through the body, and back to the heart. This pressure is commonly expressed as a ratio of the systolic pressure over the diastolic pressure.The systolic pressure or “high peak†pressure takes place within the arterial system as ventricles contract and force blood into the arteries. The diastolic pressure or “low peak†pressure takes place within this arterial system just before the next ventricular contraction.An increase in blood pressure can occur if the arterial walls lose some of their elasticity with age or disease.

What is the meaning of the word 'elasticity' in the last paragraph?

  1. A. Something that is able to resist and be flexible
  2. B. Something that is like plastic
  3. C. Something that is dynamic and electrifying
  4. D. Something that is silly
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Question 12

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER: Almost anyone who lives in a place where the winter months are mostly dark and rainy or snowy knows what it is like to yearn longingly for "just a few rays." For some people, however, this feeling is much more than a simple longing; it is a physical and emotional need. These people suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Although in the past the experience has been put down to nothing more than "winter blues," more and more physicians are recognizing the fact that for some, it is much more than a mood swing. Those with SAD not only get depressed, they struggle with lethargy and chronic fatigue, often to the point of impairing their daily lives. Other symptoms include anxiety, social withdrawal, appetite changes, weight gain, and insomnia. Although more women than men are diagnosed with SAD, men seem to have the most severe symptoms. Those who live in the north and those with a family history of SAD are at highest overall risk. Currently, SAD is considered a subtype of bipolar disorder and/or depression, and physicians rely on thorough psychological and physical examinations to determine if a patient actually has the condition. If left untreated, SAD can actually lead to complications such as substance abuse or even suicidal thoughts. Treatment focuses primarily on light therapy but may be supplemented with medications and psychotherapy.

The word lethargy as used in the second paragraph of the passage can best be defined as ___________.

  1. A. Sluggishness
  2. B. Irritability
  3. C. Energy
  4. D. Starvation
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Question 13

THE SUMMER OLYMPICS GAME: The Summer Olympic Games are held every four years and occur during leap years. Write a C++ program that asks the user to enter a year and then tells if this is a year of Olympic Games or not. Pass the entered year to a function that determines if it is a leap year or not. Based on the finding of this function, print an appropriate message in the main() to let the user know if the Olympic Games are going to be held or not. All years which are perfectly divisible by 4 are leap years, except for century years (years ending with 00). Century years are leap years only if they are perfectly divisible by 400. For example, 2012, 2004, and 1968 are leap years, but 1971 and 2006 are not leap years. Similarly, 1200, 1600, 2000, and 2400 are leap years, but 1700, 1800, and 1900 are not.

What is stated in the passage about the Olympic Games?

  1. A. The Olympic Games are held every four years.
  2. B. The Olympic Games are often postponed.
  3. C. The Olympic Games are held only in leap years.
  4. D. The Olympic Games only involve certain countries.
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Question 14

WATER CYCLE: Water is needed to sustain practically all life functions on planet Earth. A single drop of this compound is composed of an oxygen atom that shares its electrons with each of the two hydrogen atoms. The cycle starts when precipitation, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, descends from the sky onto the ground. Water that is not absorbed immediately from the precipitation is known as runoff. The runoff flows across the land and collects in groundwater reservoirs, rivers, streams, and oceans. Evaporation takes place when liquid water changes into water vapor, which is a gas. Water vapor returns to the air from surface water and plants. Ultimately, condensation happens when this water vapor cools and changes back into droplets of liquid. In fact, the puffy, cotton clouds that we observe are formed by condensation. When the clouds become heavily laden with liquid droplets, precipitation ensues.

What is the meaning of the word composed in the first paragraph?

  1. A. To consist of
  2. B. To break apart
  3. C. To mix with other elements
  4. D. To heat up
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Question 15

GAME OF BRIDGE: The ebb and flow of laughter and silence fills the room as four old friends gather to engage in a round of Bridge playing. For the beginner, Bridge can be complicated, but with time, effort, and a good teacher, even the novice can become proficient. Composed of two main parts, bidding and playing, Bridge requires the player's undivided attention. The dealer deals the entire deck of playing cards evenly between the for players, with each person receiving thirteen cards. In the bidding portion of the game, the four suits of cards in the deck are ranked highest to lowest as follows: spades, hearts, diamonds, and finally clubs. However, during play all the suits of cards are considered equals, and they go from highest to lowest from the ace being high to the two card being low. The highest number of tricks wins. A trick is one card played by each player for a total of four. After the lead player lays down his/her card, the other players follow suit, if possible. The highest card within the four "same suit" cards played wins the trick and picks up all four cards. If a player cannot follow suit, he/she plays any card, but to make the game more interesting and challenging, one suit is named a trump suit which means that if a player plays a card from the trump suit, it always wins the trick. If two cards from the trump suit are played, the highest card within the trump suit wins the trick. obviously the team with the most tricks wins the hand.

Throughout this passage the word suit means?

  1. A. A set of clothing to be worn together
  2. B. To be convenient or right for
  3. C. To request or appeal persistently
  4. D. One of the four categories in a deck of cards.
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HESI A2 reading comprehension practice questions, set 7 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.

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