HESI A2
HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Practice Test
1. Why was receiving a white elephant considered a burden in ancient Siam?
- A. People tried to avoid receiving it, as it was a burden.
- B. It was a symbol of honor and wealth.
- C. It was used in ceremonial processes.
- D. The people greatly desired a white elephant as a gift.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Receiving a white elephant in ancient Siam was considered a burden because the animal, being sacred, couldn't be used for work like other elephants. The recipient had to bear the cost of feeding the elephant large amounts of fruit and maintaining it in a lavish manner. The ruler's displeasure if the gift was not accepted graciously added to the pressure. This financial strain often led recipients to financial ruin. Therefore, people tried to avoid receiving a white elephant to prevent these financial consequences. Choice B is incorrect because the white elephant was not considered a symbol of honor and wealth but rather a burden. Choice C is incorrect as the white elephant was not primarily used in ceremonial processes but was a gift that came with financial responsibilities. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not mention that people greatly desired a white elephant as a gift, but rather the opposite.
2. What is the main idea of the passage about The Sleep Workout?
- A. Insufficient sleep can lead to obesity.
- B. Insufficient sleep inhibits the natural release of human growth hormone in the human body.
- C. Getting the proper amount of uninterrupted sleep plays a major role in the development of muscle.
- D. Developing muscle growth is an effective way to stay healthy as we get older.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The main idea of the passage is that getting the proper amount of uninterrupted sleep plays a major role in the development of muscle. The passage emphasizes how muscle growth occurs during rest periods following a workout, with sleep being a critical time for muscle fiber rebuilding. The connection between sleep, human growth hormone (HGH) release, and muscle development is highlighted. Choice A is incorrect because while the passage mentions the link between inadequate sleep and obesity due to altered appetite hormones, the main focus is on muscle development. Choice B is incorrect because although the passage discusses HGH release during deep sleep, the primary emphasis is on the role of uninterrupted sleep in muscle development. Choice D is incorrect because while the passage acknowledges that developing muscle growth is essential for health as we age, the key point is the significance of uninterrupted sleep in the muscle development process.
3. The main idea of the passage is ___________.
- A. The CDC keeps an eye out for new potentially threatening health issues
- B. Children require several more hours of sleep per night than adults do
- C. More people are staying up at night to surf the Internet or watch television
- D. Lack of adequate sleep is becoming a major national health problem
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The main idea of the passage is that lack of adequate sleep is becoming a major national health problem.
4. What is the main idea of the passage about Toxins and Your Health?
- A. Environmental toxins may have dire health effects over time.
- B. Of three toxins studied, lead has the worst effect on health.
- C. Toxins may accumulate in the bones of older patients.
- D. Johns Hopkins University has discovered a new use for lead.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The passage emphasizes the long-term effects of environmental toxins such as lead, pesticides, and mercury on brain health, particularly as individuals age. Dr. Brian Schwartz's quote highlights the link between environmental exposure and cognitive decline, framing the entire discussion around the potential health ramifications of such exposure over time. This clearly aligns with choice A, making it the main idea of the passage.
5. Which of the following statements is an opinion related to MRSA?
- A. Hand-washing stations are one means of combating MRSA infection.
- B. Not all Staphylococcus bacteria are resistant to antibiotics.
- C. Hospitals in the United States should quickly adopt the use of new germ-fighting textiles.
- D. MRSA infection kills more people in the United States than does HIV/AIDS.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it is an opinion rather than a verifiable fact. The statement suggests a recommendation for hospitals to adopt new germ-fighting textiles swiftly, which is a subjective viewpoint and not objectively measurable. Choices A and B are factual statements regarding combating MRSA infection and antibiotic resistance, respectively. Choice D provides a comparison of MRSA infection with HIV/AIDS, which is a factual statement based on statistical data. Therefore, C is the only choice that presents an opinion rather than a fact.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
HESI A2 Basic
$49/ 30 days
- 3,000 Questions with answers
- 30 days access
HESI A2 Premium
$99/ 90 days
- Actual HESI A2 Questions
- 3,000 questions with answers
- 90 days access