what does the word integral mean as used in the first paragraph of the passage

HESI A2

HESI A2 Reading Comprehension

1. What does the word 'integral' mean as used in the first paragraph of the passage?

A. Central
B. Initial
C. Trifling
D. Irrelevant

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this context, 'integral' means 'central' or essential. The passage discusses the debate around spanking as a method of discipline. Some parents consider it an integral part of teaching right and wrong, highlighting its central importance. Therefore, the correct answer is 'A: Central.' Choice B, 'Initial,' is incorrect as the word 'integral' does not refer to something being at the beginning of a process or sequence. Choice C, 'Trifling,' is incorrect as 'integral' implies significance and importance, opposite to being trivial. Choice D, 'Irrelevant,' is incorrect as the passage clearly states that some parents view spanking as essential, making it relevant and not irrelevant.

2. What is the meaning of the word 'popular' as it is used in the third paragraph?

A. complicated
B. old-fashioned
C. beloved
D. for the general public

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the context provided, 'popular' refers to magazines intended for the general public. The paragraph mentions that Infotrac indexes hundreds of popular magazines and newspapers, including medical journals such as the Journal of the American Medical Association and New England Journal of Medicine. These magazines target a wide audience, making choice D ('for the general public') the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not align with the context of the paragraph.

3. Which sound waves have a lower pitch?

A. Those waves that are closer together
B. Those waves that are farther apart
C. Those waves that travel a long distance
D. Those waves that travel a short distance

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Sound waves that are farther apart have a lower pitch. The Doppler Effect explains that as objects emitting sound move away, the sound waves become more spaced out, resulting in a lower frequency and a lower pitch. Choice A is incorrect because waves that are closer together have a higher frequency and a higher pitch. Choices C and D are not directly related to determining the pitch of sound waves.

4. What is the author’s attitude toward the use of cosmetics?

A. Sympathetic
B. Mocking
C. Tolerant
D. Disapproving

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The author’s tone is disapproving, as evidenced by the focus on the negative consequences of using cosmetics with harmful ingredients. The passage discusses historical and contemporary health issues related to beauty practices, indicating a critical stance on the use of cosmetics that compromise health, which supports option D.

5. What is the main idea of the passage about MRSA?

A. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant problem both within and outside of hospitals, and there are ways to mitigate the risk.
B. A new textile made of nanomaterials could significantly reduce the spread of hospital-associated MRSA infections.
C. There are multiple strains of MRSA, and they pose various risks beyond just fatality.
D. MRSA is a significant problem both within and outside of hospitals, but there are ways to mitigate the risk.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The main idea of the passage is that MRSA is a significant issue both within and outside of hospitals. It highlights the challenges posed by MRSA, including its resistance to antibiotics, high mortality rates, and widespread presence in various settings. While the development of new technologies like nanomaterial textiles shows promise in reducing hospital-associated MRSA, the passage also emphasizes the importance of practicing good hygiene to prevent community-associated MRSA infections. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not capture the comprehensive overview of MRSA provided in the passage. Choice A encompasses the main idea by emphasizing the significance of MRSA and ways to mitigate the risk. Choice B focuses on a specific solution rather than the broader issue of MRSA. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies the risks associated with MRSA strains by only mentioning fatality.