what is the main idea of the passage about super foods

HESI A2

Reading Comprehension Practice Test HESI A2

1. What is the main idea of the passage about Super Foods?

A. Super foods are low in calories but provide essential nutrients that have enormous health benefits.
B. U.S. supermarkets should make a point of stocking up on powerful super foods.
C. Blueberries are a super food that contains a natural inflammatory as well as important vitamins and minerals.
D. Doctors now believe that daily inclusion of super foods in the diet can reverse the aging process.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main idea emphasizes that superfoods are low in calories yet rich in essential nutrients that provide significant health benefits. This statement captures the overall essence of the passage, while the other options focus too narrowly or introduce unsupported claims, making A the correct answer.

2. What is a major difference in the way baroreceptors and chemoreceptors work from the way the kidneys work?

A. Baroreceptors and chemoreceptors send impulses from the arteries, while the kidneys control blood volume.
B. Baroreceptors and chemoreceptors both work to help maintain blood volume, whereas the kidneys take care of salts, water, and waste removal.
C. Baroreceptors and chemoreceptors must work together to control blood pressure, whereas the kidneys work with the adrenal cortex.
D. Baroreceptors and chemoreceptors are both located near the adrenal cortex, whereas the kidneys are located near the heart.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Baroreceptors and chemoreceptors send impulses from the arteries, while the kidneys control blood volume. Baroreceptors and chemoreceptors are responsible for monitoring blood pressure by sensing changes in pressure, oxygen levels, carbon dioxide levels, and pH within the arteries. They send out impulses to raise or lower blood pressure accordingly. On the other hand, the kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood volume by absorbing salts and water and removing waste products. This key difference highlights that while baroreceptors and chemoreceptors are involved in monitoring and regulating blood pressure, the kidneys primarily focus on controlling blood volume. Choice B is incorrect because it inaccurately states that baroreceptors and chemoreceptors help maintain blood volume, which is not their primary function. Choice C is incorrect as it provides an inaccurate comparison between the roles of baroreceptors, chemoreceptors, and the kidneys. Choice D is incorrect as it wrongly associates the location of baroreceptors and chemoreceptors with the adrenal cortex, which is not accurate.

3. The word 'massive' in line 4 is closest in meaning to?

A. Dense
B. Impressive
C. Huge
D. Unavoidable

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the context of the passage, 'massive' is used to describe the size of the collision that formed the Moon, indicating something very large or huge. While 'dense' means closely compacted, 'impressive' means evoking admiration, 'huge' is the closest synonym to 'massive' in this context. 'Unavoidable' does not convey the same meaning as 'massive' in this sentence, making it incorrect.

4. Based on this passage, what can the reader infer about the advice physicians will give their pregnant patients about coffee consumption?

A. Almost all of them will advise women to stop drinking any caffeine until after the baby is born.
B. The majority will ignore the study altogether and continue to advise caffeine in moderation as before.
C. All of them will demand additional research be done before they change what they tell their patients.
D. Some will continue to make their normal recommendations about caffeine, while others will be more cautious than before.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The passage implies that there is variability in physician responses to the study about caffeine consumption. Some doctors may continue their standard recommendations, while others might advise more caution based on the new evidence. Therefore, option D reflects this variability in professional opinions and is the correct inference.

5. What is the meaning of the word disparate as used in the first paragraph?

A. Unusual
B. Diverse
C. Trivial
D. Damaging

Correct answer: B

Rationale: "Disparate" means diverse or different. The passage discusses how Lyme disease has various symptoms that mimic other diseases, making it difficult to diagnose.