what is the meaning of the word pulses as it appears in the first paragraph

HESI A2

HESI A2 Reading Comprehension

1. What is the meaning of the word "pulses" as it appears in the first paragraph?

A. The regular throbbing of the arteries caused by successive contractions of the heart
B. The general attitude of the public or a specific population toward health concerns
C. The edible seeds produced by legumes such as peas, beans, or lentils
D. Any type of food with animal origins such as butter, honey, or eggs

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the context of the passage, "pulses" refers to the edible seeds produced by legumes.

2. What statement from the article is correct?

A. Chopsticks were developed in Europe.
B. China developed chopsticks for eating utensils.
C. Eating with forks is difficult.
D. Space travel eliminated the need for utensils.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The passage clearly states that China developed chopsticks as an efficient tool for eating, making choice B the correct statement. Choice A is incorrect as chopsticks were not developed in Europe but in China. Choice C is not supported by the passage as it does not discuss the difficulty of eating with forks. Choice D is also incorrect as space travel introduced new challenges but did not eliminate the need for utensils.

3. Which detail is not given as a side effect of NSAIDs?

A. Nausea
B. Headache
C. Weight loss
D. Dizziness

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The passage lists several side effects of NSAIDs, including nausea, headache, and dizziness. However, weight loss is not mentioned as a side effect, making option C the correct choice since it does not align with the details provided in the text.

4. 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.

5. Which of the following statements is an opinion related to Barefoot Running?

A. Running barefoot is natural and advantageous.
B. The cost of modern running shoes keeps increasing.
C. Concrete sidewalks are harder than dirt paths.
D. The arch of the foot gives a spring to the step.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The statement that "running barefoot is natural and advantageous" reflects a subjective opinion, which cannot be definitively proven or measured objectively. The other statements (B, C, and D) provide factual observations or comparisons that can be validated through evidence, which distinguishes A as the only opinion-based statement.