what is the meaning of the word shifts as used in the third paragraph

HESI A2

HESI A2 Reading Comprehension

1. What is the meaning of the word 'shifts' as used in the third paragraph?

A. Alterations
B. Stints
C. Removals
D. Transfers

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this context, 'shifts' refers to changes or alterations in brain chemistry and electrophysiology. The word 'alterations' best captures the idea that significant changes are occurring in the brain. 'Stints' (choice B) refer to short periods of time or work, which is not the meaning intended here. 'Removals' (choice C) and 'transfers' (choice D) do not fit the context of the sentence and are not related to the changes happening in the brain as described in the extract.

2. What is the best summary of the passage?

A. Electric currents within the body are due to electrostatic charges set off by the heart. Medical staff are trained to recognize any abnormalities within the heart.
B. Every individual has unique electric currents on the surface of the body. The ECG measures and records these electric currents.
C. The ECG systematically and rather quickly measures the stages at which the 'wave of excitation' occurs within the heart and records them. This wave has three distinct steps that spread from the SA node to the AV node.
D. The ECG measures the electric currents within the body. These currents are detected on the surface of the body when the body is connected to an amplifier.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct summary of the passage is option C. The passage explains how the ECG systematically measures and records the 'wave of excitation' that occurs within the heart in three distinct steps, spreading from the SA node to the AV node. This summary effectively captures the main focus of the passage. Option A is incorrect because it only mentions the detection of electric currents in the body and recognizing abnormalities by medical staff, missing the key information about the 'wave of excitation' and its stages. Option B is incorrect as it focuses solely on the measurement and recording of unique electric currents on the body's surface, neglecting the specific process described in the passage. Option D is also incorrect as it provides a general description of how the ECG measures electric currents without emphasizing the specific stages of the 'wave of excitation' as detailed in the passage.

3. Which rainforest plant has more than one use?

A. The Buruti plant
B. The Banana tree
C. The Cinnamon tree
D. The Coconut tree

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the Buruti plant. The passage mentions that Amazonian Indians use the fruit and stem of the Buruti plant for various purposes, such as a drink, making bread, and building houses. The other choices, Banana tree, Cinnamon tree, and Coconut tree, are not specifically mentioned as having multiple uses in the passage. While the passage does mention that bananas and coconuts are available as food in the rainforest, it does not specify multiple uses for these plants as it does for the Buruti plant.

4. What is implied by the article?

A. Siam was renamed Thailand in the past
B. The author dislikes parlor games
C. Elephants are difficult to take care of and train
D. White elephants were considered sacred and a burden to their recipients

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The article explicitly states that centuries ago, Siam, now known as Thailand, had the custom of giving white elephants as punishment. This implies that Siam was renamed Thailand in the past. The other choices (B, C, D) are not supported by the content of the article. Choice B is incorrect as the author does not express any dislike for parlor games. Choice C is incorrect as the article does not mention that elephants are easy or difficult to take care of and train. Choice D is incorrect as the article describes white elephants as sacred and a burden to their recipients, not as hard workers in the cane fields.

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

A. Cure rate
B. Incubation period
C. Remainder
D. Commencement

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this context, "onset" refers to the beginning or commencement of dementia symptoms. The term is used to indicate when the disease first becomes noticeable in patients, making option D the correct choice.