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. A vegetarian diet is said to lower all of the following EXCEPT ___________.

A. The need for protein
B. The percentage of body fat
C. The risk of heart disease
D. Cholesterol

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The passage suggests that a vegetarian diet can provide sufficient protein and lower body fat, heart disease risk, and cholesterol, but it does not suggest that it lowers the need for protein.

3. Which statement about Lifewings Partners is a fact?

A. Everyone should have access to Lifewings.
B. The people in Lifewings are modern heroes.
C. Steve Harden was clever to found Lifewings.
D. Lifewings is based in Memphis, Tennessee.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The statement that Lifewings is based in Memphis, Tennessee, is a verifiable fact found in the passage. In contrast, the other statements express opinions or subjective views about the organization, which makes option D the correct choice since it represents a factual statement.

4. 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.

5. What is the writer’s primary purpose in writing this essay?

A. To inform the reader about the dangers of high blood pressure
B. To inform the reader how high blood pressure leads to a higher risk of heart attack
C. To inform the reader how the cardiovascular system regulates blood pressure
D. To persuade the reader that controlling one’s blood pressure is important

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary purpose of the essay is to inform the reader about how the cardiovascular system regulates blood pressure. The essay provides detailed explanations about the components of the cardiovascular system that regulate blood pressure, such as baroreceptors, chemoreceptors, and the kidneys. Choices A and B are incorrect because the essay does not focus on discussing the dangers of high blood pressure or its correlation with a higher risk of heart attack. Choice D is incorrect as the essay does not aim to persuade the reader to control their blood pressure but rather to educate them on the regulatory mechanisms of the cardiovascular system.