which statement would not be inferred by the reader in the passage about hypertension

HESI A2

Reading Comprehension Practice Test HESI A2

1. 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.

2. Which claim from the passage best describes the benefits of nanotechnology?

A. Scientists can develop novel technologies and products.
B. Nanotechnology is defined as the understanding and control of matter at dimensions of roughly 1 to 100 nanometers.
C. The different colors can be used in simple medical tests to indicate infection or disease.
D. Unique properties of materials emerge.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the passage specifically states that at the nanoscale, unique properties of materials emerge, which is a key benefit of nanotechnology. Choice A talks about what scientists can do but does not directly describe the benefits mentioned in the passage. Choice B is the definition of nanotechnology and not a specific benefit. Choice C mentions the use of different colors in medical tests, which is a specific application rather than a general benefit of nanotechnology.

3. What is the purpose of white elephants in the tradition mentioned in the passage?

A. White elephants are symbols of wealth and power.
B. White elephants represent unwanted and burdensome gifts.
C. White elephants are used in religious ceremonies.
D. White elephants are mythological creatures with no real use.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the tradition mentioned in the passage, white elephants were given as punishment gifts by rulers to those who displeased them. These white elephants were considered burdensome because they were sacred and could not be made to work like other elephants. The recipients had to bear the high maintenance costs and care for the white elephants in a lavish style, leading to financial burdens and sometimes impoverishment. This tradition originated the term 'white elephant' to denote unwanted gifts. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choice A is incorrect because white elephants were not symbols of wealth and power in this context; they were burdensome gifts. Choice C is incorrect as there is no mention of white elephants being used in religious ceremonies in the passage. Choice D is incorrect as white elephants in the tradition were real elephants, not mythological creatures with no practical use.

4. What is the meaning of the word delicate as used in the first paragraph?

A. Subtle
B. Fragile
C. Refined
D. Intricate

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the context of microsurgery, the word 'delicate' refers to the intricate, precise, and fine nature of surgeries performed using microscopy. These surgeries require intricate attention to detail and precision due to the small and delicate structures involved, making 'intricate' the most appropriate synonym. 'Subtle' implies understated or not obvious, 'fragile' suggests easily broken or damaged, and 'refined' refers to something developed or improved over time, none of which fully capture the detailed and precise nature of microsurgery. Therefore, 'intricate' is the correct answer.

5. What does Macmillan's invention of the bicycle signify?

A. He made important changes in bicycle design.
B. He invented the first bicycle with pedals.
C. He developed the modern chain drive.
D. He improved the safety of bicycles.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Macmillan's invention of pedals was a significant milestone in bicycle history as it allowed for quicker and more efficient travel. The provided extract mentions that Macmillan's bicycle had foot-operated cranks like pedals, which enabled the rider to travel at a quick pace. This innovation marked a crucial development in the evolution of bicycles. While choices A, C, and D are related to advancements in bicycle design and safety, the key significance of Macmillan's invention lies in introducing pedals to bicycles, making choice B the correct answer.