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

HESI A2

Reading Comprehension HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Which statement would not be inferred by the reader in the passage about MRSA?

A. Hospitals may soon limit the spread of infection with a new textile.
B. MRSA begins by infecting the skin.
C. You are most likely to contract MRSA in a crowded location.
D. Used clothing stores may harbor MRSA.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Used clothing stores may harbor MRSA.' This statement is not supported by the passage. The passage mentions the spread of MRSA in hospitals, gyms, locker rooms, swimming pools, and other settings with frequent human contact, but it does not mention used clothing stores as a common location for MRSA. Therefore, it is an unlikely inference. Choice A is supported by the passage as it discusses the development of a new textile to halt the spread of hospital-associated MRSA. Choice B is also supported as the passage mentions MRSA as a skin infection. Choice C is supported by the passage as it states that MRSA has become ubiquitous in settings with frequent human contact.

2. Which statement from the passage on Voice is a fact rather than an opinion?

A. One of the worst voice qualities is harshness.
B. Harsh voice qualities come from tension in the throat.
C. Your voice will sound unpleasant if it is shrill or grating.
D. Because tension occurs in higher-pitched voices, women tend to have shriller voices than men.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The fact that harsh voice qualities come from tension in the throat is a verifiable statement based on a scientific explanation provided in the passage. This statement is not subject to personal interpretation or judgment. Choice A is an opinion as it categorizes harshness as one of the worst voice qualities, which is subjective. Choice C is also an opinion as it describes how a voice will sound based on subjective terms like 'unpleasant.' Choice D is an opinion as it makes a generalized statement linking higher-pitched voices with shriller voices in women, which can vary widely among individuals.

3. Choose the best summary of the passage about Sunny-Side Up.

A. Light-skinned people need a maximum of 15 minutes a day in direct sunlight to achieve the benefits of the sun’s rays.
B. Spending too much time indoors can wreak havoc with your circadian rhythms, leach vitamin D from your bones, and damage your immune system.
C. Although negative effects of sunlight are well known, people should be aware that some sunlight is necessary and beneficial.
D. You can avoid direct sunlight but still reap the benefits of a day in the sun by using sunscreen or tinted glass.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The best summary captures the essence of the passage, which acknowledges the well-known negative effects of sunlight while also emphasizing the necessity and benefits of sunlight exposure. C accurately reflects this balanced view, making it the most appropriate choice.

4. What does the word 'composed' mean in the passage on the Water Cycle?

A. To consist of.
B. To create.
C. To separate.
D. To destroy.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the context of the Water Cycle, 'composed' means 'to consist of' parts. For instance, water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Therefore, the correct meaning of 'composed' in this context is to consist of various components. Choice B, 'To create,' is incorrect as 'composed' refers to the makeup of something rather than the act of making or creating. Choices C and D, 'To separate' and 'To destroy,' are also incorrect as they do not align with the meaning of 'composed' in the passage.

5. Choose the best summary of the passage about microbes.

A. Scientists have discovered the importance of certain bacteria for a well-functioning immune system, especially in defending against pathogens. The colonization of microbes in the body begins at birth, with the immune system relying on these bacteria for proper function.
B. The passage discusses the role of bacteria in the development of the human immune system. It highlights that the body supports various microorganisms crucial for immunity, starting from birth. The presence of harmless bacteria is essential for the immune system to work effectively.
C. The body hosts a vast number of microorganisms critical for immune system development. Harmless bacteria are necessary for the immune system to defend against pathogens effectively. Early research shows promising results in fecal bacteriotherapy for restoring the immune system's ability to fight off harmful invaders.
D. Microbes play a pivotal role in human health, particularly in immune system development. The introduction of healthy bacteria is essential for the immune system to function correctly. Fecal bacteriotherapy is a novel approach to reintroducing beneficial bacteria into a compromised colon to enhance immune response.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The passage emphasizes the importance of certain bacteria for a properly functioning immune system. It discusses how harmless bacteria play a crucial role in defending the body against pathogens. Choice A is incorrect as it focuses on the immune system's response to certain types of bacteria in lower organisms, not the overall importance of bacteria for immunity. Choice B is incorrect as it mainly discusses bacteriotherapy in relation to the reconstruction of a damaged colon, rather than the broader role of bacteria in immune system health. Choice D is incorrect as it only talks about the process of replacing harmful bacteria with harmless ones, missing the key point about the necessity of certain bacteria for immune system function.