HESI A2
HESI A2 Version 1 Reading Comprehension Questions
Extract:
Neurologists and biological psychologists have witnessed a sharp increase in the knowledge and
understanding of particular structures of the brain over the past two decades. As technology
becomes ever more advanced, scientists are able to isolate the functions of even small regions of
the human brain. One noteworthy discovery is the role of the amygdala in human fear and
aggression. The amygdala, a small, almond-shaped conglomerate, is just one part of the limbic
system. Located at the very center of the brain, the limbic system is the core of our 'emotional
brain;' each individual structure in the limbic system is somehow connected to an aspect of
human emotion. Scientists have found that electrode stimulation of the amygdala can elicit
extreme and aggressive acts. Patients or experimental subjects who experience this utter rage and
fearlessness have no rational foundation for their reaction. In other words, this aggression is
wholly attributable to electrode stimulation. On the other hand, patients with trauma or damage
to this structure exhibit a complete absence of aggression. Researchers find that no amount of
poking, prodding or harassment will evoke even remotely aggressive responses from these
subjects.
Question 1 of 5
The author suggests that persistent passivity and imperturbability may be a direct result of which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The passage discusses the effects of electrode stimulation on the amygdala, leading to extreme aggression or complete absence of aggression. It states that patients with trauma or damage to the amygdala show no aggression responses. The scenario of aggressive responses due to electrode stimulation and absence of aggression due to trauma aligns with the concept that activation of an electrode in a patient's amygdala can directly result in persistent passivity and imperturbability. Therefore, option D, 'Activation of a strategically implanted electrode in a patient's amygdala,' is the correct choice.
Extract:
The Water Cycle
Water is needed to sustain practically all life functions on planet Earth. A single drop of this compound is composed of an oxygen atom that shares its electrons with each of the two hydrogen atoms.
The cycle starts when precipitation, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, descends from the sky onto the ground. Water that is not absorbed immediately from the precipitation is known as runoff. The runoff flows across the land and collects in groundwater reservoirs, rivers, streams, and oceans.
Evaporation takes place when liquid water changes into water vapor, which is a gas. Water vapor returns to the air from surface water and plants.
Ultimately, condensation happens when this water vapor cools and changes back into droplets of liquid. In fact, the puffy, cotton clouds that we observe are formed by condensation. When the clouds become heavily laden with liquid droplets, precipitation ensues.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following words is an antonym for the word 'comprised'?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The term 'comprised' means to include or contain. An antonym would be a word that signifies the opposite of including or containing. The correct answer, 'Exclude,' means to leave out or omit, which is the opposite of comprising.
Question 3 of 5
Which transitional expression best replaces 'ultimately' in the following sentence: 'Ultimately, condensation happens when water vapor cools'?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The word 'ultimately' is used to indicate the final step in a process. 'While' can serve as a transition that suggests a time-based connection, which works well in the context of the water cycle's progression. The other options, such as 'furthermore' and 'moreover,' are used to add information, and 'since' indicates causality, none of which is appropriate in this context.
Extract:
Have you ever found yourself staring at the ceiling at 2:00 a.m.? Have you kicked the blankets off to the floor from tossing and turning? Many longtime suffers of Insomnia know these situations all too well. As many as 17% of Americans find the restful break of sleep hard to achieve.
Lack of sleep affects intellectual abilities at work or school by causing a deficit in memory, attention, and concentration which in turn creates a feeling of irritation or depression. Chronic insomnia can result from a medical illness, a psychiatric condition, or from sleep apnea, a condition where an individual actually stops breathing during sleep. Sleep hygiene, developing good sleep habits, and non- pharmacological therapies such as herbs and spices are some solutions to Insomnia.
Question 4 of 5
When the author wrote this passage, what was his/her intent?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The passage is factual and aims to inform readers about insomnia, its effects, and possible solutions. The tone is educational rather than satirical, and the intent seems to be to explain the condition and propose non-pharmacological remedies. By discussing the impact of insomnia on intellectual abilities and suggesting solutions like sleep hygiene and non-pharmacological therapies, the author's main goal is to provide information and potential strategies for managing insomnia.
Question 5 of 5
What can sleep apnea cause?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sleep apnea can cause chronic insomnia. Sleep apnea is a condition where an individual stops breathing during sleep, leading to disruptions in sleep patterns which can result in chronic insomnia. Chronic insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling and staying asleep over a prolonged period, often leading to various health issues. Therefore, the correct answer is option A, as sleep apnea is a known factor that can contribute to the development of chronic insomnia.