HESI A2
HESI A2 Version 3 Reading Comprehension Questions
Extract:
Electrocardiogram
The rhythmic sounds of "beep... beep... beep..." signify the measurement of the heart muscle's strength. This rhythmic signal varies from person to person and is recorded as an electrocardiogram (ECG). Within the body, a complex array of systemic neural responses generates electric currents that can be detected on the skin's surface. When a person is connected to an amplifier, these impulses are captured by an electrocardiograph. Most of the information gathered pertains to the heart, as it emits electric currents in waves. This "wave of excitation" propagates through the heart wall and is associated with electrical changes. The process occurs in three distinct phases. First, the "wave of excitation," accompanied by an electrical change, lasts for about 1 to 2 seconds following the contraction of the cardiac muscle. These electrical impulses are rhythmically discharged from the sinoatrial (SA) node, which acts as the heart's natural pacemaker, signaling the atrium to contract. The peak of the ECG reading is attributed to the atrioventricular (AV) node, which triggers the excitation of the ventricles. Finally, as the ventricles relax, any changes in the wave pattern can alert trained medical personnel to potential abnormalities within the heart.
Question 1 of 5
Which statement is not listed as a detail within the passage?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The passage discusses how the electrocardiogram (ECG) records the electrical activity of the heart, starting with the wave of excitation originating at the SA node, spreading through the heart wall, and leading to the ventricles relaxing. It does not mention that changes in the ECG are typically used for diagnosing abnormal cardiac rhythm. Therefore, option A is not a detail listed within the passage, making it the correct choice. Choices B, C, and D are all supported by the information provided in the passage.
Extract:
ELECTORAL COLLEGE
The Electoral College has nothing to do with college and contains no students. It consists of votes that each state acquires based on the number of representatives it has in Congress. Each state has two electoral votes because every state has two senators. The remaining electoral votes are determined by the number of Congressmen, which is based on the population of the state, as established by the Census taken every decade.During the presidential election, most states cast all their electoral votes for the candidate who wins the popular vote in that state. Although this system can be confusing, the founding fathers knew what they were doing. The Electoral College encourages candidates to campaign in every state. However, winning the popular vote across the country does not guarantee winning the election. A notable example is the 2000 election, where Al Gore won the popular vote nationwide, but George W. Bush secured more electoral votes, ultimately becoming the 43rd president.
Question 2 of 5
What is the author's intention in discussing the Electoral College?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The author's intention is to provide an explanation and understanding of the Electoral College system. The passage explains how the Electoral College operates, its purpose, and its impact on presidential elections. It clarifies the connection between the number of electoral votes a state has and its representation in Congress. By discussing the Electoral College, the author aims to educate readers on this specific aspect of the U.S. electoral process, not focusing on voting rights history, political parties' roles, or media influence on elections.
Extract:
ELECTORAL COLLEGE
The Electoral College has nothing to do with college and contains no students. It consists of votes that each state acquires based on the number of representatives it has in Congress. Each state has two electoral votes because every state has two senators. The remaining electoral votes are determined by the number of Congressmen, which is based on the population of the state, as established by the Census taken every decade. During the presidential election, most states cast all their electoral votes for the candidate who wins the popular vote in that state. Although this system can be confusing, the founding fathers knew what they were doing. The Electoral College encourages candidates to campaign in every state. However, winning the popular vote across the country does not guarantee winning the election. A notable example is the 2000 election, where Al Gore won the popular vote nationwide, but George W. Bush secured more electoral votes, ultimately becoming the 43rd president.
Question 3 of 5
What is the author's reason for writing this piece?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The author's intent in writing this piece is primarily to educate the reader about the Electoral College. The passage provides a detailed explanation of how the Electoral College works, including its structure and the role it plays in presidential elections. It aims to inform the audience about a complex system in a straightforward manner, rather than entertaining, persuading, or criticizing. Therefore, the correct answer is C.
Extract:
Nurseries
If you thought nurseries were just for babies, well, think again! Being special kinds of farms, nurseries are used to raise plants in mass quantities. Plants, trees, and shrubs are typically grown in nurseries and then sold to farmers and gardeners to plant in homes, businesses and farms. Most nurseries are found in the more rural parts the country because much land is required to have a viable nursery. If a nursery sells plants to others, it must obtain a special permit from the local city or county, which keeps the competition fair and does not saturate the market with a large number of nurseries selling similar products.
Also on the grounds of nurseries are greenhouses which are made of glass or plastic panes that protect the plants from weather elements that may harm them and cause them not to grow and develop. The glass panels in greenhouses allow for sunlight to enter and moisture to be trapped inside. This creates a tropical environment which allows orchids and poinsettias to grow. It ensures that vegetables and fruits will grow large, which makes them valuable to farmers.
Question 4 of 5
Nurseries are:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nurseries are special types of farms where plants, trees, and shrubs are grown in mass quantities to be sold to farmers and gardeners for planting. They require a significant amount of land and often have greenhouses to protect plants from adverse weather conditions, creating optimal growing environments. This distinguishes nurseries as agricultural establishments rather than medical facilities, educational institutions, or retail stores selling electronics.
Question 5 of 5
What does 'panel' mean?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The term 'panel' refers to a strip of board or other material that forms a section of a wall or door. In the context provided, the glass panels in greenhouses are specifically mentioned, indicating that 'panel' is used to describe a part of a structure that allows sunlight to enter and protects plants from weather elements. This definition aligns most closely with choice B, making it the correct answer.