HESI A2
HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Questions
Extract:
Without a doubt, one of the biggest risks to the elderly today is falling. It is also one of the most common accidents that people age 65 and older experience. Some just receive a few bumps and bruises, while others are hurt so badly that they cannot ever fully recover. U.S. health officials surveyed thousands of elderly people and found that approximately one in six of them had fallen in the past three months. A third of these people sustained considerable injuries, including the most dreaded break of all, a hip fracture. Approximately 16,000 people even died from the injuries they suffered, whereas even more were left completely disabled.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) epidemiologist Judy Stevens stated, "It's a tremendous public health problem because so many older adults are affected." It only takes one fall to completely steal an older person's self-confidence. According to a CDC report, "Even when those injuries are minor, they can seriously affect older adults' quality of life by inducing a fear of falling, which can lead to self-imposed activity restrictions, social isolation, and depression."
Along with an admonition to move slowly and carefully, the CDC also recommends that the elderly get enough gentle exercise or physical therapy to help strengthen their muscles and improve their balance. This will not only reduce the number of falls but also give a real boost to older adults' self-esteem.
Question 1 of 5
What is the meaning of the word 'admonition' as used in the last paragraph?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this context, 'admonition' means a caution or warning, not permission, prescription, or verdict. The excerpt mentions that along with advising the elderly to move slowly and carefully, the CDC also recommends gentle exercise or physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve balance. This advice aims to reduce the risk of falls and boost the self-esteem of older adults.
Therefore, 'admonition' here refers to a precautionary counsel rather than granting permission, prescribing a treatment, or giving a verdict.
Extract:
VEGETERIAN DIET:
By studying the role diet might have in the prevention of cancer, recent studies have also noted that a vegetarian, or meatless, diet can help improve a person's overall health. A true vegetarian diet consists of a variety of grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and pulses—edible seeds from legumes such as peas, beans, and lentils. A modified vegetarian diet, known as lacto-ovo vegetarian, may include dairy products and eggs. A vegan diet excludes any food with animal origins, including butter, eggs, and honey.
When properly planned, a true vegetarian diet can provide a person with all essential nutrients, protein, and carbohydrates. In one study, researchers at Oxford University noted that overall, a vegetarian diet is lower in saturated fats and higher in fiber than other diets. The study noted that people who followed a vegetarian diet were generally found to have lower cholesterol and lower BMI (a measure of body fat based on a person's weight and height) and to be at a lower risk for certain types of heart disease. From the evidence presented, researchers suggested that the adoption of a vegetarian diet could prevent more than 30,000 deaths a year that are attributed to heart disease.
Other available information indicates that vegetarians live, on average, seven years longer than meat eaters do. Throughout the world, breast, colon, and prostate cancers are more common among people who have a high-fat, high-meat, low-fiber diet. Former Surgeon General C. Everett Coop has said that diet is a factor in 70 percent of all people who die from disease in the United States. On the whole, vegetarians are less likely to be afflicted with chronic diseases than those who make meat a centerpiece of their diet.
Question 2 of 5
What is the author's attitude toward vegetarianism?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The author presents a positive view of vegetarianism, citing benefits and supporting evidence.
Extract:
SPANKING:
Put a dozen parents together in a room, and you will most likely have a dozen different theories of parenting. One of the most debated issues in raising kids is how to discipline them, especially when it comes to the question of to spank or not to spank. Some moms and dads are sure that it is an integral part of showing their kids what is right and wrong. Others are equally sure that spanking is a cruel act of violence against kids. Which is it?
According to a new study reported at the American Psychological Association Summit Conference on Violence and Abuse in Relationships, spanking or other forms of corporal punishment apparently increase the risk of future sexual problems such as violent or coercive sex with partners. "The more children are spanked, the more aggressive they are and the more likely they are to engage in delinquent or at-risk behaviors," says Elizabeth Gershoff from the University of Michigan's School of Social Work. "Kids may learn that sometimes there's pain and fear involved in loving relationships."
Naturally, there are those who disagree as well. Some scientists believe that spanking two- to six-year-old children can be very helpful as long as parents are not angry or out of control emotionally. Human development researcher Robert Larzelere adds that parents simply must be able to differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate use. Although opinion on spanking remains divided, research continues on this contentious issue. In the meantime, however, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to use other methods of discipline.
Question 3 of 5
What does the word 'integral' mean as used in the first paragraph of the passage?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this context, 'integral' means 'central' or essential. The passage discusses the debate around spanking as a method of discipline. Some parents consider it an integral part of teaching right and wrong, highlighting its central importance.
Therefore, the correct answer is 'A: Central.'
Choice B, 'Initial,' is incorrect as the word 'integral' does not refer to something being at the beginning of a process or sequence.
Choice C, 'Trifling,' is incorrect as 'integral' implies significance and importance, opposite to being trivial.
Choice D, 'Irrelevant,' is incorrect as the passage clearly states that some parents view spanking as essential, making it relevant and not irrelevant.
Extract:
THE CDC:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is always busy monitoring health issues and sending out regular warnings to make sure people know of any impending threats. One of the most recent warnings, however, caught Americans by surprise. The CDC announced that one of today's most under-recognized public health problems is sleep loss. It is estimated that between 50 and 70 million Americans suffer from this problem. Adequate sleep is essential to good mental and physical health. If you do not get enough sleep on a regular basis, you run an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, cardiovascular disease, depression, cigarette smoking, and excessive drinking. Those are not minor health issues!
To find out how many Americans are not getting enough sleep, the CDC surveyed almost 20,000 adults in four states. Ten percent of the people studied reported not getting enough sleep every single day of the previous month, and 38 percent reported not getting enough in seven or more days in the previous month. How much sleep is enough sleep? According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults need 7 to 9 hours each night, whereas children under 12 need 9 to 11 hours and teenagers need between 8½ and 9½ hours.
Unfortunately, instead of sleeping, many people stay up late at night to surf the Internet or watch television. Along with the health risks that chronic sleep loss can bring, experts also believe it is responsible for thousands of people who die on the road each year from accidents caused by sleepy drivers. There is no doubt that spending less time with eyes closed can make your days longer, your health worse, and your driving riskier.
Question 4 of 5
What does the word "surf" mean as used in the fourth paragraph?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of the passage, "surf" means to look at different websites.
Question 5 of 5
All of the following are mentioned in the passage as potential risks from inadequate sleep EXCEPT ___________.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cancer is not mentioned as a risk associated with inadequate sleep in the passage.