What does the term elasticity mean, as used in the passage about Hypertension?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Elasticity, as used in the passage about Hypertension, refers to the stretchiness or flexibility of blood vessels. The text mentions that blood vessels lose elasticity and stiffen as a person ages, indicating that they become less flexible. This eliminates choices A and D (Firmness and Rigidity) as the correct answers. Choice B (Compactness) is unrelated to the concept of elasticity in the context of blood vessels and is therefore incorrect. Understanding elasticity as the ability to stretch or flex helps in choosing flexibility as the correct answer.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A statement of fact can be proved or checked. A statement of opinion is what someone thinks or believes. In this case, statements A, B, and D could be proved scientifically, but statement C is simply a suggestion. While it is advisable for older people to monitor their blood pressure due to the increased risk associated with aging, the statement itself is an opinion because it suggests what older people 'must' do, which is a subjective viewpoint rather than a verifiable fact. Statements A, B, and D provide factual information supported by scientific evidence, making them statements of fact rather than opinion.

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.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this passage about concussions, option A, "Football and lacrosse players suffer the most concussions," is not listed as a detail. This is the correct answer because the passage does not specify any particular sports or groups as being more susceptible to concussions. Option B, "More than a million Americans a year suffer concussions," is mentioned in the passage as a detail, so it is incorrect. Option C, "Concussions may result in diminished alertness," is also mentioned in the passage, making it incorrect. Option D, "It may take longer to recover from a second concussion," is not explicitly stated in the passage, so it is not a detail provided. Educationally, this question assesses the reader's ability to identify specific details in a text. Understanding and differentiating between information presented and information not presented is crucial in reading comprehension. Students must learn to extract key details and discern between explicit and implicit information. This skill is essential not only in academic settings but also in real-world scenarios where critical reading and interpretation are required.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding vocabulary is crucial for interpreting drug information accurately. In the context of concussions, the word "diminished" means reduced. This is the correct answer (B) because when a concussion diminishes cognitive function or alertness, it means these functions are reduced or impaired. Option A, "Miniature," is incorrect because it does not convey the same meaning as diminished in the context of concussions. Option C, "Recurrent," is also incorrect as it means occurring repeatedly, which does not align with the context of the passage. Option D, "Hollow," is not the correct answer as it means empty or without substance, which is not the intended meaning in this context. Educationally, this question assesses the reader's ability to comprehend vocabulary in a medical context. Understanding the nuances of words like "diminished" is essential for healthcare professionals when communicating about patient symptoms, treatment effects, and drug actions. By selecting the correct answer, students demonstrate their grasp of medical terminology and its applications in healthcare scenarios.