HESI A2 Reading Comprehension

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the passage focuses on the issue of lack of adequate sleep becoming a major national health problem. The passage discusses how sleep deprivation can lead to various health issues and highlights the importance of addressing this problem at a national level. This main idea is supported throughout the passage, making it the most relevant choice. A: The passage does not primarily focus on the CDC monitoring health issues, so this choice is incorrect. B: The passage does not compare the sleep needs of children and adults, making this choice irrelevant. C: While the passage mentions people staying up at night, it is not the main idea but rather a contributing factor to the larger issue of lack of sleep being a health problem.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Alterations. In the context of the third paragraph, 'shifts' refers to changes or alterations in something. The word 'shifts' implies a movement or adjustment, which aligns with the meaning of alterations. 'Stints' (B) refer to limited periods of time, 'removals' (C) involve taking something away, and 'transfers' (D) involve moving something from one place to another. However, in this context, the most appropriate meaning is alterations as it best captures the idea of change being discussed in the paragraph.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Exposure to toxins. FRAX is a tool used to assess fracture risk based on factors such as lifestyle choices, genetic heritage, and exposure to sunlight. Toxins are not directly related to bone health and fracture risk, so they are not considered in FRAX calculations. Lifestyle choices, genetic heritage, and sunlight exposure can impact bone density and fracture risk, making them relevant factors. Therefore, exposure to toxins is the exception in this context.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Sluggishness. In the context of the passage, lethargy refers to a lack of energy or enthusiasm, which aligns with the definition of sluggishness. Lethargy implies a state of tiredness and lack of motivation, not irritability (B), energy (C), or starvation (D). The passage describes the character's inability to focus and feeling of heaviness, which are indicative of sluggishness. Thus, A is the most appropriate definition in this context.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cancer. The passage mentions obesity, diabetes, and depression as potential risks from inadequate sleep, but cancer is not specifically mentioned. Lack of adequate sleep has been linked to obesity due to hormonal changes, diabetes due to insulin resistance, and depression due to mood regulation. Therefore, the answer choice A is correct. The other choices, B, C, and D, are incorrect because they are all mentioned in the passage as potential risks associated with inadequate sleep.