Reading comprehension hesi a2 v1 COMPREHENSIVE FINAL PREP: VERIFIED QUESTIONS & EXPERT ANSWERS ULTIMATE EXAM PASS PACK – LATEST 2026/2027 UPDATES

Blood Pressure Regulators The body is composed of systems that have evolved and diversified in order to maintain the natural functions and processes they regulate. One such system that has these regulators is the body's cardiovascular system. The body's pump, which regulates the flow of vitally needed oxygen to all cells of the body, as well as the discard of carbon dioxide and other waste products, is the heart. Because blood pressure varies at different points within the body, differing components are needed to keep the body's blood pressure regulated. Three of the basic components are baroreceptors, chemoreceptors, and the kidneys. Baroreceptors are stretch receptors composed of fine branching nerve endings and are contained along the walls of the arteries near the heart and in other areas of the body as well. Impulses are related to this stretching along the arterial walls, which causes these baroreceptors to sen - answer_set 3 Which statement is not a detail from the passage? A. Baroreceptors are rigid and static nerve endings that are contained along the arterial walls and send out messages along the nerve pathway. B. Chemoreceptors are located along the walls of the arteries and monitor changes in oxygen level. C. The kidneys play a role in regulating blood pressure by absorbing salts and water. D. The heart is the body's pump, which regulates the flow of vitally needed oxygen to cells of the body. - answer_A. Baroreceptors are rigid and static nerve endings that are contained along the arterial walls and send out messages along the nerve pathway. What is the meaning of the word evolved in the first paragraph? A. To spread B. To gradually develop C. To revolve D. To shift - answer_B. To gradually develop What is the writer's primary purpose in writing this essay? A. To inform the reader about the dangers of high blood pressure B. To inform the reader how high blood pressure leads to a higher risk of heart attack C. To inform the reader how the cardiovascular system regulates blood pressure D. To persuade the reader that controlling one's blood pressure is important - answer_C. To inform the reader how the cardiovascular system regulates blood pressure What is the best summary of this passage? A. The body's pump, the heart, regulates the flow of oxygen to all cells of the body and discards waste products that include carbon dioxide. The kidneys help in this process by absorbing salts and water. B. There are several systems to maintain the natural functions and processes of the body. One system is the cardiovascular system, which regulates blood pressure through baroreceptors, chemoreceptors, and the kidneys. C. Baroreceptors help regulate blood pressure and are found along the wall of the arteries. Baroreceptors send out impulses to the heart, arteries, and veins, resulting in the lowering or raising of blood pressure. D. Chemoreceptors monitor changes in oxygen level that affect blood pressure. - answer_B. There are several systems to maintain the natural functions and processes of the body. One system is the cardiovascular system, which regulates blood pressure through baroreceptors, chemoreceptors, and the kidneys. What is a major difference in the way baroreceptors and chemoreceptors work from the way the kidneys work? A. Baroreceptors and chemoreceptors both work within the wall of the arteries sending out impulses to raise or lower blood pressure, whereas the kidneys help control blood volume. B. Baroreceptors and chemoreceptors both work to help maintain blood volume, whereas the kidneys take care of salts, water, and waste removal. C. Baroreceptors and chemoreceptors must work together to control blood pressure, whereas the kidneys work with the adrenal cortex. D. Baroreceptors and chemoreceptors are both located near the adrenal cortex, whereas the kidneys are located near the heart. - answer_A. Baroreceptors and chemoreceptors both work within the wall of the arteries sending out impulses to raise or lower blood pressure, whereas the kidneys help control blood volume. The immune system is a network of cells, tissues, and organs that defends the body against attacks by foreign invaders. These invaders are primarily microbes—tiny organisms such as bacteria, parasites, and fungi—that can cause infections. Viruses also cause infections, but are too primitive to be classified as living organisms. The human body provides an ideal environment for many microbes. It is the immune system's job to keep the microbes out or destroy them. The immune system is amazingly complex. It can recognize and remember millions of different enemies, and it can secrete fluids and cells to wipe out nearly all of them. The secret to its success is an elaborate and dynamic communications network. Millions of cells, organized into sets and subsets, gather and transfer information in response to an infection. Once immune cells receive the alarm, they produce powerful chemicals that help to regulate their own gro - answer_set 4 What is the meaning of the word ideal as it is used in the first paragraph? A. thoughtful B. confined C. hostile D. perfect - answer_D. perfect What is the meaning of the word enlist as it is used in the second paragraph? A. call into service B. write down C. send away D. put across - answer_C. send away What is the author's primary purpose in writing the essay? A. to persuade B. to analyze C. to inform D. to entertain - answer_C. to inform The federal government regulates dietary supplements through the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The regulations for dietary supplements are not the same as those for prescription or over-the-counter drugs. In general, the regulations for dietary supplements are less strict. To begin with, a manufacturer does not have to prove the safety and effectiveness of a dietary supplement before it is marketed. A manufacturer is permitted to say that a dietary supplement addresses a nutrient deficiency, supports health, or is linked to a particular body function (such as immunity), if there is research to support the claim. Such a claim must be followed by the words "This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease." Also, manufacturers are expected to follow certain good manufacturing practices (GMPs) to e - answer_set 5 What is the meaning of the phrase phased in as it is used in the third paragraph? A. stunned into silence B. confused C. implemented in stages D. legalized - answer_C. implemented in stages What is the meaning of the word deceptive as it is used in the fifth paragraph? A. misleading B. malicious C. illegal D. irritating - answer_A. misleading Foodborne illnesses are contracted by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated with bacteria, parasites, or viruses. Harmful chemicals can also cause foodborne illnesses if they have contaminated food during harvesting or processing. Foodborne illnesses can cause symptoms ranging from upset stomach to diarrhea, fever, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and dehydration. Most foodborne infections are undiagnosed and unreported, though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that every year about 76 million people in the United States become ill from pathogens in food. About 5,000 of these people die. Harmful bacteria are the most common cause of foodborne illness. Some bacteria may be present at the point of purchase. Raw foods are the most common source of foodborne illnesses because they are not sterile; examples include raw meat and poultry contaminated during slaughter. Seafood may become contaminat - answer_set 6 What is the subject of the passage? A. foodborne illnesses B. the dangers of uncooked food C. bacteria D. proper food preparation - answer_A. foodborne illnesses What is the meaning of the word pathogens as it is used in the first paragraph? A. diseases B. vaccines C. disease-causing substances D. foods - answer_C. disease-causing substances What is the meaning of the word sterile as it is used in the second paragraph? A. free of bacteria B. healthy C. delicious D. impotent - answer_A. free of bacteria