insomnia affects intellectual abilities because it

HESI A2

HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Practice Test

1. How does insomnia affect intellectual abilities?

A. Causes a deficit in memory, concentration, and attention.
B. Improves mental alertness.
C. Boosts concentration levels.
D. Has no effect on intellectual abilities.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Insomnia affects intellectual abilities by causing a deficit in memory, concentration, and attention. The passage highlights that lack of sleep impacts memory, attention, and concentration, leading to feelings of irritation or depression. Therefore, choice A is correct. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the negative impact insomnia has on intellectual abilities as described in the passage.

2. What is the main idea of the passage about Sickle-Cell Anemia?

A. Bone pain is a symptom of sickle-cell anemia.
B. Sickle-cell anemia affects oxygen transport in the body.
C. Sickle-cell anemia is a genetically inherited disease.
D. Sickle-cell anemia is a painful, inherited disease.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The passage focuses on describing sickle-cell anemia as a painful and inherited disease. It details how the abnormal sickle-shaped cells cause symptoms like bone pain, fever, and fatigue. While bone pain is mentioned as a symptom, it is not the main idea of the passage. Choice A is incorrect. Choice B, which mentions oxygen transport, is not the main idea but a general concept. Choice C, stating genetically inherited diseases affect thousands, is too broad and does not focus on the specifics of sickle-cell anemia. Therefore, D is the most precise choice.

3. Which part of the bridge was built first?

A. Cables
B. Roadway
C. Sidewalks
D. Towers

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Roadway. In the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, as with many bridges, the roadway was built first. The roadway provides the foundation and support for the rest of the structure, allowing vehicles and pedestrians to access the bridge. The construction process typically starts with the roadway to establish a base before moving on to other components like cables, towers, and sidewalks. Therefore, the roadway is an essential initial component in bridge construction. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because, according to the provided extract, the anchorages were built first, followed by the towers, cables, and finally, the completion of the roadway. This sequence highlights the significance of establishing the structural support before the construction of other elements of the bridge.

4. What is the author's reason for writing the passage on the White Elephant?

A. To inform readers about Thailand's historical customs.
B. To entertain readers with the origins of the term 'white elephant.'
C. To explain the tradition of giving white elephants.
D. To criticize the tradition of giving white elephants as gifts.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To explain the tradition of giving white elephants.' The passage provides historical context about the practice of giving white elephants as gifts in ancient Siam, now Thailand. It explains how white elephants were considered sacred, could not be put to work, and became a burden to the recipients. The author's purpose is to shed light on this tradition and its implications, not to inform readers about Thailand in general (choice A), entertain with fun facts (choice B), or criticize the tradition (choice D). Choices A and B are incorrect because the passage focuses specifically on the tradition of giving white elephants, not on broader aspects of Thailand or entertainment. Choice D is incorrect because the passage does not criticize the tradition but rather provides a factual account of its historical significance.

5. What is a solution to insomnia?

A. Developing good sleep habits and using herbs and spices.
B. Avoiding physical activity.
C. Staying awake for longer periods.
D. Eating large meals before bed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Developing good sleep habits and using herbs and spices. The passage highlights that sleep hygiene, which involves developing good sleep habits and non-pharmacological therapies like herbs and spices, are solutions to insomnia. These methods aim to promote better sleep quality. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Avoiding physical activity, staying awake for longer periods, and eating large meals before bed can actually worsen insomnia symptoms and disrupt sleep patterns.