the main idea of the passage is

HESI A2

HESI A2 Reading Comprehension

1. The main idea of the passage is ___________.

A. The CDC keeps an eye out for new potentially threatening health issues
B. Children require several more hours of sleep per night than adults do
C. More people are staying up at night to surf the Internet or watch television
D. Lack of adequate sleep is becoming a major national health problem

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The main idea of the passage is that lack of adequate sleep is becoming a major national health problem.

2. What does sleep apnea cause?

A. Chronic illness.
B. Good sleep.
C. Improved memory.
D. Reduced physical illness.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Sleep apnea causes chronic illness. The passage specifically mentions that sleep apnea can result in chronic insomnia, indicating it can cause long-term health problems. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as sleep apnea does not lead to good sleep, improved memory, or reduced physical illness.

3. Which of the following statements is a fact?

A. Nurses should watch for jaundice in newborns.
B. Untreated jaundice may cause brain damage.
C. Phototherapy blankets are a valuable invention.
D. Avoid neonatal units that lack phototherapy.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Untreated jaundice may cause brain damage.' This statement is a fact supported by the passage. Neonatal jaundice, if left untreated, can lead to brain damage due to excess bilirubin levels in the blood. Choice A is not a fact but a general guideline for nurses. Choice C is an opinion as it describes phototherapy blankets as valuable without citing a specific fact. Choice D is not a fact but a recommendation, advising to avoid neonatal units lacking phototherapy.

4. 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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary purpose of the essay is to inform the reader about how the cardiovascular system regulates blood pressure. The essay provides detailed explanations about the components of the cardiovascular system that regulate blood pressure, such as baroreceptors, chemoreceptors, and the kidneys. Choices A and B are incorrect because the essay does not focus on discussing the dangers of high blood pressure or its correlation with a higher risk of heart attack. Choice D is incorrect as the essay does not aim to persuade the reader to control their blood pressure but rather to educate them on the regulatory mechanisms of the cardiovascular system.