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 is the meaning of the word duration as used in the last paragraph?

A. Basis
B. Extent
C. Cure
D. Solidity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The word "duration" in the context of sleep refers to the length of time that children should sleep. It suggests a focus on the amount of sleep necessary for healthy development, making option B the correct choice as it aligns with the emphasis on recommended sleep hours for children.

3. Which is the best title for this passage?

A. “Medical Treatment for Gout”
B. “Uric Acid Affects the Joints”
C. “Risk Factors for One Type of Arthritis”
D. “Nurse-Led Care Aids Gout Patients”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The passage focuses on how nurse-led care, including holistic education and lifestyle advice, can aid patients with gout.

4. Which of the following describes the purpose of the passage?

A. To describe the causes of cystic fibrosis
B. To explain how cystic fibrosis is passed down through families
C. To provide an overview of CF and how it is inherited
D. To review why some Americans have CF, but others do not

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The passage aims to provide an overview of cystic fibrosis (CF) and how it is inherited. It explains that CF is passed down through families due to a defective gene, detailing how this gene affects the body and who is most commonly affected by the disease. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the passage does not solely focus on describing the causes of CF, explaining how it is passed down through families, or reviewing why some Americans have CF while others do not. Instead, it provides a broader perspective on CF and its inheritance.

5. Which statement would not be inferred by the reader?

A. Some forms of phototherapy have been around for decades.
B. New applications of phototherapy continue to be developed.
C. Phototherapy is most often used to treat skin problems.
D. Ultraviolet rays can cause damage to eyes and skin.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. While the passage extensively discusses the benefits and applications of phototherapy, it does not mention that ultraviolet rays can cause damage to eyes and skin. This statement goes beyond the information provided in the passage and cannot be inferred. A. The passage mentions that phototherapy has been around for more than a century, supporting the statement that some forms of phototherapy have been around for decades. B. The passage discusses how new applications of phototherapy, like the phototherapy blanket, are being developed, making this statement valid as it aligns with the information provided. C. Phototherapy being most often used to treat skin problems is supported by the passage, which mentions its applications in treating acne, psoriasis, and eczema. Therefore, this statement can be inferred from the passage.