what is the main idea of the passage about sickle cell anemia

HESI A2

Reading Comprehension Practice Test HESI A2

1. 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.

2. Choose the best summary of the passage about High Fructose Corn Syrup.

A. After extensive studies, scientists recommend removing HFCS from grocery products.
B. A recent study on rats confirms suspicions that HFCS contributes to unhealthful weight gains.
C. Until more research is done, using HFCS is preferable to replacing it with refined sugar.
D. Avoiding HFCS can have immediate, healthful results on overweight patients, as suggested by the AMA.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best summary of the passage is choice B. The passage discusses concerns about the impact of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) on health, particularly its link to obesity. It mentions a recent study on rats that confirms suspicions about HFCS contributing to unhealthful weight gains. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they introduce recommendations or implications not explicitly mentioned in the passage. Choice A goes beyond the information by stating that scientists recommend removing HFCS from grocery products, choice C suggests that using HFCS is preferable until more research is done, and choice D implies immediate healthful results on overweight patients by avoiding HFCS, as suggested by the AMA, which is not supported by the passage.

3. The passage mentions all of these uses for microscopy EXCEPT ___________.

A. Ear surgery
B. Amputations
C. Vasectomies
D. Reconstructions

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The passage discusses various uses of microscopy in surgery, including ear surgery, amputations, and reconstructions. However, vasectomies are not mentioned as an application of microscopy in the text. Therefore, vasectomies are the exception among the listed uses. Choices A, B, and D are supported by details in the extract, making them incorrect answers. The passage highlights the uses of microscopy in delicate ear operations, repairing blood vessels in partially amputated limbs, and improving breast reconstructions. While vasectomies are mentioned briefly in the extract, they are not connected to the application of microscopy in the context of surgeries.

4. What can be inferred about the author's reaction to different voices?

A. Be an experienced public speaker
B. Prefer shrill, grating, and brassy voice
C. Have no particular reactions to different voices
D. nan

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Based on the extract provided, the author discusses the effects of different voice qualities on others but does not express any preference or reaction towards specific voices. The author emphasizes the negative impact of harsh tones and provides insights into how voice qualities can influence perceptions. As a result, it can be inferred that the author has no particular reactions to different voices. Choices A and B are incorrect as there is no mention of the author's public speaking experience or preference for specific voice qualities in the passage.

5. What conclusion can be drawn about the article?

A. The author explains differences in eating methods.
B. Eating habits vary across different cultures.
C. Space travel has posed challenges for eating habits.
D. Chopsticks are more suitable than forks for space travel.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The passage discusses different eating methods in various cultures, focusing on their differences. The author describes the development of cutlery in European cultures, the use of chopsticks in China, and how space travel has influenced eating tools for astronauts. Choice B is incorrect because the passage emphasizes the differences rather than the similarities in eating habits across cultures. Choice C is partially supported by the passage as it mentions that space travel has created new challenges for consuming food, but it is not the main conclusion of the article. Choice D is not directly supported by the passage as it discusses the challenges of using chopsticks and forks in space rather than stating that chopsticks are superior to forks.