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. What does the word 'integral' mean as used in the first paragraph of the passage?

A. Central
B. Initial
C. Trifling
D. Irrelevant

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this context, 'integral' means 'central' or essential. The passage discusses the debate around spanking as a method of discipline. Some parents consider it an integral part of teaching right and wrong, highlighting its central importance. Therefore, the correct answer is 'A: Central.' Choice B, 'Initial,' is incorrect as the word 'integral' does not refer to something being at the beginning of a process or sequence. Choice C, 'Trifling,' is incorrect as 'integral' implies significance and importance, opposite to being trivial. Choice D, 'Irrelevant,' is incorrect as the passage clearly states that some parents view spanking as essential, making it relevant and not irrelevant.

3. What was the most dangerous part of building the Golden Gate Bridge?

A. Balancing the road to prevent collapse.
B. Constructing the towers due to their height.
C. Suspending the cables with difficulty.
D. Ensuring the critical balance of the bridge.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most dangerous part of building the Golden Gate Bridge, as mentioned in the passage, was keeping the road balanced to prevent it from collapsing. While constructing the towers and suspending the cables were challenging tasks, the passage specifically highlights the balancing of the bridge as the most treacherous aspect of the construction. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the primary danger emphasized in the passage.

4. What are the three steps of the 'wave of excitation'?

A. The discharge from the SA node, the peak ECG, and the excitement of the ventricle.
B. The excitement of the ventricle, the relaxing of the ventricle, and the systemic neural response.
C. The contraction of the atrium, the relaxation of the atrium, and the contraction of the ventricle.
D. The excitation of the atrium, the excitement of the ventricle, and the relaxing of the ventricle.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct steps of the 'wave of excitation' are the excitation of the atrium, excitement of the ventricle, and relaxation of the ventricle. In the described process, the 'wave of excitation' starts with the discharge from the SA node, leading to the excitation of the atrium. Next, the peak ECG corresponds to the excitement of the ventricle, not its relaxation. Finally, the wave concludes with the relaxation of the ventricle, not its contraction. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the sequential steps of the 'wave of excitation' as presented in the extract.