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. Why was receiving a white elephant considered a burden in ancient Siam?

A. People tried to avoid receiving it, as it was a burden.
B. It was a symbol of honor and wealth.
C. It was used in ceremonial processes.
D. The people greatly desired a white elephant as a gift.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Receiving a white elephant in ancient Siam was considered a burden because the animal, being sacred, couldn't be used for work like other elephants. The recipient had to bear the cost of feeding the elephant large amounts of fruit and maintaining it in a lavish manner. The ruler's displeasure if the gift was not accepted graciously added to the pressure. This financial strain often led recipients to financial ruin. Therefore, people tried to avoid receiving a white elephant to prevent these financial consequences. Choice B is incorrect because the white elephant was not considered a symbol of honor and wealth but rather a burden. Choice C is incorrect as the white elephant was not primarily used in ceremonial processes but was a gift that came with financial responsibilities. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not mention that people greatly desired a white elephant as a gift, but rather the opposite.

3. Which statement is not listed as a detail within the passage?

A. Changes in the ECG are typically used for the diagnosis of abnormal cardiac rhythm.
B. The signal has a characteristic record called the electrocardiogram.
C. The 'wave of excitation' starts at the SA node.
D. The 'wave of excitation' spreads through the heart wall and is accompanied by electric changes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The corrected statement should be: Changes in the ECG are not typically used for the diagnosis of abnormal cardiac rhythm. The passage mentions that the heart sends out electric currents in waves, and the 'wave of excitation' spreads through the heart wall accompanied by electric changes. It details the process of how the heart's electric impulses are recorded and how abnormalities can be detected. However, it does not state that ECG changes are specifically used for diagnosing abnormal cardiac rhythms. Choice A is the correct answer because it misrepresents the information provided in the passage. Choices B, C, and D are all supported by the passage and align with the details mentioned regarding the electrocardiogram and the wave of excitation in the heart.

4. In this passage, which of the following is not mentioned as a role of HGH in the human body?

A. Regulating the metabolism.
B. Stimulating the immune system.
C. Regulating leptin, an appetite-controlling hormone.
D. Facilitating calcium retention.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Regulating leptin, an appetite-controlling hormone. In the provided passage, it is stated that human growth hormone (HGH) is essential for regulating metabolism, building muscle, facilitating calcium retention, and stimulating the immune system. However, leptin is not mentioned as directly regulated by HGH. Instead, the passage discusses how inadequate sleep can lead to lowered levels of leptin, affecting appetite control. Choices A, B, and D are all roles of HGH explicitly mentioned in the passage, making them incorrect answers. Therefore, C is the correct choice as it was not directly linked to HGH in the passage.

5. What is stated in the passage about the Olympic Games?

A. The Olympic Games are held every four years.
B. The Olympic Games are often postponed.
C. The Olympic Games are held only in leap years.
D. The Olympic Games only involve certain countries.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The Olympic Games are held every four years,' as stated in the passage. The extract explicitly mentions that the Summer Olympic Games are held every four years. Choice B is incorrect as there is no mention of the Olympic Games being often postponed in the passage. Choice C is incorrect because although the Olympic Games occur during leap years, they are not exclusively held only in leap years. Choice D is incorrect as there is no indication in the passage that the Olympic Games only involve certain countries.