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 is the main idea of the passage about The Sleep Workout?

A. Insufficient sleep can lead to obesity.
B. Insufficient sleep inhibits the natural release of human growth hormone in the human body.
C. Getting the proper amount of uninterrupted sleep plays a major role in the development of muscle.
D. Developing muscle growth is an effective way to stay healthy as we get older.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main idea of the passage is that getting the proper amount of uninterrupted sleep plays a major role in the development of muscle. The passage emphasizes how muscle growth occurs during rest periods following a workout, with sleep being a critical time for muscle fiber rebuilding. The connection between sleep, human growth hormone (HGH) release, and muscle development is highlighted. Choice A is incorrect because while the passage mentions the link between inadequate sleep and obesity due to altered appetite hormones, the main focus is on muscle development. Choice B is incorrect because although the passage discusses HGH release during deep sleep, the primary emphasis is on the role of uninterrupted sleep in muscle development. Choice D is incorrect because while the passage acknowledges that developing muscle growth is essential for health as we age, the key point is the significance of uninterrupted sleep in the muscle development process.

3. What does the passage about the Water Cycle explain?

A. The water cycle consists of precipitation, evaporation, and condensation.
B. The water cycle is a continuous process of recycling water on Earth.
C. Rain is the most important part of the water cycle.
D. Evaporation is the final step in the water cycle.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The water cycle consists of precipitation, evaporation, and condensation.' The passage explains the stages of the water cycle, starting with precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, or hail) falling to the ground, followed by runoff, evaporation transforming liquid water into water vapor, and finally condensation turning water vapor back into liquid. Choice B is incorrect because it is too broad and doesn't specifically address the stages of the water cycle. Choice C is incorrect as rain is just one part of the water cycle and not the most important. Choice D is incorrect as evaporation is not the final step but one of the stages of the water cycle.

4. Which of the following is not mentioned as a detail in the passage about Sickle-Cell Anemia?

A. People of South American or African descent may be prone to sickle-cell anemia.
B. Symptoms of sickle-cell anemia may include sudden occurrences of extreme abdominal and back pain.
C. The red blood cells of sickle-cell patients are unusually shaped, forming crescent or sickle shapes.
D. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies may result in some anemia.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the passage does not mention anything about vitamin and mineral deficiencies in relation to sickle-cell anemia. Choice A is incorrect as the passage specifies that sickle-cell anemia is more common among people of South American or African descent. Choice B is correct as the passage states that symptoms of sickle-cell anemia can include sudden occurrences of extreme abdominal and back pain. Choice C is correct as the passage describes that the red blood cells of sickle-cell patients are unusually shaped, forming crescent or sickle shapes. The passage does not discuss any relationship between vitamin and mineral deficiencies and sickle-cell anemia, making choice D the correct option.

5. Based on this passage, what can the reader infer about the advice physicians will give their pregnant patients about coffee consumption?

A. Almost all of them will advise women to stop drinking any caffeine until after the baby is born.
B. The majority will ignore the study altogether and continue to advise caffeine in moderation as before.
C. All of them will demand additional research be done before they change what they tell their patients.
D. Some will continue to make their normal recommendations about caffeine, while others will be more cautious than before.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The passage implies that there is variability in physician responses to the study about caffeine consumption. Some doctors may continue their standard recommendations, while others might advise more caution based on the new evidence. Therefore, option D reflects this variability in professional opinions and is the correct inference.