what is the purpose of white elephants in the tradition mentioned in the passage

HESI A2

HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Practice Test

1. What is the purpose of white elephants in the tradition mentioned in the passage?

A. White elephants are symbols of wealth and power.
B. White elephants represent unwanted and burdensome gifts.
C. White elephants are used in religious ceremonies.
D. White elephants are mythological creatures with no real use.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the tradition mentioned in the passage, white elephants were given as punishment gifts by rulers to those who displeased them. These white elephants were considered burdensome because they were sacred and could not be made to work like other elephants. The recipients had to bear the high maintenance costs and care for the white elephants in a lavish style, leading to financial burdens and sometimes impoverishment. This tradition originated the term 'white elephant' to denote unwanted gifts. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choice A is incorrect because white elephants were not symbols of wealth and power in this context; they were burdensome gifts. Choice C is incorrect as there is no mention of white elephants being used in religious ceremonies in the passage. Choice D is incorrect as white elephants in the tradition were real elephants, not mythological creatures with no practical use.

2. Is a potassium level of 4.5 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) within the normal range of 3.5 to 5.3 mmol/L?

A. No, it is too low.
B. Yes, it is within the normal range.
C. No, it is too high.
D. Cannot be determined without additional information.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The normal range for potassium levels is typically considered to be between 3.5 to 5.3 mmol/L. In this case, the potassium level of 4.5 mmol/L falls within this normal range. Therefore, the correct answer is that it is within the normal range (Choice B). Choice A is incorrect as 4.5 mmol/L is not too low. Choice C is also incorrect as 4.5 mmol/L is not too high. Choice D is incorrect as the given information is sufficient to determine that the potassium level is within the normal range.

3. Select the word that means 'take into the body.'

A. congest
B. ingest
C. collect
D. suppress

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'ingest.' The word 'ingest' means to take into the body, typically referring to food or drink. Choice A, 'congest,' means to block or fill up with fluid. Choice C, 'collect,' means to bring or gather together. Choice D, 'suppress,' means to prevent something from happening or to restrain.

4. How might vitamin D deficiency present?

A. As bleeding gums
B. As swollen extremities
C. As red patches
D. As crooked bones

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Vitamin D deficiency can present as crooked bones in children due to a condition called rickets. This is because vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and bone health. Inadequate levels of vitamin D can lead to soft and weak bones, resulting in skeletal deformities such as bow legs or knock knees. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as bleeding gums are more commonly associated with vitamin C deficiency (scurvy), swollen extremities could be a sign of various conditions like edema, and red patches are not typically a direct manifestation of vitamin D deficiency.

5. To the nearest whole number, what is the mass of one mole of hydrogen chloride?

A. 36 g/mol
B. 38 g/mol
C. 71 g/mol
D. 74 g/mol

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The molar mass of hydrogen chloride (HCl) is calculated by adding the atomic masses of hydrogen (H) and chlorine (Cl) together. The atomic mass of hydrogen is approximately 1 g/mol, and the atomic mass of chlorine is approximately 35.5 g/mol. Therefore, the molar mass of hydrogen chloride (HCl) is approximately 1 + 35.5 = 36.5 g/mol. When rounded to the nearest whole number, it is 36 g/mol. Therefore, the correct answer is 36 g/mol. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the accurate molar mass of hydrogen chloride.