what is the main idea of the passage about mrsa

HESI A2

Reading Comprehension HESI A2 Practice Test

1. What is the main idea of the passage about MRSA?

A. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant problem both within and outside of hospitals, and there are ways to mitigate the risk.
B. A new textile made of nanomaterials could significantly reduce the spread of hospital-associated MRSA infections.
C. There are multiple strains of MRSA, and they pose various risks beyond just fatality.
D. MRSA is a significant problem both within and outside of hospitals, but there are ways to mitigate the risk.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The main idea of the passage is that MRSA is a significant issue both within and outside of hospitals. It highlights the challenges posed by MRSA, including its resistance to antibiotics, high mortality rates, and widespread presence in various settings. While the development of new technologies like nanomaterial textiles shows promise in reducing hospital-associated MRSA, the passage also emphasizes the importance of practicing good hygiene to prevent community-associated MRSA infections. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not capture the comprehensive overview of MRSA provided in the passage. Choice A encompasses the main idea by emphasizing the significance of MRSA and ways to mitigate the risk. Choice B focuses on a specific solution rather than the broader issue of MRSA. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies the risks associated with MRSA strains by only mentioning fatality.

2. What does the term elasticity mean, as used in the passage about Hypertension?

A. Firmness.
B. Compactness.
C. Flexibility.
D. Rigidity.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Elasticity, as used in the passage about Hypertension, refers to the stretchiness or flexibility of blood vessels. The text mentions that blood vessels lose elasticity and stiffen as a person ages, indicating that they become less flexible. This eliminates choices A and D (Firmness and Rigidity) as the correct answers. Choice B (Compactness) is unrelated to the concept of elasticity in the context of blood vessels and is therefore incorrect. Understanding elasticity as the ability to stretch or flex helps in choosing flexibility as the correct answer.

3. 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.

4. What is the meaning of the word 'technical' as it is used in the fourth paragraph?

A. requiring expert knowledge
B. incomplete
C. foreign
D. plagiarized

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'A: requiring expert knowledge.' In the context provided, 'technical' refers to articles that demand expert knowledge to understand. The passage mentions that articles published in medical journals can be technical, meaning they are complex and require specialized expertise to comprehend. Choice B, 'incomplete,' is incorrect as 'technical' does not imply incompleteness. Choices C and D, 'foreign' and 'plagiarized,' are also incorrect as they do not align with the context of the passage.

5. Which statement is not a detail from the passage?

A. Condensation fails to happen when water vapor cools and changes back into droplets of liquid
B. Evaporation happens when water changes into gas
C. The water cycle does not involve precipitation
D. Water evaporates from oceans and rivers

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C, 'The water cycle does not involve precipitation,' is not a detail from the passage. The passage clearly states that precipitation, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, is a crucial part of the water cycle. On the other hand, choices A, B, and D are all supported by the passage. Condensation occurs when water vapor cools, evaporation occurs when water changes into gas, and water evaporates from oceans and rivers are all mentioned in the text.