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 'obligatory' mean in the context of the passage on Daylight Savings Time?

A. Approved.
B. Sparse.
C. Requisite.
D. Aberrant.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the passage, Daylight Savings Time is presented as something that must be done by law, making it a requirement or something obligatory. 'Requisite' fits this meaning. 'Approved' (choice A) does not convey the sense of necessity as 'obligatory' does. 'Sparse' (choice B) means thinly dispersed and does not relate to the context. 'Aberrant' (choice D) means deviating from the norm, which is not applicable in this context.

3. 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.

4. In context, the word 'defective' in the first sentence of the passage means which of the following?

A. Unusual
B. Remarkable
C. Postponed
D. Faulty

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the context provided, 'defective' means faulty, referring to the gene that causes cystic fibrosis (CF). The passage explains that CF is caused by a defective gene, resulting in the production of abnormally thick and sticky fluid. The word 'defective' suggests that the gene is not functioning correctly, leading to the symptoms associated with the disease. Therefore, 'faulty' is the correct choice. The other options, 'unusual,' 'remarkable,' and 'postponed,' do not accurately capture the meaning of 'defective' in this context and are therefore incorrect.

5. What does the word 'composed' mean in the passage on the Water Cycle?

A. To consist of.
B. To create.
C. To separate.
D. To destroy.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the context of the Water Cycle, 'composed' means 'to consist of' parts. For instance, water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Therefore, the correct meaning of 'composed' in this context is to consist of various components. Choice B, 'To create,' is incorrect as 'composed' refers to the makeup of something rather than the act of making or creating. Choices C and D, 'To separate' and 'To destroy,' are also incorrect as they do not align with the meaning of 'composed' in the passage.