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. FRAX takes into account all of the following factors EXCEPT ___________.

A. Lifestyle choices
B. Exposure to toxins
C. Genetic heritage
D. Exposure to sunlight

Correct answer: B

Rationale: FRAX, a tool used to assess fracture risk, considers various factors like lifestyle choices, genetic heritage, and exposure to sunlight. However, exposure to toxins is not mentioned in the provided extract as a factor considered by FRAX. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Exposure to toxins is unrelated to fracture risk assessment as per the information provided. Lifestyle choices, genetic heritage, and exposure to sunlight are all factors that FRAX takes into consideration to determine the risk of experiencing a fracture within the next decade.

3. What is the main idea of the passage about microbes?

A. Recent discoveries are revealing the critical role of microorganisms in maintaining a properly functioning immune system.
B. The human body is host to a staggering number of microorganisms.
C. Bacteriotherapy reintroduces healthy bacteria into a colon lacking the capability to defend against pathogenic agents.
D. Early research has shown remarkable discoveries in the possibilities of bacteriotherapy.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main idea of the passage is that recent discoveries are shedding light on the pivotal role of microorganisms in maintaining a properly functioning immune system. The passage discusses how the human body hosts a wide array of microorganisms, emphasizes the importance of these bacteria in the development of the immune system, and explores the potential applications of bacteriotherapy. Choice A is the correct answer because it accurately reflects the central theme discussed in the passage. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they focus on specific details or applications mentioned in the passage, rather than capturing the overarching theme of the critical role of microorganisms in immune system function.

4. 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.

5. Which detail is not given as a side effect of NSAIDs?

A. Nausea
B. Headache
C. Weight loss
D. Dizziness

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The passage lists several side effects of NSAIDs, including nausea, headache, and dizziness. However, weight loss is not mentioned as a side effect, making option C the correct choice since it does not align with the details provided in the text.