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. Which of the following statements is an opinion related to MRSA?

A. Hand-washing stations are one means of combating MRSA infection.
B. Not all Staphylococcus bacteria are resistant to antibiotics.
C. Hospitals in the United States should quickly adopt the use of new germ-fighting textiles.
D. MRSA infection kills more people in the United States than does HIV/AIDS.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it is an opinion rather than a verifiable fact. The statement suggests a recommendation for hospitals to adopt new germ-fighting textiles swiftly, which is a subjective viewpoint and not objectively measurable. Choices A and B are factual statements regarding combating MRSA infection and antibiotic resistance, respectively. Choice D provides a comparison of MRSA infection with HIV/AIDS, which is a factual statement based on statistical data. Therefore, C is the only choice that presents an opinion rather than a fact.

3. What does the term inhibitors mean, as used in the second paragraph?

A. Protectors
B. Deterrents
C. Stressors
D. Transporters

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Inhibitors refer to substances that slow down or prevent a particular process, in this case, the buildup of uric acid.

4. Which is the best title for the passage about Hypertension?

A. How to Manage Hypertension Successfully
B. Doctors Discover the Hidden Dangers of Hypertension
C. Doctors Work to Understand the Causes of Hypertension
D. Causes, Symptoms, Complications, and Management of Hypertension

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The best title for the passage about Hypertension is 'Causes, Symptoms, Complications, and Management of Hypertension.' This title accurately reflects the content of the passage, which provides information about the causes, symptoms, complications, and management of hypertension. It covers a broad spectrum of information presented in the passage, making it the most comprehensive and suitable title. Choice A, 'How to Manage Hypertension Successfully,' is too narrow as it focuses solely on management without encompassing the other crucial aspects like causes and symptoms. Choice B, 'Doctors Discover the Hidden Dangers of Hypertension,' is misleading as the passage does not focus on any recent discoveries but rather provides general information about hypertension. Choice C, 'Doctors Work to Understand the Causes of Hypertension,' is also inaccurate as the passage mainly discusses causes, symptoms, complications, and management, rather than doctors' ongoing research efforts.

5. What statement from the article is correct?

A. Chopsticks were developed in Europe.
B. China developed chopsticks for eating utensils.
C. Eating with forks is difficult.
D. Space travel eliminated the need for utensils.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The passage clearly states that China developed chopsticks as an efficient tool for eating, making choice B the correct statement. Choice A is incorrect as chopsticks were not developed in Europe but in China. Choice C is not supported by the passage as it does not discuss the difficulty of eating with forks. Choice D is also incorrect as space travel introduced new challenges but did not eliminate the need for utensils.