HESI A2 Vocabulary Exams — HESI A2 Practice Vocabulary

1. Select the meaning of the underlined word in this sentence. The drizzling, cool rain felt *exhilarating*, especially after a long, sun-scorching drought.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Exhilarating means refreshing.

The word *exhilarating* in this context refers to a feeling of excitement and refreshment, especially after a period of drought. The cool rain provides a revitalizing experience, making *refreshing* the most accurate choice.

A) Parched

This option means extremely dry or thirsty, which is the opposite of what *exhilarating* conveys in this context. The sentence describes a positive experience brought about by the rain, not a state of dryness.

B) Jaunty

While *jaunty* denotes a lively or cheerful attitude, it does not capture the essence of the refreshing nature of the rain described in the sentence. The focus is on the invigorating effect of the rain, rather than a lively demeanor.

C) Refreshing

This choice accurately reflects the meaning of *exhilarating* as it suggests a sense of revitalization and renewal brought about by the cool rain after a long drought. This aligns perfectly with the context provided in the sentence.

D) Lachrymose

*Lachrymose* refers to something that induces tears or sadness, which is contrary to the positive and uplifting feeling implied by *exhilarating*. The context highlights enjoyment and refreshment, not sorrow.

Conclusion

The correct answer, *refreshing*, encapsulates the invigorating feeling associated with the cool rain following a drought, making it the most fitting interpretation of *exhilarating*. All other options fail to convey the intended positive and revitalizing effect described in the sentence.

2. Which term refers to a newspaper article that makes fun of a politician's performance during a televised speech?

Answer: B

Explanation:

Lampoon refers to a newspaper article that makes fun of a politician's performance during a televised speech.

Lampoon is the appropriate term for a humorous or satirical critique of someone, particularly in the context of public figures like politicians. Such articles often exaggerate or mock the subject's actions or statements, especially during notable events like speeches.

A) Scold

Scold refers to reprimanding or expressing disapproval towards someone. While it may involve criticism, it does not imply humor or satire, which are central to the concept of lampooning. Therefore, this option does not fit the context of making fun of a politician's performance.

B) Lampoon

Lampoon is the correct choice as it specifically denotes a form of satire that ridicules or mocks a subject, particularly in a public setting. This term encapsulates the essence of making fun of a politician's speech, highlighting the humorous and critical aspects that characterize such articles.

C) Salutation

Salutation refers to a greeting or expression of goodwill, which is entirely unrelated to the concept of critique or mockery. This option does not apply to the context of a newspaper article that critiques a politician's performance, making it incorrect.

D) Harangue

Harangue denotes a lengthy and aggressive speech or lecture, often critical in nature. Although it involves criticism, it lacks the humorous or satirical element implied in the question. Therefore, it does not accurately describe a newspaper article making fun of a politician's speech.

Conclusion

The term lampoon is distinctly aligned with the idea of humorously critiquing public figures, making it the definitive choice in this context. All other options fail to capture the satirical essence required to describe an article that mocks a politician's performance during a televised speech. Thus, lampoon stands out as the only correct answer.

3. What is the best description of the word 'therapeutic'?

Answer: B

Explanation:

Remedial

The word 'therapeutic' is best described as remedial, indicating its association with treatment and the alleviation of symptoms or conditions.

A) Understanding

Understanding does not accurately encapsulate the meaning of 'therapeutic.' While understanding can be a component of the healing process, it does not specifically relate to treatment or intervention, which is the core implication of the term 'therapeutic.'

B) Remedial

Remedial is the correct description of 'therapeutic' as it directly relates to the nature of providing relief or curing ailments. This term emphasizes the function of therapies to address health issues and restore well-being, aligning perfectly with the essence of being therapeutic.

C) Palliative

While palliative care is a subset of therapeutic approaches that focus on relieving symptoms without curing the underlying condition, it does not encompass the full scope of 'therapeutic.' Therefore, while related, it is not the best description of the term.

D) Concurrent

Concurrent refers to things occurring at the same time and does not pertain to the concept of treatment or healing. Thus, it is not a suitable description for 'therapeutic.'

Conclusion

'Remedial' is the most fitting description of 'therapeutic' as it emphasizes the treatment aspect essential to the term. Other options like 'palliative' and 'understanding' fail to capture the comprehensive nature of therapy aimed at healing, while 'concurrent' is entirely unrelated. Therefore, 'remedial' stands out as the definitive choice.

4. Select the meaning of the following phrase: 'A system of procedures to follow.'

Answer: A

Explanation:

Regimen is the meaning of 'A system of procedures to follow.'

A regimen refers to a systematic plan or set of procedures designed to achieve a specific goal, often related to health or wellness. This aligns perfectly with the phrase 'A system of procedures to follow.'

A) Regimen

Regimen is the correct choice as it directly implies a structured and organized system of procedures that one adheres to, particularly in contexts such as diet, exercise, or treatment plans.

B) Regime

Regime typically refers to a government or a particular administration in power. While it can imply a system, it does not specifically denote a set of procedures to follow, making it an incorrect choice in this context.

C) Testament

Testament generally signifies a declaration of belief or a legal document, specifically related to wills. It does not relate to the concept of a system of procedures, thus making it an unsuitable option.

D) Treatment

Treatment refers to the management and care of a patient for the purpose of combating a disease or condition. Although it may involve procedures, it does not encapsulate the broader meaning of a systematic set of procedures, making it an incorrect choice.

Conclusion

Regimen is the most appropriate term for 'A system of procedures to follow,' as it encompasses the structured approach implied in the phrase. The other options, while they may have some relation to systems or procedures, do not accurately capture the essence of a systematic plan as effectively as regimen does.

5. Choose the word or phrase that best indicates the meaning of the word in quotes. The 'insidious' disease was well established before becoming apparent.

Answer: C

Explanation:

The 'insidious' disease was well established before becoming apparent.

The term 'insidious' in this context refers to a disease that develops gradually and often without noticeable symptoms until it is well advanced. Therefore, the best indication of its meaning is "Gradual."

A) Sudden

This option is incorrect because 'sudden' implies a quick onset or immediate occurrence, which contradicts the nature of an insidious disease that is slow to manifest.

B) Suffer

While this option relates to the experience of a disease, it does not accurately capture the meaning of 'insidious.' It focuses on the experience of pain rather than the gradual development of the disease itself.

C) Gradual

This option is correct as it aligns perfectly with the definition of 'insidious,' indicating a slow and stealthy progression of the disease that may not be immediately apparent.

D) Graduate

This choice is incorrect, as 'graduate' pertains to completing a course of study or moving up in stages, which has no relevance to the gradual onset or nature of a disease.

Conclusion

The correct answer, "Gradual," clearly reflects the nature of an insidious disease, which is characterized by its slow and often unnoticed progression. All other options fail to accurately convey this concept, emphasizing the importance of understanding the subtlety of medical terminology.

6. Select the meaning of the word alleviate in the sentence: "To alleviate his pain, the nurse gave the patient a PRN medication."

Answer: D

Explanation:

To alleviate means to reduce pain.

Alleviate refers to the act of making something less severe or intense. In this context, the nurse's action of giving the patient medication serves to lessen the pain experienced.

A) Pinpoint

Pinpoint means to identify something precisely or locate it accurately. This definition does not align with the meaning of alleviate, which is focused on reducing severity rather than identifying a problem.

B) Relocate

Relocate refers to moving something from one place to another. This choice is unrelated to the concept of alleviating pain, as it does not involve any reduction or easing of discomfort.

C) Eradicate

Eradicate means to completely eliminate or remove something. While this term suggests a stronger action than alleviate, which only involves a reduction rather than complete removal, thus making it an incorrect interpretation in this context.

D) Reduce

Reduce directly corresponds to the meaning of alleviate, as both terms imply making something less severe or intense. In the context of the sentence, the nurse is indeed taking action to lessen the patient's pain, confirming this option as the correct answer.

Conclusion

The correct answer, reduce, accurately reflects the meaning of alleviate in the given context. All other options either misinterpret the action conveyed in the sentence or are unrelated to the concept of easing pain. Therefore, reduce is the definitive choice that aligns with the intended meaning.

7. After becoming incapacitated due to injury, a person may feel . . .

Answer: C

Explanation:

A person may feel injured after becoming incapacitated due to injury.

Experiencing incapacity due to injury naturally leads a person to feel injured, as it directly relates to their physical state and the implications of their condition.

A) Dejected

While it is possible for a person to feel dejected after becoming incapacitated, this option does not directly address the physical reality of their state. Dejection is an emotional response that may occur but is not a primary descriptor of the experience of injury itself.

B) Shamefully fearful

This option suggests a specific emotional state that may not universally apply to all individuals who become incapacitated. While some may experience fear, especially regarding their future or recovery, the term "shamefully" adds an unnecessary and subjective layer that doesn't encapsulate the immediate feeling of being injured.

C) Injured

This option accurately reflects the primary feeling of a person who has become incapacitated due to injury. It directly correlates with their physical condition and the reality of their situation, making it a straightforward and relevant response.

D) Symbiotic

The term "symbiotic" suggests a mutual relationship or dependency, which does not relate to the experience of becoming incapacitated due to injury. This choice is incorrect as it fails to capture any emotional or physical state relevant to injury.

Conclusion

The choice "injured" is definitively the correct answer as it directly represents the physical and emotional state of an individual who has suffered an injury leading to incapacity. Other options either misinterpret the context or introduce emotional states that do not universally apply to the experience of injury.

8. Choose the correct word to use in the blank.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Emigrating

Emigrating is the correct term to use in the blank, as it specifically refers to the act of leaving one's own country to settle in another. This term emphasizes the departure aspect of the migration process.

A) Migrating

Migrating is a broader term that refers to the movement of people or animals from one place to another, but it does not specify whether the movement is from or to a particular country. Therefore, it is not the precise term needed in this context.

B) Emigrating

Emigrating accurately describes the action of leaving one's home country to live in another. This term focuses on the origin of the movement, making it the most appropriate choice for the blank.

C) Immigrating

Immigrating refers to the act of coming into a country to live there permanently. While it is related to the concept of migration, it highlights the arrival rather than the departure, making it unsuitable for this context.

D) Emigrated

Emigrated is the past tense of emigrate, indicating that the action has already taken place. Since the question requires a word to fill in the blank, this option does not fit as it does not match the tense needed.

Conclusion

Emigrating is the most accurate choice for the blank as it conveys the specific action of leaving one’s home country. In contrast, the other options either describe different aspects of migration or do not fit the required tense, highlighting why they are not suitable in this context.

9. Select the meaning of the underlined word in this sentence: The dietitian instructed the patient to supplement her diet.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Add to

The term "supplement" in the context of the sentence refers to the action of adding something to enhance or complete the diet. The dietitian's instruction is focused on enhancing the patient's nutritional intake.

A) Limit

This option is incorrect because "limit" implies reducing or restricting something, which is the opposite of what it means to supplement a diet. Supplementing is about increasing or enhancing rather than limiting.

B) Add to

This option is correct as it accurately captures the essence of the word "supplement." In dietary contexts, to supplement means to add additional nutrients or foods to one's existing diet to improve health or nutrition.

C) Substitute

This choice is not correct because "substitute" suggests replacing one item with another, whereas supplementing involves adding to what is already there. The dietitian is not instructing the patient to replace any part of her diet but rather to enhance it.

D) Increase

While "increase" may seem related, it does not fully encompass the meaning of "supplement." Increasing could imply a quantitative aspect without necessarily adding different components, which is what supplementing entails.

Conclusion

The correct answer, "Add to," is definitive because it directly aligns with the instructional intent of the dietitian to enhance the patient's diet. All other options either misinterpret the meaning of "supplement" or do not accurately reflect the action being advised. Thus, "Add to" is the only option that conveys the intended message correctly.

10. Select the word or phrase that best indicates the meaning of the word 'rational'.

Answer: B

Explanation:

The word 'rational' best indicates the meaning of 'reason.'

The term 'rational' is closely associated with the concept of reason, as it refers to the ability to think logically and make decisions based on sound judgment.

A) Angry

The word 'angry' denotes a strong emotional response, which is the opposite of rational thinking. Rationality involves reasoning and logic, making this option incorrect.

B) Reason

This option accurately reflects the meaning of 'rational.' A rational thought process is one that is guided by reason, logic, and clear thinking, making it the correct choice.

C) Rodent

The term 'rodent' refers to a type of small mammal and has no relation to the concept of rationality. This option is incorrect as it does not convey any logical or reasoned thinking.

D) Proportion

While 'proportion' relates to balance or a ratio, it does not capture the essence of rationality, which is primarily about reasoning. Therefore, this option does not align with the meaning of 'rational.'

Conclusion

The word 'rational' is fundamentally linked to the concept of reason, as it describes a state of logical thought and clarity. All other options fail to encapsulate this core idea, making 'reason' the definitive choice for indicating the meaning of 'rational.'