NLN NEX Verbal Ability Exams — NEX Verbal

1. As it is used in paragraph 3, the definition of cannula is a

Answer: D

Explanation:

The definition of cannula is a tube that carries medication.

A cannula is specifically defined as a tube that is used to deliver medication, in this case, insulin, directly into the body. This aligns with the context provided in paragraph 3, where the cannula is described as being inserted under the patient's skin to facilitate insulin delivery.

A) syringe used to give an injection.

A syringe is a device used to inject substances, but it does not serve the same function as a cannula. While syringes deliver medication directly, they are not tubes that remain in the body, which is the primary role of a cannula in insulin delivery systems.

B) vial containing medication.

A vial is a container that holds medication but does not actively deliver it. In contrast, a cannula is a delivery device, making this option incorrect as it does not match the definition provided in the extract.

C) machine that measures insulin.

This option refers to a device that assesses insulin levels, which is entirely different from the function of a cannula. A cannula does not measure insulin; it is a conduit for delivering it, thus rendering this choice inaccurate.

D) tube that carries medication.

This option accurately reflects the definition of a cannula, as it is indeed a tube designed to carry medication, specifically insulin in the context of diabetes management. This definition aligns perfectly with the description provided in paragraph 3.

Conclusion

The correct answer, option D, is definitively right because it accurately describes the function of a cannula as a tube that carries medication, specifically in the context of insulin delivery for diabetes management. All other options fail to capture this essence, either describing unrelated devices or mechanisms that do not align with how a cannula is utilized in medical practice.

2. Given the terms claustrophobia and arachnophobia, the root phob means

Answer: B

Explanation:

The root phob means fear.

The term "phob" is derived from the Greek word "phobos," which translates to fear. Therefore, in the context of claustrophobia and arachnophobia, it indicates an intense fear associated with specific stimuli.

A) panic

While panic can be associated with phobias, as individuals may experience panic attacks due to their fears, it does not accurately represent the meaning of the root "phob." Panic refers to a sudden overwhelming fear or anxiety, but it is not what "phob" specifically denotes.

B) fear

This option correctly identifies the meaning of the root "phob." Both claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces) and arachnophobia (fear of spiders) illustrate how "phob" signifies fear related to particular objects or situations.

C) spider

This option is incorrect as it confuses the specific subject of arachnophobia with the general meaning of the root "phob." While arachnophobia specifically refers to the fear of spiders, the root itself does not denote spiders but rather the concept of fear.

D) space

This choice inaccurately interprets the root "phob." Claustrophobia relates to confined spaces, but "phob" does not mean space itself; it conveys fear, regardless of the object or situation that triggers it.

Conclusion

The correct answer, fear, encapsulates the essence of the root "phob," which is foundational to understanding the terms claustrophobia and arachnophobia. All other options either misinterpret the meaning or focus too narrowly on specific instances rather than the broader concept of fear.

3. Given the terms abhor, abject, absolute, and absorb, the prefix ab- means

Answer: A

Explanation:

The prefix ab- means away.

The prefix ab- is derived from Latin, where it commonly indicates a movement away from something. This is evident in the words abhor and abject, where the prefix implies a sense of distancing or rejection.

A) away

This option is correct because the prefix ab- indeed means "away" in Latin. It is used in various words to denote separation or movement from a specific point or entity, confirming its meaning in the context of the question.

B) above

This option is incorrect as the prefix ab- does not convey a meaning related to "above." Instead, it signifies a departure or movement away from something, which is not aligned with the concept of being over or higher than something else.

C) remove

While "remove" may seem related to separation, it is not an accurate representation of the prefix ab-. The term does not directly translate to "remove," but rather indicates a distance from or a movement away, which is more nuanced than simply removing something.

D) enter

This option is incorrect because "enter" implies a movement towards something, which is the opposite of what the prefix ab- signifies. Ab- indicates a departure or movement away from a point, not an approach or entry into a space.

Conclusion

The correct answer, "away," accurately reflects the meaning of the prefix ab- as it indicates movement or separation from something. All other options fail to capture this essential aspect, demonstrating a misunderstanding of the prefix's usage in the context of the provided terms.

4. According to the passage, what is the connection between vaping and other drugs such as marijuana, heroin, and cocaine?

Answer: B

Explanation:

Vaping can lead to experimentation with these drugs.

Vaping is linked to the potential for addiction to nicotine, which can serve as a gateway drug to substances such as marijuana, heroin, and cocaine. This connection highlights the risk that young individuals who start vaping may be more likely to experiment with other illicit drugs.

A) These drugs can be delivered via vape.

While some drugs, such as marijuana, can indeed be delivered via vape products, this option does not address the core issue of how vaping influences behavior and potential drug use. The focus of the question is on the relationship between vaping and the likelihood of experimenting with other drugs, which this option does not capture.

B) Vaping can lead to experimentation with these drugs.

This option accurately reflects the passage's assertion that nicotine addiction from vaping can lead to the use of other substances, including marijuana, heroin, and cocaine. The text specifically mentions that nicotine can serve as a gateway drug, making this the correct choice.

C) Vaping produces the same effects as these drugs.

This statement is incorrect as vaping and these drugs do not produce the same effects. While both involve substances that can alter mood and cognition, the mechanisms and effects of nicotine in vapes and the drugs listed are fundamentally different. Therefore, this option does not align with the passage's content.

D) Vaping is considered a safer alternative to these drugs.

This option is misleading. The passage discusses the health risks associated with vaping and does not suggest that it is a safer alternative to other drugs. Rather, it emphasizes the risks of vaping itself, especially among young people, making this statement incorrect.

Conclusion

The connection between vaping and other drugs is primarily that vaping can lead to experimentation with substances like marijuana, heroin, and cocaine due to nicotine addiction. Other options fail to accurately represent this relationship, either misinterpreting the effects or diminishing the health risks associated with vaping. Thus, option B stands out as the definitive correct answer.

5. Which sentence from the passage expresses its main idea?

Answer: A

Explanation:

The book examines the roles of race, class, gender, and ethics in medical research.

The main idea of the passage is best captured by the statement that the book examines the roles of race, class, gender, and ethics in medical research, highlighting Henrietta Lacks's significant yet unintended contribution to medical advancements.

A) The book, an immediate bestseller, examines the roles of race, class, gender, and ethics in medical research and considers the implications, both positive and negative, of Henrietta Lacks's remarkable but inadvertent role in some of the most significant medical advances of the twentieth century.

This sentence encapsulates the central theme of the passage by outlining the book's focus on various social factors and the ethical implications of using Henrietta Lacks's cells in medical research. It effectively conveys the significance of her story in the context of broader societal issues.

B) Sadly, cervical cancer is a particularly pernicious disease, and Henrietta succumbed in October 1951 after a brief but terribly painful struggle, leaving behind her young children.

While this sentence provides important background information about Henrietta Lacks's illness and her tragic death, it does not encompass the main idea of the passage. It focuses more on her personal suffering rather than the broader implications of her story in medical research.

C) The production and sale of HeLa cells became a multi-million-dollar industry.

This statement highlights a specific outcome related to HeLa cells but does not convey the main idea of the passage. It lacks the essential focus on the social and ethical themes that the book explores regarding race, class, and gender in medical research.

D) While there is no doubt that the Lacks family was first dismissed and later exploited, this bioethical debate is far from settled.

This option touches on the ethical concerns surrounding the Lacks family's treatment but does not express the main idea of the passage. It is more focused on the ethical controversies rather than the comprehensive examination of race, class, gender, and medical research as outlined in the correct answer.

Conclusion

The correct answer, option A, directly addresses the main idea of the passage by summarizing the book's exploration of critical social themes and ethical considerations in medical research surrounding Henrietta Lacks's contributions. All other options fail to capture the essence of the passage, either by focusing on personal aspects or specific outcomes that do not reflect the broader implications highlighted in the text.

6. Despite the medical team's efforts, the client succumbed to the illness. As used in the sentence above, succumbed means

Answer: B

Explanation:

Succumbed means surrendered.

In the context of the sentence, "succumbed" indicates that the client surrendered to the illness, implying a loss or defeat despite the medical team's efforts.

A) failed

While "failed" may imply an unsuccessful outcome, it does not capture the nuance of yielding or giving in as "surrendered" does. Therefore, this option is incorrect in conveying the meaning of "succumbed."

B) surrendered

This option accurately reflects the meaning of "succumbed," which denotes giving in to an overpowering force, in this case, the illness. It encapsulates the idea of yielding despite attempts to resist, making it the correct answer.

C) acclimated

Acclimated suggests adjusting or becoming accustomed to a situation, which is contrary to the meaning of "succumbed." This option does not align with the context of yielding or defeat, thus it is incorrect.

D) overcame

Overcame implies successfully defeating or rising above a challenge, which directly contradicts the meaning of "succumbed." This makes this option incorrect, as it does not reflect the idea of surrendering to an illness.

Conclusion

The term "succumbed" clearly aligns with the definition of "surrendered," as it indicates yielding to an illness despite efforts to overcome it. All other options offer meanings that do not accurately portray the context, confirming that "surrendered" is the only appropriate interpretation.

7. The footnotes in the medical journal were particularly abstruse. Abstruse means

Answer: C

Explanation:

Abstruse means obscure.

The term "abstruse" refers to something that is difficult to understand or obscure. In the context of the footnotes in the medical journal, this indicates that the information presented was not readily accessible or clear.

A) helpful.

This option is incorrect because "helpful" suggests that something aids understanding or provides assistance. In contrast, "abstruse" indicates a lack of clarity, making the information less accessible rather than helpful.

B) interesting.

While something can be interesting yet still difficult to grasp, "interesting" does not capture the meaning of "abstruse." This choice does not align with the definition, which focuses on obscurity rather than engagement or appeal.

C) obscure.

This option is correct as it directly aligns with the definition of "abstruse." It describes something that is not easily understood or is hidden, which accurately reflects the nature of the footnotes in the medical journal.

D) advanced.

The term "advanced" implies a level of sophistication or being ahead in development, which does not relate to obscurity or difficulty of understanding. Therefore, this choice is incorrect in the context of the definition of "abstruse."

Conclusion

The correct answer is C) obscure, as it captures the essence of the word "abstruse," indicating that the footnotes were difficult to understand. The other options fail to represent this meaning accurately, emphasizing the importance of clarity in understanding specialized texts. Thus, C is the only option that aligns with the definition provided.

8. Women were………..for centuries, and even today, many still struggle for equality in the workplace.

Answer: D

Explanation:

Women were subjugated for centuries, and even today, many still struggle for equality in the workplace.

Subjugation refers to the act of bringing someone or something under control, often through oppression or domination. Historically, women have faced systemic inequalities that have marginalized their roles in society, making "subjugated" the most fitting choice in this context.

A) incapacitated

This option implies that women were rendered unable to act or function, which does not accurately capture the broader social and political dynamics at play. While incapacitation may occur in specific contexts, it does not reflect the systematic oppression women experienced, making this choice incorrect.

B) antagonized

Antagonizing refers to causing someone to become hostile or unfriendly. Although women have faced hostility, this term does not adequately convey the systemic and institutionalized nature of their struggles for equality. Therefore, this option does not align with the historical context of women's experiences.

C) interrogated

Interrogation suggests questioning or probing, which does not align with the historical oppression faced by women. While women may have been questioned in various contexts, this term fails to represent the overarching systemic inequality and control that characterizes their struggles.

D) subjugated

This option accurately describes the historical context of women's oppression. Women were often controlled and dominated within patriarchal societies, resulting in significant barriers to equality. This term encapsulates the essence of the struggle for women's rights and their ongoing fight for equality in the workplace.

Conclusion

The term "subjugated" effectively captures the historical and ongoing challenges women face regarding equality, distinguishing it from the other options that fail to convey the same depth of systemic oppression. The other choices do not accurately represent the nature of women's struggles for equality, making "subjugated" the definitive correct answer.

9. Which question is left unanswered by the article?

Answer: B

Explanation:

How will vaping impact long-term health?

The article highlights various health risks associated with vaping, particularly among young people, but it does not provide a definitive answer regarding the long-term health effects of vaping. While it mentions that scientists are still learning about the harmful effects, it lacks specific details on how these could manifest over time.

A) Why were e-cigarettes developed?

This question is not directly addressed in the article. While it discusses the marketing of e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to smoking, it does not explore the motivations behind their development or the intentions of their manufacturers.

B) How will vaping impact long-term health?

This question remains unanswered in the article. Although the text notes that scientists are still studying the long-term effects of vaping and acknowledges the potential risks, it does not provide any conclusive information about the specific long-term health impacts that may arise from vaping.

C) How does nicotine affect young brains?

The article provides information about how nicotine affects young brains, including its impact on synapse formation, attention, learning, and impulse control. This question is effectively answered with the details presented in the extract.

D) How common is e-cigarette use among teens?

The article discusses the prevalence of e-cigarette use among young people, specifically citing statistics from the CDC regarding high school and middle school students. Therefore, this question is clearly answered in the text.

Conclusion

The correct answer is B, as the article does not provide any specific insights into the long-term health impacts of vaping despite mentioning ongoing research. In contrast, the other options are all addressed, providing adequate information about the reasons for e-cigarette development, the effects of nicotine on young brains, and the prevalence of vaping among teens.

10. Since immunotherapy has shown some signs of success, it is reasonable to expect Allison and Honjo will

Answer: A

Explanation:

Allison and Honjo will continue testing immunotherapy as a treatment for cancer.

Given the recent successes of immunotherapy as evidenced by Allison and Honjo's groundbreaking research, it is reasonable to expect that they will continue to explore and refine this treatment approach for cancer.

A) continue testing it as a treatment for cancer.

This option is correct as the extract highlights the significant advancements made in immunotherapy by Allison and Honjo, indicating their ongoing commitment to developing and testing this innovative treatment. Their research has already led to renewed investments in immunotherapy, suggesting that they will persist in this area.

B) focus on other treatments for cancer.

This option is incorrect because the context of the extract emphasizes Allison and Honjo's dedication to immunotherapy rather than shifting focus to other cancer treatments. Their collaborative efforts have specifically targeted T-cell immunotherapy, indicating a sustained focus on this approach.

C) retire soon from the medical community.

This option is incorrect as the extract does not imply any intention for Allison and Honjo to retire. In fact, their continued research efforts and the significant impact of their work suggest that they will remain active in the field.

D) write a book about their Nobel Peace Prize.

This option is also incorrect as there is no indication in the extract that they plan to write a book. The focus is primarily on their research contributions and the implications of their work in cancer treatment, rather than on personal narratives or publications about their award.

Conclusion

The correct answer, A, is supported by the extract's emphasis on the ongoing research and success of immunotherapy spearheaded by Allison and Honjo. Options B, C, and D fail to align with the narrative of their continued commitment to cancer immunotherapy and the significant breakthroughs achieved in this field. This indicates a strong likelihood that they will persist in their efforts to enhance and expand immunotherapy as a viable cancer treatment.