10. Select the meaning of the underlined word in this sentence: His *deteriorating* condition caused the nurse to call the doctor.
Answer: C
The meaning of the word *deteriorating* is worsening.
The term *deteriorating* in this context refers to a decline in health or condition, which is synonymous with the word worsening.
A) Increasing
This option is incorrect because *increasing* implies an improvement or enhancement, which is the opposite of *deteriorating*. The context of the sentence indicates that the condition is getting worse, not better.
B) Voracious
This choice is also incorrect as *voracious* describes an insatiable appetite or eagerness, which has no relevance to health or condition. It does not relate to the decline implied by *deteriorating*.
C) Worsening
This option is correct because *worsening* accurately captures the essence of *deteriorating*. The sentence indicates that the patient's condition is declining, which aligns perfectly with the meaning of *worsening*.
D) Volatile
This option is incorrect because *volatile* suggests instability or unpredictability, which does not directly convey the sense of decline in health suggested by *deteriorating*. It does not fit the context of a medical condition worsening.
Conclusion
The correct answer is C) Worsening, as it directly conveys the meaning of *deteriorating* in the context of the sentence regarding health. All other options fail to accurately represent the decline indicated, making C the only appropriate choice.