41. Select the meaning of the underlined word in this sentence: The healthcare provider gave the patient a *comprehensive* examination.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Comprehensive means thorough in this context.

The healthcare provider gave the patient a comprehensive examination, indicating that the examination was thorough and covered all necessary aspects of the patient's health.

A) Thorough

This option is correct because "comprehensive" in this context means complete and thorough, suggesting that the examination was extensive and included all relevant evaluations and tests.

B) Follow-up

This option is incorrect because "follow-up" refers to subsequent appointments or actions taken after an initial visit, rather than the nature or extent of the examination itself.

C) Sketchy

This option is incorrect as "sketchy" implies something that is incomplete or lacking detail, which is the opposite of what "comprehensive" conveys.

D) Referral

This option is incorrect since "referral" pertains to directing a patient to another healthcare provider for further evaluation or treatment, not describing the thoroughness of an examination.

Conclusion

In summary, "comprehensive" clearly aligns with the meaning of "thorough," indicating a detailed and complete examination. All other options fail to capture this essence, as they either misinterpret the nature of the examination or provide unrelated meanings.