18. Select the meaning of the word initial in the sentence: "The doctor made an initial examination of the patient."
Answer: B
Initial means first in the context of the examination.
In the given sentence, "initial" refers to the first examination conducted by the doctor, indicating that this was the preliminary assessment of the patient's condition.
A) Complete
This option is incorrect because "complete" implies something that is finished or whole. The term "initial" does not suggest completeness but rather indicates that it is the beginning stage of the examination process.
B) First
This option is correct as "initial" directly denotes the first occurrence or stage of something. In this context, it signifies that the examination the doctor performed was the first step in assessing the patient's health.
C) Incomplete
This option is incorrect because "incomplete" suggests that something is not finished or lacks certain elements. "Initial" does not convey a sense of being unfinished; rather, it denotes the commencement of the examination.
D) Discharge
This option is also incorrect as "discharge" refers to the process of releasing someone from medical care or a facility. It does not relate to the term "initial," which describes the first examination rather than an end or release.
Conclusion
The correct meaning of "initial" as "first" aptly describes the context of the doctor's examination, which was the preliminary assessment of the patient. All other options either misinterpret the term or relate to unrelated concepts, reinforcing that option B is the only accurate choice.