HESI A2 vocabulary practice questions

HESI A2 · vocabulary

HESI A2 vocabulary practice questions

You learn health-care English in context, not a casual word list. Five of the 15 questions include the correct answer and rationale. The other ten keep answers in the study hub. Continue with the HESI A2 exam guide or more HESI A2 practice questions.

Five vocabulary questions with answers

Cover the key. Write the first action. Then open the rationale and name why the other choices fail.

Question 1

Which phrase correctly completes the sentence? She went to the party ___ her dislike for the host.

  1. A. Despite of
  2. B. Even though
  3. C. Although
  4. D. In spite of
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — In spite of

The correct phrase to complete the sentence is 'In spite of.' This phrase is used to indicate that an action is taken despite a particular circumstance or feeling. In this case, she went to the party in spite of her dislike for the host, meaning she attended the party regardless of her negative feelings towards the host. Choice A, 'Despite of,' is incorrect as the correct phrase is 'Despite,' without the preposition 'of.' Choice B, 'Even though,' is not the best fit in this context as it does not express the contrast between attending the party and disliking the host as effectively as 'In spite of.' Choice C, 'Although,' is also not the most suitable choice as it is used to introduce a contrast, but 'In spite of' provides a stronger emphasis on the contradiction between attending the party and disliking the host.

Question 2

A note in the patients' medical record states anticipatory grieving, which patient situations below explains this type of grieving?

  1. A. A patient who has just given birth to twins following a long labor
  2. B. A patient who will have their left leg amputated below the knee tomorrow
  3. C. A patient experiencing pain during a physical therapy session
  4. D. A patient who will be discharged tomorrow after two months of being hospitalized
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — A patient who will have their left leg amputated below the knee tomorrow

Anticipatory grieving occurs when an individual experiences the emotional response to the anticipated loss before it occurs. In this case, the patient who will have their left leg amputated below the knee tomorrow is facing a significant loss and is likely to be experiencing anticipatory grieving. This situation involves anticipating the physical and emotional challenges that will come with the loss of a body part, leading to emotional distress and grief before the actual amputation takes place. Choices A, C, and D do not involve an impending significant loss that would typically trigger anticipatory grieving. Giving birth, experiencing pain during physical therapy, and being discharged from the hospital, while potentially stressful situations, do not inherently involve the anticipation of a significant loss.

Question 3

Which of the following should never be performed by a healthcare professional?

  1. A. Heimlich maneuver
  2. B. Euthanasia
  3. C. Assessment
  4. D. Palliative care
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Euthanasia

Euthanasia, which involves deliberately ending a person's life to relieve suffering, is a controversial and illegal practice in many countries. Healthcare professionals should not be involved in performing euthanasia as it goes against medical ethics and principles of preserving life and providing care. Assistance in hastening death is not within the scope of healthcare professionals' responsibilities. Assessments, such as physical examinations or patient evaluations, are crucial for diagnosing and treating patients. Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals with serious illnesses and should be provided by healthcare professionals. However, euthanasia is not an acceptable practice for healthcare professionals due to ethical considerations and legal restrictions.

Question 4

Select the meaning of the underlined word in the following sentence. We will do more tests, as the data so far are inconclusive.

  1. A. Unsettled
  2. B. Convincing
  3. C. Unfavorable
  4. D. Bewildering
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Unsettled

The word 'inconclusive' in the sentence describes the data as not definitive or final, indicating that further tests are needed to reach a solid conclusion. 'Inconclusive' means not leading to a firm decision or result, making 'unsettled' the most suitable synonym in this context. Choice B, 'convincing,' does not align with the meaning of 'inconclusive' as it suggests that the data is already clear and persuasive, which contradicts the context. Choice C, 'unfavorable,' is not the best fit as 'inconclusive' does not imply a negative or unfavorable outcome but rather indicates a lack of a definitive answer. Choice D, 'bewildering,' does not capture the meaning of 'inconclusive' in this context. Bewildering implies confusion or puzzlement, which is not the intended meaning in the sentence.

Question 5

Which statement indicates that the individual feels EMPATHY for the patient?

  1. A. I am also new to this town, so I understand how lost he feels here
  2. B. His symptoms are concerning and need to be addressed immediately
  3. C. He should follow the treatment plan strictly to get better
  4. D. I think he is exaggerating his pain to get attention
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — I am also new to this town, so I understand how lost he feels here

Choice A, 'I am also new to this town, so I understand how lost he feels here,' demonstrates empathy towards the patient by showing the ability to relate to and understand the patient's feelings and experiences. Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of another person, which is evident in this statement as the individual acknowledges and connects with the patient's emotional state. Choice B focuses on the urgency of addressing symptoms but lacks the emotional connection present in an empathetic response. Choice C emphasizes following a treatment plan without addressing the patient's emotional state. Choice D displays a lack of empathy by suggesting that the patient is exaggerating their pain for attention, showing a judgmental rather than understanding attitude.

Keep going past these 15 questions

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Ten more HESI A2 vocabulary questions

Stems and choices stay public so you can still reason. Correct answers and full rationales unlock with the rest of the bank.

Question 6

Which word best defines the term 'accountable' as used in the following sentence? 'The night nursing staff is accountable for those records.'

  1. A. Receptive
  2. B. Notorious
  3. C. Responsible
  4. D. Preoccupied with
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 7

Pulse, temperature, and respiration are known as ___________.

  1. A. vital signs
  2. B. vital statistics
  3. C. vital force
  4. D. vital capacity
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Question 8

The development of the disease was INSIDIOUS.

  1. A. Momentous
  2. B. Sudden
  3. C. Innocuous
  4. D. Gradual
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Question 9

Which term refers to a team captain's exaggerated claim about the number of goals he or she scored during the game?

  1. A. Hyperbole
  2. B. Validity
  3. C. Eulogy
  4. D. Simile
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Question 10

What is the best description for an assembled product in the following sentence? The provisions apply to any "electronic product," which is defined as any manufactured or assembled product (or component, part, or accessory of such product) that, when in operation, (i) contains or acts as part of an electronic circuit and (ii) emits electronic product radiation.

  1. A. A product that is collected
  2. B. A product that is legislated
  3. C. A product that is put together
  4. D. A product that is agreed upon
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 11

Select the meaning of the underlined word in the following sentence. It is a clear, yellowish liquid having a peculiar ethereal, fruity odor.

  1. A. Aerated
  2. B. Incapacitating
  3. C. Delicate
  4. D. Distinctive
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Question 12

Based on the principles of asepsis, the nurse should consider a sterile packet below waist level to be _____.

  1. A. contaminated
  2. B. sterilized
  3. C. clean
  4. D. untouched
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Question 13

In the world of pharmaceuticals, a recall policy is a policy involving the ___________.

  1. A. ability to remember
  2. B. the withdrawal of products
  3. C. manufacture of cosmetics
  4. D. effectiveness of customers
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Question 14

The accident _____ if the motorist had obeyed the speed limit sign.

  1. A. could have happened
  2. B. never would have happened
  3. C. wouldn't have occurred
  4. D. could happen
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Question 15

If you are at the zenith of your career, you are ___________.

  1. A. just getting started
  2. B. preparing for retirement
  3. C. at the pinnacle of success
  4. D. having trouble with your superiors
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

About these HESI A2 vocabulary questions

HESI A2 vocabulary practice questions for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.

No. Nursier is independent practice. Register through the official path named on the HESI A2 exam guide.

The first five questions already include the rationale. Start full practice to unlock the remaining keys, missed-question review, and the rest of the bank.

Keep going past these 15 questions

Missed-question review, longer banks, and the rest of 20,000+ nursing practice questions open when you start studying.