HESI A2 vocabulary practice questions, set 2

HESI A2 · vocabulary

HESI A2 vocabulary practice questions set 2

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

A blood vessel that is distended is ___________.

  1. A. overturned
  2. B. swollen
  3. C. twisted
  4. D. overlong
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — swollen

A blood vessel that is distended is swollen. Distention refers to the state of being stretched beyond normal limits, which can cause the blood vessel to expand and swell. The term 'distended' is often used to describe blood vessels that are enlarged or swollen due to various reasons such as increased blood pressure or blockages. Choice A, 'overturned,' does not relate to the enlargement or swelling of a blood vessel. Choice C, 'twisted,' describes a different condition where the blood vessel is coiled or rotated, not necessarily enlarged. Choice D, 'overlong,' does not accurately describe the state of a distended blood vessel; instead, it implies excessive length rather than enlargement.

Question 2

If a patient's condition is deteriorating, he is ___________.

  1. A. getting worse
  2. B. improving gradually
  3. C. resisting medication
  4. D. failing to eat or drink
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — getting worse

When a patient's condition is deteriorating, it means that their health is declining or worsening. This can involve a range of factors such as worsening symptoms, declining vital signs, or an overall decline in health status. In this context, the phrase 'getting worse' best describes the situation of a patient whose condition is deteriorating. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the concept of deterioration in a patient's health. Improving gradually (choice B) indicates a positive trend, resisting medication (choice C) suggests a behavioral response, and failing to eat or drink (choice D) points to a specific issue rather than a general decline in health.

Question 3

Select the meaning of the word 'reflex' in the sentence: 'The typical patellar reflex takes only 50 milliseconds between the initial tap and the leg extension.'

  1. A. Replication
  2. B. Convulsion
  3. C. Reaction
  4. D. Stretching
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — Reaction

In the context of the sentence, the word 'reflex' indicates a quick, automatic response by the body to a stimulus. The patellar reflex, also known as the knee-jerk reflex, involves the leg extending in response to a tap on the patellar tendon. Therefore, the word 'reaction' aligns closely with the nature of the patellar reflex in terms of a rapid and involuntary response. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect: 'Replication' does not capture the concept of a bodily response, 'convulsion' implies a sudden and uncontrollable movement which is not specific to the nature of the patellar reflex, and 'stretching' does not encompass the automatic and rapid nature of a reflex action.

Question 4

Choose the meaning of the word 'affected' in the following sentence: 'Apply a thin film of cream to the affected area once or twice a day depending on the acuteness of the condition.'

  1. A. Involved
  2. B. Diseased
  3. C. Assumed
  4. D. Perceived
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Diseased

In the context of the sentence, 'affected' is used to describe the area that requires the application of cream. It refers to a part of the body that is diseased or suffering from some ailment. Therefore, the correct meaning of 'affected' in this context is 'Diseased.' Choice A, 'Involved,' does not accurately capture the medical context of the sentence. Choice C, 'Assumed,' is not relevant to the physical condition described in the sentence. Choice D, 'Perceived,' does not convey the idea of a physical ailment, making it incorrect. The most appropriate interpretation is 'Diseased,' as it aligns with the context of applying cream to a specific area due to a health issue.

Question 5

Choose the meaning of the word 'tremulous' in the following sentence: 'The patient held out a tremulous hand and grasped the paperwork.'

  1. A. Wrinkled and wizened
  2. B. Pale and lifeless
  3. C. Clenched and arthritic
  4. D. Quivering and weak
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — Quivering and weak

In this sentence, the word 'tremulous' is used to describe the patient's hand. When someone's hand is described as tremulous, it means it is quivering or shaking, indicating weakness or distress. Therefore, the correct meaning of 'tremulous' in this context is quivering and weak. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not capture the specific meaning of 'tremulous' in this context. 'Wrinkled and wizened' refers to being old and withered, 'pale and lifeless' describes a lack of color and vitality, and 'clenched and arthritic' implies a tight grip and joint inflammation, none of which accurately represent the trembling or shaking nature of a tremulous hand.

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Question 6

Choose the meaning of the word 'sanguinary' in the following sentence: 'Surgery is often a sanguinary procedure.'

  1. A. Hopeful or cheerful
  2. B. Involving bloodshed
  3. C. Difficult and protracted
  4. D. Tricky and sensitive
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Question 7

A paroxysm is a sudden spasm. Another word for this might be ___________.

  1. A. convulsion
  2. B. symptom
  3. C. efficacy
  4. D. embolism
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Question 8

What is the emotional state of the man after becoming an invalid?

  1. A. Dejected
  2. B. Shamefully fearful
  3. C. Injured
  4. D. Symbiotic
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Question 9

What is the correct verb to complete the sentence? 'Economics ___ my least favorite subject at school.'

  1. A. Is
  2. B. Been
  3. C. Am
  4. D. Are
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Question 10

Hypothetical is best defined as being ___________.

  1. A. rigorous
  2. B. short-term
  3. C. assumed
  4. D. convinced
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Question 11

Select the meaning of the underlined word in the following sentence. The chemicals in plastic containers may be deleterious to children's health.

  1. A. Harmful
  2. B. Deleting
  3. C. Delightful
  4. D. Inoffensive
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Question 12

After the policeman _____ for several miles, he finally caught up with the man who had stolen the purse.

  1. A. ran
  2. B. had run
  3. C. chased
  4. D. drove
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Question 13

Select the meaning of the word 'corpulence' in the sentence: 'The patient's corpulence made him difficult to handle.'

  1. A. Belligerence
  2. B. Gassiness
  3. C. Wariness
  4. D. Stoutness
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Question 14

To aspirate fluid, you might use a ___________.

  1. A. syringe
  2. B. beaker
  3. C. test tube
  4. D. flange
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Question 15

What is the meaning of the word 'placebo' in the following sentence: 'Ten patients will receive the experimental drug while 10 take a placebo'?

  1. A. Fallback
  2. B. Substitute
  3. C. Control
  4. D. Curative
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About these HESI A2 vocabulary questions

HESI A2 vocabulary practice questions, set 2 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.

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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.