HESI A2 vocabulary practice questions, set 3

HESI A2 · vocabulary

HESI A2 vocabulary practice questions set 3

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 sore with disintegration of tissue might be called an ___________.

  1. A. allergy
  2. B. erythema
  3. C. alopecia
  4. D. ulcer
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — ulcer

A sore with disintegration of tissue is typically referred to as an ulcer. Ulcers are open sores or wounds that can develop on the skin's surface or within the body. They can vary in size and depth and are commonly associated with conditions such as pressure ulcers, peptic ulcers, and venous ulcers. Ulcers result from the breakdown of tissue, leading to a loss of the skin or mucous membrane in that area. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Allergy refers to a hypersensitivity reaction, erythema is redness of the skin, and alopecia is hair loss. These conditions do not specifically involve the disintegration of tissue as seen in an ulcer.

Question 2

The student observed the tricky procedure with a certain amount of trepidation. What does trepidation mean?

  1. A. Confidence
  2. B. Misgivings
  3. C. Fear
  4. D. Doubt
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Misgivings

The correct answer is B: Misgivings. Trepidation means a feeling of fear or apprehension. In this context, the student observed the procedure with a certain amount of trepidation, indicating that they were feeling uneasy or fearful. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Confidence (choice A) is the opposite of trepidation, as it denotes a feeling of self-assurance. Fear (choice C) is the closest synonym to trepidation, making it an attractive distractor, but it is not the correct answer. Doubt (choice D) is different from trepidation, as doubt refers to a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction, not necessarily fear or apprehension.

Question 3

Choose the meaning of the word 'riddled' in the following sentence: 'The cavity, once opened, proved to be riddled with infection.'

  1. A. Challenged
  2. B. Overrun
  3. C. Separated
  4. D. Complete
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Overrun

The word 'riddled' in this context means filled with or affected by (something undesirable) to a great degree, which aligns with the definition of 'overrun.' In this sentence, the cavity is described as being full of infection, indicating that the infection has spread extensively throughout. 'Challenged' (choice A) implies being tested or provoked, which is not the meaning conveyed by 'riddled.' 'Separated' (choice C) means divided or isolated, which does not fit the context of the sentence. 'Complete' (choice D) means finished or whole, which is the opposite of what is described in the sentence where the cavity is full of infection.

Question 4

Select the meaning of the word 'trepidation' in the sentence: 'The students approached the cadaver with some trepidation.'

  1. A. Wonder
  2. B. Confusion
  3. C. Eagerness
  4. D. Apprehension
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — Apprehension

In this sentence, the word 'trepidation' is used to describe the feeling the students had when approaching the cadaver. Trepidation means a feeling of fear or anxiety about something that may happen, so it aligns most closely with the meaning of 'apprehension.' The students were hesitant or worried about facing the cadaver. Choice A ('Wonder') is incorrect as trepidation does not signify a feeling of wonder. Choice B ('Confusion') is incorrect as trepidation is not about being confused. Choice C ('Eagerness') is incorrect as trepidation is the opposite of eagerness; it indicates hesitation or anxiety, not excitement or enthusiasm.

Question 5

What is the best description of the verb emit?

  1. A. To discharge
  2. B. To exclude
  3. C. To dismiss
  4. D. To moderate
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — To discharge

The best description of the verb emit is 'to discharge.' Emit means to produce and release something such as a sound, odor, or substance. Discharge is synonymous with emit in this context as it conveys the idea of releasing or sending out something, which aligns with the meaning of emit. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. 'To exclude' means to deny access or prevent from entering, which is not the same as emit. 'To dismiss' means to remove from consideration or to let go, which is different from emitting. 'To moderate' means to make or become less extreme, intense, or severe, which is not the same as emitting or releasing something.

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Question 6

What does it mean when an apartment is advertised as being furnished?

  1. A. It is equipped with articles of furniture
  2. B. It has a high level of decor
  3. C. It includes utilities like water and electricity
  4. D. It is fully renovated
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Question 7

The abbreviation DTs on a patient's chart stands for ___________.

  1. A. deep tendon reflex
  2. B. descending thorax
  3. C. delirium tremens
  4. D. dextrose in water
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Question 8

Select the meaning of the underlined word in the following sentence. At this point, we are providing mainly palliative care.

  1. A. Scientific
  2. B. Surgical
  3. C. Soothing
  4. D. Serious
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Question 9

Which verb correctly completes the sentence? After throwing their sleeping bags into the backseat of their car, they ___ more than 400 miles to reach their destination.

  1. A. Driving
  2. B. Having driven
  3. C. Drove
  4. D. Had drove
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Question 10

If someone is disseminating information, what are they doing?

  1. A. Withholding it
  2. B. Broadcasting it
  3. C. Destroying it
  4. D. Complicating it
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Question 11

What is the word part placed before a word to change its meaning?

  1. A. Prefix
  2. B. Affix
  3. C. Suffix
  4. D. Vocab
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Question 12

Which adjective best completes the sentence?

  1. A. More greater
  2. B. Great
  3. C. Best
  4. D. More greatest
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Question 13

To take umbrage at something is to ___________.

  1. A. reprimand it
  2. B. stand beneath it
  3. C. speak well of it
  4. D. be offended by it
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Question 14

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

  1. A. I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.
  2. B. She likes apples; oranges are her favorite.
  3. C. I went to the store; and I bought some milk.
  4. D. I like apples, but oranges are better.
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Question 15

Select the meaning of the underlined word 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
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About these HESI A2 vocabulary questions

HESI A2 vocabulary practice questions, set 3 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.