after the policeman for several miles he finally caught up with the man who had stolen the purse

HESI A2

Vocabulary HESI A2 Practice Test

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

A. ran
B. had run
C. chased
D. drove

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this sentence, the correct option is 'had run' as it is the past perfect tense, which is used to indicate an action completed before another past action. The sentence structure requires the past perfect form to show that the running occurred before catching up with the man. 'Ran' (choice A) is in simple past tense and does not convey the sequence of events correctly. 'Chased' (choice C) is the simple past tense of the verb 'chase' and does not align with the past perfect tense needed in the sentence. 'Drove' (choice D) is incorrect as it refers to using a vehicle to pursue someone, whereas the context of the sentence indicates running on foot.

2. What is a Nutrient?

A. A chemical compound
B. A substance that provides nourishment
C. A non-essential mineral
D. An essential vitamin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A nutrient is a substance that provides nourishment to the body, such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Choice A has been improved to 'A chemical compound' to be more specific. Choice A is incorrect as it is too general and does not specifically describe the role of a nutrient. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on minerals without specifying that all minerals are nutrients. Choice D is also incorrect as it solely emphasizes vitamins, which are just one type of nutrient.

3. Choose the meaning of the word suppress in the following sentence: 'A single dose will suppress even the nastiest cough.'

A. Subdue
B. Cure
C. Restore
D. Affect

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the sentence, the word 'suppress' is synonymous with the word 'subdue.' To suppress a cough means to reduce or restrain it, which aligns with the meaning of subdue. The other options are incorrect: 'Cure' implies completely eliminating the cough, 'Restore' means to bring back to a former condition, and 'Affect' is too general and does not capture the specific meaning of 'suppress' in this context.

4. What is the meaning of histrionics?

A. Accomplishments
B. Daring acts
C. Examinations
D. Emotional behavior

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Emotional behavior.' Histrionics refer to exaggerated or dramatic emotional behavior, often characterized by theatricality or over-the-top expressions of emotions. It is more related to dramatic and exaggerated emotional displays rather than accomplishments, daring acts, or examinations. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because histrionics specifically pertain to emotional behavior and not achievements, daring actions, or assessments.

5. Select the meaning of the word 'symmetric' in the sentence: 'The symmetric patterns of scarring were evident on the patient's back.'

A. scabbed
B. painful
C. corresponding
D. geometric

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this context, 'symmetric' refers to patterns that correspond or are balanced on both sides, exhibiting symmetry. The scarring on the patient's back displayed a mirrored or corresponding arrangement. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because 'symmetric' does not mean scabbed, painful, or geometric in this sentence.