select the meaning of the underlined word in the sentence the typical patellar reflex takes only 50 milliseconds between the initial tap and the leg e

HESI A2

HESI A2 Vocabulary 2023

1. 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.'

A. Replication
B. Convulsion
C. Reaction
D. Stretching

Correct answer: C

Rationale: 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.

2. Select the meaning of the underlined word in the following sentence. The children became bellicose after too much time in the moving car.

A. Beautiful
B. Selfless
C. Tolerant
D. Quarrelsome

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The word 'bellicose' means showing aggression or a willingness to fight. In the context of the sentence, it suggests that the children became argumentative or confrontational after spending too much time in the moving car. Therefore, the correct meaning is 'quarrelsome.' Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because 'bellicose' does not mean beautiful, selfless, or tolerant. It specifically refers to a combative or aggressive behavior, which aligns with 'quarrelsome.'

3. The bad smell made him __________.

A. Gag
B. Enjoy
C. Remember
D. Attach

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The bad smell would likely make him gag, which is a physical reaction to an unpleasant odor. Gagging is a common response to strong or foul smells as the body seeks to expel the offending odor. Enjoy, Remember, and Attach do not accurately reflect a likely reaction to a bad smell.

4. What is the best description for the term Aseptic?

A. Sterilized
B. Purified
C. Contaminated
D. Polluted

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Purified.' Aseptic means free from contamination or sterile. While 'Sterilized' (choice A) is related to the elimination of all microorganisms, aseptic goes beyond sterilization to ensure freedom from contamination in a broader sense. 'Contaminated' (choice C) and 'Polluted' (choice D) are incorrect as they mean the opposite of aseptic, implying the presence of unwanted or harmful substances.

5. What does the word BILATERAL mean?

A. 2-sided
B. Straight
C. Symmetrical
D. On one side

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The word 'bilateral' means having or relating to two sides. It is often used to describe something that occurs on both sides, such as bilateral symmetry in which an object is symmetrical on two sides. Choice B, 'Straight,' does not capture the meaning of bilateral. Choice C, 'Symmetrical,' while related, does not specifically convey the idea of something pertaining to two sides. Choice D, 'On one side,' is the opposite of what bilateral means.