what does contour mean

HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Vocabulary

1. What does 'Contour' mean?

A. Flat area
B. Shape or outline of something
C. Volume of a structure
D. Height of a structure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The term 'Contour' specifically refers to the shape or outline of something. In art and geography, contours are used to represent the outline or shape of an object or landform, making choice B the correct definition. Choice A, 'Flat area,' is incorrect as it does not capture the essence of contour which is about the shape or outline. Choice C, 'Volume of a structure,' is unrelated to the concept of contour. Choice D, 'Height of a structure,' is also incorrect as contour is more about the shape and not the height of an object.

2. 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.'

A. Involved
B. Diseased
C. Assumed
D. Perceived

Correct answer: B

Rationale: 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.

3. If someone is disseminating information, what are they doing?

A. Withholding it
B. Broadcasting it
C. Destroying it
D. Complicating it

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When someone is disseminating information, they are spreading it widely or broadcasting it to reach a larger audience. Therefore, the correct answer is B: 'Broadcasting it.' This process involves sharing information to make it widely known and accessible. Choice A, 'Withholding it,' is incorrect as it means keeping information back rather than sharing it. Choice C, 'Destroying it,' is incorrect as it means to eliminate or get rid of the information, which is the opposite of disseminating. Choice D, 'Complicating it,' is incorrect as it means making something more complex or difficult to understand rather than spreading it.

4. The ETIOLOGY of the flu epidemic of 1918 remains unknown to this day.

A. Pathology
B. Transmission
C. Etiology
D. Mortality rate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The term 'etiology' refers to the cause or origins of a disease. In this context, the question is asking for the underlying reason or cause of the flu epidemic of 1918. Therefore, the correct answer is C. 'Etiology.' Choice A, 'Pathology,' is incorrect as it refers to the study of diseases rather than the cause itself. Choice B, 'Transmission,' is incorrect as it relates to how a disease spreads rather than its cause. Choice D, 'Mortality rate,' is incorrect as it refers to the number of deaths caused by a disease rather than the cause of the disease itself.

5. What does the word 'pernicious,' commonly used to describe a harmful effect, mean?

A. Valued
B. Destructive
C. Finicky
D. Perpetual

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Destructive.' 'Pernicious' is used to describe something having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way. The other choices are incorrect because 'Valued' means considered important or cherished, 'Finicky' means overly particular or fussy, and 'Perpetual' means continuing indefinitely or recurring.