what does distal mean

HESI A2

HESI A2 Vocabulary Practice Test

1. What does Distal mean?

A. Closer to the point of attachment
B. Further away from the point of attachment
C. In the middle of the body
D. On the surface of the skin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Distal means further away from the point of attachment. This term is commonly used in anatomy to describe the location of a body part relative to the point of attachment or the trunk. Choice A is incorrect because it describes the term Proximal, which means closer to the point of attachment. Choice C is incorrect as it describes the term Medial, which means toward the middle of the body. Choice D is incorrect as it describes the term Superficial, which means on or near the surface.

2. The plastic surgery improved the _______ of her face.

A. Bearing
B. Serenity
C. Contour
D. Cataract

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Contour.' In the context of the sentence, 'contour' refers to the shape or outline of her face, which is typically altered or enhanced through plastic surgery. 'Bearing' refers to behavior or posture, not the physical appearance of the face. 'Serenity' means calmness and peacefulness, which is not relevant in the context of plastic surgery improving the appearance of the face. 'Cataract' is a medical condition affecting the eye and is completely unrelated to the context of plastic surgery improving facial appearance.

3. A hemostat would be used to limit ___________.

A. pain
B. bleeding
C. fever
D. coughing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A hemostat is a surgical tool used to limit or control bleeding by clamping blood vessels during a surgical procedure. It helps to prevent excessive blood loss and maintain a clear surgical field, making it an essential instrument for managing bleeding during surgeries. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as a hemostat is not used to limit pain, fever, or coughing, but specifically to control or limit bleeding.

4. Choose the meaning of the word 'distended' in the following sentence: 'The patient's distended veins were a cause for worry.'

A. Bleeding
B. Enlarged
C. Pressure
D. Minuscule

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The term 'distended' means swollen or enlarged. In this context, when the patient's veins are described as distended, it implies that they are expanded or swollen beyond their normal size, which can be a cause for worry due to potential health implications. Choice A ('Bleeding') is incorrect as 'distended' does not refer to bleeding but rather to being swollen. Choice C ('Pressure') is incorrect as 'distended' does not directly imply pressure but rather enlargement. Choice D ('Minuscule') is incorrect as 'distended' means the opposite of minuscule, indicating something enlarged or swollen.

5. Ventral refers to which part of the body?

A. Top
B. Bottom
C. Front
D. Back

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ventral refers to the front part of the body or an organ. It is the opposite of dorsal, which refers to the back part. So, when describing the direction or location of an anatomical structure, ventral would mean towards the front. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Front.' Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because 'Top' refers to superior, 'Bottom' refers to inferior, and 'Back' refers to dorsal, not ventral.