what does it mean if a patient is lethargic

HESI A2

Vocabulary for HESI A2

1. What does it mean if a patient is lethargic?

A. Active
B. Exhausted
C. Confused
D. Restless

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Lethargic means feeling exhausted or sluggish. Being lethargic is the opposite of being active (choice A), confused (choice C), or restless (choice D). When a patient is lethargic, they lack energy and may appear tired or sluggish.

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

A. deep tendon reflex
B. descending thorax
C. delirium tremens
D. dextrose in water

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The abbreviation DTs on a patient's chart stands for delirium tremens, which is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal. Symptoms of delirium tremens include confusion, hallucinations, severe agitation, seizures, and autonomic instability. This condition requires prompt medical treatment to prevent serious complications. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Deep tendon reflex (A) refers to the reflex response elicited by tapping a tendon with a reflex hammer, descending thorax (B) is not a recognized medical term, and dextrose in water (D) is a solution used for various medical purposes but is not represented by the abbreviation DTs.

3. What does 'Fatal' mean?

A. Resulting in injury
B. Resulting in death
C. Dangerous
D. Treatable

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Resulting in death.' The term 'Fatal' specifically means resulting in death. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because 'Fatal' does not refer to resulting in injury, being dangerous, or being treatable.

4. If you are at the zenith of your career, you are ___________.

A. just getting started
B. preparing for retirement
C. at the pinnacle of success
D. having trouble with your superiors

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When someone is at the zenith of their career, it means they have reached the highest point or peak of success in their professional life. This suggests that they have achieved their utmost potential and are enjoying the height of their career accomplishments. Choice A, 'just getting started,' is incorrect as it implies the beginning of a career rather than the peak. Choice B, 'preparing for retirement,' is incorrect because being at the zenith of one's career usually signifies the prime of one's professional success, not the preparation for retirement. Choice D, 'having trouble with your superiors,' is incorrect as it is unrelated to the concept of reaching the peak of success in one's career.

5. What does 'Discrete' mean?

A. Continuous
B. Distinct or separate
C. Mixed
D. Combined

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'Distinct or separate.' Discrete refers to something that is individually separate and distinct, not continuous (choice A), mixed (choice C), or combined (choice D). In mathematics and other fields, discrete items are countable and distinct from each other.