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 rain will CEASE at sundown.

A. Decrease
B. Begin
C. Stop
D. Increase

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The word 'cease' means to stop or come to an end. In the given sentence, it is implied that the rain will stop at sundown, not decrease, begin, or increase. Therefore, the correct option is 'Stop.' 'Decrease' means to become smaller or less, which doesn't fit the context. 'Begin' means to start, which is the opposite of what is stated. 'Increase' means to become or make greater in amount, which is also contrary to the statement.

3. Which sentence is correct?

A. The physician wrote a prescription for the needed medicine
B. The physician wrote a recommendation for the needed medicine
C. The physician wrote a report for the needed medication
D. The physician wrote a subscription for the needed medication

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A prescription is a written order from a physician or other licensed health practitioner for the preparation and administration of a medication. In this context, 'prescription' is the correct term for the document written by a physician to authorize the dispensing of medication. The other options (B, C, D) use incorrect terms such as 'recommendation,' 'report,' and 'subscription,' which do not accurately convey the action of a physician prescribing medication. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer as it accurately describes the action taken by the physician.

4. 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.

5. Choose the meaning of the word 'indigent' in the following sentence: The hospital accepts a certain quota of indigent patients.

A. Impoverished
B. Resentful
C. Apathetic
D. Uninjured

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this context, 'indigent' means impoverished or needy. The sentence conveys that the hospital takes in a specific number of financially disadvantaged patients. Choice B, 'Resentful,' does not align with the context of the sentence. Choice C, 'Apathetic,' does not describe the financial status of the patients. Choice D, 'Uninjured,' is unrelated to the meaning of 'indigent' in the sentence.