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. What is the best description for the term septic?

A. Infected
B. Odorous
C. Terminal
D. Vigorous

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The term septic typically refers to something that is infected or contaminated with harmful bacteria or toxins, often used in the context of septic tanks or infections. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Infected.' Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Odorous means having a smell, terminal means leading to death or the end of something, and vigorous means strong or energetic. These terms do not capture the essence of septic as being infected.

3. What is the term for the word part placed before a word to change its meaning?

A. Prefix
B. Affix
C. Suffix
D. Vocab

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Prefix.' A prefix is a word part that is placed before a root word to modify its meaning. In this case, a prefix changes the meaning of the root word. Choice B, 'Affix,' is a broader term that includes prefixes, suffixes, and infixes. Choice C, 'Suffix,' is a word part placed after a root word to modify its meaning, not before. Choice D, 'Vocab,' is unrelated to the word part placed before a word.

4. A body part that has atrophied has ______.

A. Enlarged
B. Withered
C. Swollen
D. Damaged

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Withered.' Atrophied means that a body part has wasted away or decreased in size. 'Enlarged' (Choice A) means to make or become larger, which is the opposite of atrophied. 'Swollen' (Choice C) means to become larger or rounder in size, usually due to fluid retention or inflammation, which is not the same as atrophied. 'Damaged' (Choice D) means harmed or injured, but it does not specifically refer to the wasting away or shrinking of a body part.

5. Choose the meaning of the word rationale in the following sentence: "Step-by-step, the doctor explained the rationale for the treatment."

A. Reasoning
B. Prescription
C. Procedure
D. Necessity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Question: In this context, the word 'rationale' refers to the underlying reasoning or justification for the treatment being explained step-by-step by the doctor. It pertains to the logical basis or thought process behind the chosen course of action. 'Prescription' (Choice B), 'Procedure' (Choice C), and 'Necessity' (Choice D) do not accurately capture the meaning of 'rationale' in the sentence provided.