what does labile mean

HESI A2

Vocabulary HESI A2 Practice Test

1. What does Labile mean?

A. Stable
B. Changing rapidly and often
C. Unchanging
D. Rarely changing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Labile means something that changes rapidly and often. In this context, 'Stable' (Choice A) is the opposite of labile, 'Unchanging' (Choice C) and 'Rarely changing' (Choice D) do not capture the essence of labile. Labile is specifically used to describe something that is easily altered, constantly changing, or unstable, hence the most suitable choice is 'Changing rapidly and often' (Choice B).

2. Select the meaning of the word 'tenuous' in the sentence: 'Patients in this wing often have a tenuous hold on reality.'

A. Judicious
B. Deleted
C. Frantic
D. Fragile

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this context, the word 'tenuous' is used to describe a weak or delicate hold on reality. 'Fragile' is the correct choice as it conveys the idea of something being easily broken or damaged, which aligns with the meaning of 'tenuous' in the sentence. Choice A, 'Judicious,' means having good judgment, which is unrelated to the context. Choice B, 'Deleted,' means removed or erased, which is not synonymous with 'tenuous.' Choice C, 'Frantic,' means panicked or desperate, which does not capture the delicate or weak nature implied by 'tenuous.'

3. What do contours refer to?

A. Color
B. Shape
C. Size
D. Texture

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Contours refer to the shape or outline of something. They represent the boundaries or curves that define the outer edges of an object or form. Colors, sizes, and textures do not encompass the concept of contours, making them incorrect choices in this context.

4. What does Vacuous mean?

A. Empty
B. Full
C. Dense
D. Bright

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Empty.' Vacuous means lacking intelligence, empty-headed, or devoid of substance. Choice B, 'Full,' is incorrect as it is the opposite of vacuous. Choice C, 'Dense,' means closely compacted or stupid, not vacuous. Choice D, 'Bright,' means giving out or reflecting a lot of light, not vacuous.

5. Choose the meaning of the word 'coterie' in the following sentence: 'Julia and her coterie are often out at local clubs until the wee hours.'

A. A close group of friends
B. An extended family
C. An engaged person
D. A manager or director

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this context, the word 'coterie' refers to a small group of people who share similar interests or activities, typically a close-knit circle of friends. The other choices are incorrect. 'An extended family' refers to relatives beyond the nuclear family, 'an engaged person' is someone committed to be married, and 'a manager or director' are job roles unrelated to the context of the sentence.