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. Choose the meaning of the word 'predispose' in the following sentence: 'Being overweight may predispose a person to diabetes.'

A. Make susceptible
B. Bring to light
C. Save from harm
D. Pass over

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this context, the word 'predispose' means to create a tendency or susceptibility towards a particular condition or outcome. It implies an increased likelihood or vulnerability. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because 'predispose' does not mean 'bring to light,' 'save from harm,' or 'pass over.' The correct choice is A as it accurately reflects the idea of making someone more susceptible to a specific condition or situation.

3. An enervated patient is ___________.

A. anxious
B. immature
C. tired
D. frightened

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Enervated refers to being weakened or lacking energy, so an enervated patient would likely be fatigued or tired. This term does not specifically imply anxiety, immaturity, or fear, making 'tired' the most suitable choice in this context. 'Anxious' (choice A) means feeling nervous or worried, which is not directly related to being enervated. 'Immature' (choice B) refers to lacking maturity or development, which is unrelated to the patient's energy level. 'Frightened' (choice D) means feeling afraid or scared, which is not necessarily connected to being enervated.

4. Select the meaning of the word 'undulate' in the sentence: 'Each shiver made his muscles undulate beneath his skin.'

A. Ripple
B. Shake
C. Flatten
D. Unknot

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this context, 'undulate' means to move in a smooth, wave-like motion. An undulation of muscles is a subtle, continuous rippling or rolling movement, making 'ripple' the most appropriate synonym in this sentence. 'Shake' (Choice B) is incorrect as it implies a more abrupt and irregular movement. 'Flatten' (Choice C) and 'Unknot' (Choice D) are unrelated to the smooth, wave-like motion described in the sentence.

5. What does the word UBIQUITOUS mean?

A. Widespread
B. Miniscule
C. Invalid
D. Unit

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The word UBIQUITOUS means something that is found everywhere or is very common. Therefore, the correct meaning for ubiquitous is 'widespread'. 'Miniscule' means very small, 'invalid' means not valid or acceptable, and 'unit' refers to a single entity or component, making them incorrect choices in the context of the word ubiquitous.