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. The physician started to perform the operation, but the patient was not yet completely _____ anesthesia.

A. under
B. within
C. with
D. over

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'under' as it is commonly used to describe the state of being affected by anesthesia. The patient is 'under' anesthesia, not 'within,' 'with,' or 'over' it. 'Within' typically refers to being inside something, 'with' indicates being accompanied by something, and 'over' suggests being above or on top of something. Therefore, in the context of the sentence, 'under' is the most appropriate choice.

3. The abbreviation LBW on an infant’s chart refers to the baby’s ___________.

A. genetic makeup
B. feeding schedule
C. Babinski response
D. weight at birth

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The abbreviation LBW stands for 'Low Birth Weight,' which specifically refers to the weight of the infant at birth. It is an important indicator of the baby's health and development, with low birth weight infants often requiring special medical attention and care. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because LBW does not relate to genetic makeup, feeding schedule, or Babinski response; rather, it is a term used to describe infants who are born weighing less than normal, which can have implications for their health and require additional monitoring and support.

4. Which word is spelled incorrectly? 'The physician recommended a low-sodium diet for the patient.'

A. patient
B. physician
C. sodium
D. recommended

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'patient.' The correct spelling should be 'patient.' 'Physician,' 'sodium,' and 'recommended' are all spelled correctly. 'Physician' refers to a medical doctor, 'sodium' is a chemical element, and 'recommended' is the past tense of the verb 'recommend.' Therefore, the misspelled word in the sentence is 'patient.'

5. The eye drops were intended to _____ the pupils for the eye exam.

A. dilate
B. constrict
C. enlarge
D. decrease

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'dilate.' Eye drops are used to dilate the pupils, meaning to widen or enlarge them, which is necessary for an eye exam to allow more light to enter the eye. 'Constrict' (choice B) means to make smaller, which is the opposite effect needed for an eye exam. 'Enlarge' (choice C) is similar in meaning to dilate but is not the correct term used in this context. 'Decrease' (choice D) means to make less or reduce, which is also the opposite of what is required for an eye exam.