what does parameter mean

HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Vocabulary

1. What does 'Parameter' mean?

A. A constant variable
B. A characteristic or constant factor
C. A measurable limit
D. A calculated risk

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'A characteristic or constant factor.' In the context of systems or experiments, a parameter is a fixed element that influences the behavior or outcome. It is not a variable like in choice A, which can change. Choice C, 'A measurable limit,' is incorrect as a parameter is not necessarily a physical limit but a defining factor. Choice D, 'A calculated risk,' is unrelated to the definition of a parameter.

2. What action describes what a cat, who is clearly scared of a Rottweiler, will do when the dog enters the room?

A. Cower
B. Engender
C. Enhance
D. Replicate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a cat cowers, it means the cat is crouching down or trying to make itself look smaller in fear or apprehension of something, in this case, the Rottweiler. Hence, the word 'cower' accurately describes what the cat would do when faced with a Rottweiler entering the room. The other choices are incorrect: 'Engender' means to cause or give rise to, 'Enhance' means to improve or increase the quality or value of something, and 'Replicate' means to duplicate or reproduce something.

3. Choose the meaning of the word "laceration" in the following sentence: "The accident left her with a painful laceration."

A. Gait
B. Cut
C. Headache
D. Welt

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the sentence, "laceration" is referring to a deep cut or tear in the skin. It is often associated with injuries that are caused by sharp objects or trauma. Therefore, the most appropriate meaning of "laceration" in this context is a cut.

4. Select the meaning of the word 'PRN' in the sentence: 'The nurse gave the patient a PRN medication.'

A. Pinpoint
B. Relocate
C. Eradicate
D. Reduce

Correct answer: D

Rationale: 'PRN' is a medical abbreviation that stands for 'pro re nata,' meaning 'as needed.' In this context, the medication is given to reduce symptoms as they arise. Choice A, 'Pinpoint,' does not align with the meaning of 'PRN.' Choices B and C, 'Relocate' and 'Eradicate,' are unrelated to the concept of 'as needed' medications.

5. The abbreviation YOB on a medical form refers to a patient’s ___________.

A. weight
B. ethnicity
C. symptoms
D. birthdate

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The abbreviation YOB stands for 'Year of Birth.' It is used on medical forms to refer to a patient's birthdate, indicating the year in which the individual was born. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because YOB does not pertain to weight, ethnicity, or symptoms; it specifically relates to the patient's birthdate.