what does the word banal mean

HESI A2

Vocabulary for HESI A2

1. What does the word Banal mean?

A. Interesting
B. Ordinary
C. Boring
D. Creative

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Ordinary.' Banal refers to something that is common, unoriginal, or lacking in originality. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because banal does not mean interesting, boring, or creative; it specifically conveys the idea of being mundane or lacking in freshness.

2. Which word is not spelled correctly in the sentence: 'The physician thought it was unnecessary to explain the procedure.'

A. physician
B. unnecessary
C. explain
D. procedure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The word 'unnecessary' is misspelled as 'unecessary' in the sentence. The correct spelling should have double 'n' as in 'unnecessary'. Choice A, C, and D are spelled correctly in the sentence provided.

3. Another word for STRICT is?

A. Stringent
B. Daily
C. Weekly
D. Nominal

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, "Stringent." The term "stringent" is a synonym for "strict," both denoting being rigid, precise, or exacting in rules, requirements, or standards. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not carry the same meaning as "strict." 'Daily' and 'weekly' refer to frequency, while 'nominal' means minimal or insignificant, which are not synonymous with strict.

4. What are the soft spots on the head of a newborn called?

A. Fistula
B. Fontanel
C. Follicle
D. Fissure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fontanel. Fontanels are spaces between the bones of a newborn's skull that allow for brain growth and development. The term 'fistula' (choice A) refers to an abnormal passageway between two organs or between an organ and the body surface, not related to newborn soft spots. 'Follicle' (choice C) is a structure in the skin that contains the hair root, not related to the skull. 'Fissure' (choice D) refers to a narrow opening or crack, which is not the term used for the soft spots on a newborn's head.

5. What does 'Deficit' mean?

A. An excess of something
B. A deficiency or lack of something
C. An abundance of something
D. A stable amount

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'A deficiency or lack of something.' The term 'deficit' refers to a shortage or inadequacy of something. Choice A is incorrect because a surplus means an excess, which is the opposite of a deficit. Choice C is incorrect as an abundance signifies a large quantity or more than enough of something. Choice D is incorrect as a stable amount does not convey the concept of a deficit.