what does the word bilateral mean

HESI A2

Vocabulary for HESI A2

1. What does the word BILATERAL mean?

A. 2-sided
B. Straight
C. Symmetrical
D. On one side

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The word 'bilateral' means having or relating to two sides. It is often used to describe something that occurs on both sides, such as bilateral symmetry in which an object is symmetrical on two sides. Choice B, 'Straight,' does not capture the meaning of bilateral. Choice C, 'Symmetrical,' while related, does not specifically convey the idea of something pertaining to two sides. Choice D, 'On one side,' is the opposite of what bilateral means.

2. A patient who is lethargic may seem _______

A. Energetic
B. Exhausted
C. Restless
D. Hyperactive

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Exhausted.' Lethargic describes a state of feeling sluggish or lacking energy, which aligns with being exhausted. Choice A, 'Energetic,' is the opposite of lethargic. Choice C, 'Restless,' implies a different state of agitation than lethargy. Choice D, 'Hyperactive,' describes excessive activity, which contrasts with the lethargic state.

3. To cauterize a wound is to ___________.

A. soothe it
B. cover it
C. stitch it
D. burn it

Correct answer: D

Rationale: To cauterize a wound is to use heat or a chemical to burn the wound in order to stop bleeding and prevent infection. This process helps seal off blood vessels and close the wound by burning the affected tissue. Choice A, 'soothe it,' is incorrect because cauterization involves burning the wound, which is a controlled way of treating it, not soothing it. Choice B, 'cover it,' is incorrect as cauterization involves a more aggressive approach than just covering the wound. Choice C, 'stitch it,' is incorrect as it refers to using sutures to close a wound, which is different from cauterization that involves burning the wound to seal it.

4. 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.

5. If illegal operators are posing as licensed pharmacists, what are they doing?

A. Modeling
B. Inquiring
C. Positioning
D. Pretending

Correct answer: D

Rationale: If illegal operators are posing as licensed pharmacists, they are pretending to be licensed pharmacists when they are not. This deceptive behavior is misleading and potentially dangerous for consumers seeking legitimate medical advice and products. Choice A, modeling, implies imitating behavior or appearance, which is not the case here. Choice B, inquiring, suggests seeking information or asking questions, which is not the correct behavior in this context. Choice C, positioning, refers to arranging or placing things in a particular way, which is not relevant to the situation described in the question.