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. What is the meaning of exacerbate?

A. To lessen in intensity
B. To make worse
C. To neutralize
D. To control

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To make worse.' Exacerbate means to worsen or make a situation, condition, or problem more severe or intense, not to lessen it. Therefore, if something exacerbates a situation, it means it makes it worse. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because exacerbate does not mean to lessen in intensity, neutralize, or control the situation, but rather to worsen it.

3. Choose the meaning of the word 'swathe' in the following sentence: Please swathe the baby and take her to the nursery.

A. Nurse
B. Cleanse
C. Change
D. Wrap

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this context, the word 'swathe' means to wrap something, usually in cloth or bandages. So the correct meaning of 'swathe' in the sentence is to wrap the baby in cloth. Choice A ('Nurse') is incorrect as it does not relate to the action of wrapping. Choice B ('Cleanse') and Choice C ('Change') are also incorrect as they do not capture the intended meaning of 'swathe' in the sentence.

4. What is the meaning of perused?

A. Passed judgment on
B. Engaged in
C. Read thoroughly
D. Took notes about

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Read thoroughly.' The word 'perused' means to read or examine carefully or in detail. It does not imply passing judgment, engaging in, or taking notes. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because 'perused' specifically refers to reading thoroughly, not making judgments, participating in, or taking notes.

5. What is the meaning of incorrigible?

A. Curable
B. Incurable
C. Treatable
D. Temporary

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Incurable.' Incorrigible refers to something or someone that is beyond correction or incurable. It implies a persistent behavior or trait that is difficult or impossible to change. Choice A, 'Curable,' is incorrect because incorrigible means the opposite - not capable of being cured. Choice C, 'Treatable,' is incorrect because incorrigible implies a condition that is resistant to treatment. Choice D, 'Temporary,' is incorrect as incorrigible suggests a long-lasting or permanent state, not something temporary.