what is a contraindication

HESI A2

Vocabulary HESI A2 Practice Test

1. What is a Contraindication?

A. A reason to perform an action
B. A reason something should not be done
C. A warning of a possible side effect
D. A reason something is advised

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A contraindication is a specific situation in which a drug, procedure, or treatment should not be used because it may be harmful. Choice A is incorrect because a contraindication advises against performing an action. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to a precaution regarding side effects rather than a reason not to proceed. Choice D is incorrect because a contraindication does not advise the use of something.

2. Identify the incomplete sentence.

A. While they were sleeping.
B. The dog slept.
C. The sun rises in the east.
D. They went home.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, 'While they were sleeping.' This is an incomplete sentence as it lacks a main clause. A complete sentence should have both a subject and a predicate to express a complete thought. In this case, the subordinating conjunction 'while' introduces a dependent clause that needs to be connected to an independent clause to form a complete sentence. Choices B, C, and D are complete sentences as they each contain a subject and a predicate, expressing a complete thought.

3. What is a mass of tissue formed in the ovary known as?

A. corpus delicti
B. corpus luteum
C. corpus striatum
D. corpus callosum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A mass of tissue formed in the ovary is known as the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum is a temporary endocrine structure involved in the production of progesterone, which is essential for preparing and maintaining the uterus for pregnancy. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Corpus delicti refers to the body of a crime, corpus striatum is a part of the brain, and corpus callosum is a structure that connects the two hemispheres of the brain.

4. 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.

5. The meteorologist had forecast rain, ____________ Sheila brought her umbrella to work.

A. Nor
B. Yet
C. Because
D. So

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The sentence implies a cause-and-effect relationship, so 'because' is the appropriate conjunction. 'Nor' is used in negative constructions, 'Yet' indicates contrast, and 'So' is used to show a consequence, none of which fit the context of the sentence.