what is a deficit

HESI A2

HESI A2 Vocabulary Practice Test

1. 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.

2. Which sentence correctly uses a colon?

A. She had one goal: to win the race.
B. He needs milk, eggs, and bread.
C. The meeting is at 3 PM.
D. She bought milk, eggs, bread.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'She had one goal: to win the race.' This sentence uses a colon to introduce the purpose or explanation that follows. It is a grammatically correct use of a colon. Choice B is incorrect as the colon is not needed after 'needs'; a list of items follows, which does not require a colon. Choice C is a simple statement of time and does not require a colon. Choice D is also incorrect since a colon is not suitable after 'bought'; the items bought are listed without the need for a colon.

3. The word STAGGERED means .

A. Fell
B. Fumbled
C. Stumbled
D. Pirouetted

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The word 'staggered' is associated with unsteadiness or imbalance in movement. Stumbling is the most suitable synonym among the given choices to convey this meaning. 'Fell,' 'fumbled,' and 'pirouetted' do not accurately capture the idea of unsteadiness or imbalance conveyed by the word 'staggered.' 'Fell' generally means coming down from a standing position, 'fumbled' implies clumsiness or mishandling, and 'pirouetted' refers to a specific graceful ballet move, none of which align with the meaning of 'staggered.'

4. What does Nebulous mean?

A. Clear
B. Vague
C. Distinct
D. Complex

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Vague.' Nebulous means something that is vague or unclear. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because nebulous is the opposite of clear, distinct, and complex. Nebulous refers to something lacking definite form or limits, making it difficult to understand or perceive clearly.

5. What does 'Impending' mean?

A. Likely to never occur
B. Likely to occur soon
C. Certain to never occur
D. Unlikely to occur

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Likely to occur soon.' 'Impending' is used to describe something that is about to happen or is looming in the near future. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because 'Impending' does not indicate that something is unlikely, certain to never occur, or likely to never occur.