what is the meaning of exacerbate
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Nursing Elites

HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Vocabulary

1. What is the meaning of exacerbate?

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.

2. A truculent patient is ______

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A truculent patient is characterized by being argumentative or hostile. This type of patient tends to be confrontational and uncooperative, often displaying aggressive behavior. Choice A, 'Friendly,' is incorrect as truculent patients are not known for their friendliness. Choice C, 'Cooperative,' is also incorrect as truculent patients are the opposite of cooperative. Choice D, 'Passive,' is incorrect because truculent patients are not passive but rather assertive and combative.

3. What is another word for paltry?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, 'Insignificant.' Paltry and insignificant are synonymous terms that denote something as unimportant, trivial, or of little value. Choice B, 'Punitive,' means inflicting or intended as punishment, which is unrelated to the meaning of paltry. Choice C, 'Prolonged,' means continuing for a long time, which is not a synonym for paltry. Choice D, 'Economical,' means giving good value or service in relation to the amount of money, which is not synonymous with paltry.

4. Choose the meaning of the word 'persistent' in the following sentence: 'The elderly patient has been fighting a persistent cold.'

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the sentence provided, the word 'persistent' is used to describe the cold, indicating that it has been lasting for a long time without going away easily. This choice emphasizes the prolonged nature of the cold. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because 'persistent' does not mean 'typical,' 'harmless,' or 'without cure' in this context. The key is to focus on the word's meaning in relation to the duration of the cold.

5. Choose the meaning of the word 'winnowed' in the following sentence: 'One by one, the applicants were winnowed out of the group.'

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this context, the word 'winnowed' means to separate or eliminate less desirable individuals from a larger group, indicating that the applicants were being sifted out or singled out in this process. Therefore, the most appropriate meaning among the choices provided is 'separated.' 'Escorted' (Choice A) implies being accompanied or guided, which is not the intended meaning. 'Elevated' (Choice C) means raised or lifted, which does not fit the context. 'Summoned' (Choice D) suggests being called or requested to attend, which is also not the correct meaning in this context.

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