what is the meaning of exacerbate

HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Vocabulary

1. 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.

2. What does Abstain mean?

A. To voluntarily refrain from something
B. To consume something
C. To eat
D. To encourage

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'To voluntarily refrain from something.' Abstain means to choose not to do or have something, especially something you like or enjoy. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because abstain does not mean to consume something, to eat, or to encourage. It specifically refers to the act of voluntarily refraining from an action or practice.

3. A sore with disintegration of tissue might be called an ___________.

A. allergy
B. erythema
C. alopecia
D. ulcer

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A sore with disintegration of tissue is typically referred to as an ulcer. Ulcers are open sores or wounds that can develop on the skin's surface or within the body. They can vary in size and depth and are commonly associated with conditions such as pressure ulcers, peptic ulcers, and venous ulcers. Ulcers result from the breakdown of tissue, leading to a loss of the skin or mucous membrane in that area. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Allergy refers to a hypersensitivity reaction, erythema is redness of the skin, and alopecia is hair loss. These conditions do not specifically involve the disintegration of tissue as seen in an ulcer.

4. What does 'Parameter' mean?

A. A constant variable
B. A characteristic or constant factor
C. A measurable limit
D. A calculated risk

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'A characteristic or constant factor.' In the context of systems or experiments, a parameter is a fixed element that influences the behavior or outcome. It is not a variable like in choice A, which can change. Choice C, 'A measurable limit,' is incorrect as a parameter is not necessarily a physical limit but a defining factor. Choice D, 'A calculated risk,' is unrelated to the definition of a parameter.

5. Which sentence is grammatically correct?

A. Somebody left their jacket on the train
B. Somebody left his or her jacket on the train
C. His jacket was left on the train
D. His or her jacket was left on the train

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The sentence 'Somebody left his or her jacket on the train.' is grammatically correct and respects gender neutrality. 'Somebody' is singular, so the pronoun 'their' in choice A is incorrect. Choice C changes the subject from 'somebody' to 'his,' making it grammatically incorrect. Choice D is grammatically correct, but it is less concise and more awkward than choice B, which smoothly combines 'his' and 'her' for gender-neutral language.