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. Which reflexive pronoun correctly completes the sentence? 'When a person finds ___ in a stressful situation, it helps to breathe deeply.'

A. Themselves
B. Itself
C. Yourself
D. Oneself

Correct answer: D

Rationale: 'Oneself' is the correct reflexive pronoun to use when referring to an unspecified person. In this sentence, 'oneself' is used to indicate any individual without specifying gender or number. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they refer to specific or known individuals, which does not fit the context of the sentence.

3. Which verb form correctly completes the sentence? 'The shopper was angry when he realized he could have ___ it cheaper at the other store.'

A. Get
B. Could have got
C. Could have gotten
D. Might have get

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C) Could have gotten.' In this sentence, the verb form 'gotten' is the correct past participle form of 'get,' indicating a missed opportunity in the past. Choice A is incorrect because 'get' is the base form of the verb, not the past participle. Choice B is incorrect as 'got' is the past tense, not the past participle. Choice D is incorrect because 'get' is the base form, and 'might have get' is not the correct structure for this sentence.

4. Choose the meaning of the word 'indigent' in the following sentence: The hospital accepts a certain quota of indigent patients.

A. Impoverished
B. Resentful
C. Apathetic
D. Uninjured

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this context, 'indigent' means impoverished or needy. The sentence conveys that the hospital takes in a specific number of financially disadvantaged patients. Choice B, 'Resentful,' does not align with the context of the sentence. Choice C, 'Apathetic,' does not describe the financial status of the patients. Choice D, 'Uninjured,' is unrelated to the meaning of 'indigent' in the sentence.

5. What does 'Initiate' mean?

A. To finish
B. To begin or put into practice
C. To delay
D. To stop completely

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To begin or put into practice.' 'Initiate' means to start or commence something. Choice A, 'To finish,' is incorrect because 'Initiate' refers to the beginning of something, not its conclusion. Choice C, 'To delay,' is incorrect as it is the opposite of what 'Initiate' means. Choice D, 'To stop completely,' is also incorrect as it is the opposite of starting or initiating something.