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. Select the word that means 'on both sides.'

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'bilateral.' 'Bilateral' means having two sides or affecting both sides. 'Insufficient' means not enough or inadequate, 'bicuspid' refers to a two-pointed tooth, and 'congruent' means in agreement or harmony. Therefore, 'bilateral' is the only word among the choices that specifically relates to being on both sides.

3. Which word names an infected swelling with liquid inside?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A boil is an infected swelling on the skin filled with pus, which is a type of liquid. It is typically caused by a bacterial infection in a hair follicle or oil gland. The other options, blast, gash, and hive, do not specifically describe an infected swelling with liquid inside like a boil does. A 'blast' is a sudden strong movement or gust, 'gash' refers to a long, deep cut or wound, and 'hive' is a skin reaction characterized by itchy welts.

4. What does 'defecate' mean?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To expel feces.' Defecate refers to the act of eliminating solid waste from the body. Choice A, 'To retain feces,' is incorrect as defecation involves getting rid of feces. Choices C and D, 'To eliminate fluid' and 'To excrete mucus,' are also incorrect as they do not accurately define the term 'defecate.'

5. Select the meaning of the word 'precipitous' in the sentence: 'The precipitous change was considered a good thing.'

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'B: Abrupt.' In this context, 'precipitous' is used to describe a change that occurs suddenly or abruptly. Choice A ('Difficult') is incorrect as it does not capture the sudden nature of the change. Choice C ('Gentle') is incorrect as it conveys the opposite meaning of 'precipitous.' Choice D ('Unanticipated') is incorrect as it focuses on the element of surprise rather than the suddenness of the change.

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