which sentence correctly uses a colon

HESI A2

Vocabulary HESI A2 Practice Test

1. 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.

2. To censure something is to __________.

A. inspect it
B. denounce it
C. admire it
D. overlook it

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To censure something means to criticize or express strong disapproval of it. When something is censured, it is condemned or denounced for its actions or behavior. 'Inspect it' (Choice A) means to examine closely, 'admire it' (Choice C) means to regard with respect or warm approval, and 'overlook it' (Choice D) means to fail to notice or consider something. These choices do not align with the meaning of censure, making 'denounce it' (Choice B) the correct answer.

3. Select the meaning of the word 'undulate' in the sentence: 'Each shiver made his muscles undulate beneath his skin.'

A. Ripple
B. Shake
C. Flatten
D. Unknot

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this context, 'undulate' means to move in a smooth, wave-like motion. An undulation of muscles is a subtle, continuous rippling or rolling movement, making 'ripple' the most appropriate synonym in this sentence. 'Shake' (Choice B) is incorrect as it implies a more abrupt and irregular movement. 'Flatten' (Choice C) and 'Unknot' (Choice D) are unrelated to the smooth, wave-like motion described in the sentence.

4. Select the meaning of the word 'occluded' in the sentence: 'The patient had an occluded artery.'

A. Obstructed
B. Open
C. Broken
D. Cloudy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: 'Occluded' means blocked or obstructed, making 'Obstructed' the correct answer. In the context of a patient having an occluded artery, it implies that the artery is blocked. The other options, 'Open,' 'Broken,' and 'Cloudy,' do not accurately describe a blocked artery.

5. What is the best description for the word efficacy in the following sentence? The quality, safety, and efficacy of counterfeit medicines are not known.

A. Effectiveness
B. Significance
C. Corollary
D. Conclusion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the context of the sentence provided, efficacy refers to the ability of counterfeit medicines to produce the intended or desired effect. Efficacy is closely related to effectiveness, which is the correct description in this context. 'Significance' (Choice B), 'Corollary' (Choice C), and 'Conclusion' (Choice D) do not accurately capture the meaning of efficacy in this context.