which word means to think about something before making a decision

HESI A2

Vocabulary HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Which word means TO THINK ABOUT SOMETHING BEFORE MAKING A DECISION?

A. Imply
B. Transgress
C. Allay
D. Ruminate

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The word 'ruminate' means to think deeply about something before making a decision. It specifically implies reflecting or pondering carefully on a matter, indicating a thoughtful consideration process. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. 'Imply' means to suggest indirectly, 'transgress' means to go beyond limits or boundaries, and 'allay' means to diminish or put to rest feelings of fear or suspicion. These words do not convey the concept of thoughtful contemplation before making a decision.

2. The patient made a ritual of arranging the food on his plate. Which word best describes the patient's behavior of arranging the food on his plate?

A. Formal
B. Ritualistic
C. Formalizing
D. Ritual

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The word 'ritualistic' is an adjective that describes actions or behaviors performed in a habitual or symbolic manner, often resembling a ritual. In this context, it best describes the patient's behavior of repeatedly and meticulously arranging food on the plate. 'Formal' (Choice A) does not capture the habitual or symbolic aspect of the behavior. 'Formalizing' (Choice C) is a verb form and does not describe the behavior itself. 'Ritual' (Choice D) is a noun and does not fit as well here since the question is asking for an adjective to describe the behavior.

3. Select the meaning of the underlined word in the following sentence. All volatile liquids should be stored and labeled correctly.

A. Unstable
B. Abnormal
C. Lethal
D. Blended

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the context of the sentence, 'volatile' means likely to change rapidly and unpredictably or evaporate quickly. When referring to liquids, volatile typically implies that the liquids are unstable and can easily change from liquid to gas. Therefore, the most appropriate meaning of 'volatile' in this sentence is 'unstable.' Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because 'abnormal' and 'lethal' do not capture the essence of rapid change or evaporation associated with volatile liquids, while 'blended' is unrelated to the characteristics of volatile liquids described in the sentence.

4. A body part that has atrophied has ______.

A. Enlarged
B. Withered
C. Swollen
D. Damaged

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Withered.' Atrophied means that a body part has wasted away or decreased in size. 'Enlarged' (Choice A) means to make or become larger, which is the opposite of atrophied. 'Swollen' (Choice C) means to become larger or rounder in size, usually due to fluid retention or inflammation, which is not the same as atrophied. 'Damaged' (Choice D) means harmed or injured, but it does not specifically refer to the wasting away or shrinking of a body part.

5. Something that is viscous is thick and sticky. Another word for this might be ______?

A. Watery
B. Gelatinous
C. Fluid
D. Dry

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'B: Gelatinous.' Viscous substances have a thick and sticky consistency, similar to the properties of gelatin. 'Watery' and 'fluid' are incorrect as they are opposite in meaning to viscous, which implies thickness and stickiness. 'Dry' is also incorrect as it does not capture the characteristic of being thick and sticky associated with viscosity.