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 abbreviation DTs on a patient’s chart stands for ___________.

A. deep tendon reflex
B. descending thorax
C. delirium tremens
D. dextrose in water

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The abbreviation DTs on a patient's chart stands for delirium tremens, which is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal. Symptoms of delirium tremens include confusion, hallucinations, severe agitation, seizures, and autonomic instability. This condition requires prompt medical treatment to prevent serious complications. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Deep tendon reflex (A) refers to the reflex response elicited by tapping a tendon with a reflex hammer, descending thorax (B) is not a recognized medical term, and dextrose in water (D) is a solution used for various medical purposes but is not represented by the abbreviation DTs.

3. The meteorologist had forecast rain, ____________ Sheila brought her umbrella to work.

A. Nor
B. Yet
C. Because
D. So

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The sentence implies a cause-and-effect relationship, so 'because' is the appropriate conjunction. 'Nor' is used in negative constructions, 'Yet' indicates contrast, and 'So' is used to show a consequence, none of which fit the context of the sentence.

4. If someone is disseminating information, what are they doing?

A. Withholding it
B. Broadcasting it
C. Destroying it
D. Complicating it

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When someone is disseminating information, they are spreading it widely or broadcasting it to reach a larger audience. Therefore, the correct answer is B: 'Broadcasting it.' This process involves sharing information to make it widely known and accessible. Choice A, 'Withholding it,' is incorrect as it means keeping information back rather than sharing it. Choice C, 'Destroying it,' is incorrect as it means to eliminate or get rid of the information, which is the opposite of disseminating. Choice D, 'Complicating it,' is incorrect as it means making something more complex or difficult to understand rather than spreading it.

5. A remedy may cure certain ailments. Another word for this might be ___________.

A. inoculation
B. indicator
C. nostrum
D. serum

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A "nostrum" is a term used to describe a questionable or untested remedy or medication that claims to cure ailments. In this context, as a remedy is suggested to cure certain ailments, "nostrum" fits best in providing an alternative word that aligns with the situation. The other choices are not synonyms for a remedy that cures ailments. 'Inoculation' refers to the introduction of a vaccine, 'indicator' is something that provides information or signals, and 'serum' is a component of blood or a medication, none of which directly align with the concept of a remedy curing ailments.