HESI A2 Vocabulary Practice Test

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: dilate. Eye drops that dilate the pupils are commonly used to prepare for eye exams as they cause the pupils to expand or open up. This allows more light to enter the eye and provides a better view of the back of the eye. Constrict (choice B) means to narrow or make smaller, which is the opposite effect needed for an eye exam. Enlarge (choice C) is incorrect as it means to make something larger, which is not the intended effect. Decrease (choice D) is also incorrect as it means to make something smaller, which is opposite of what is required for an eye exam.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Assemble. "To gather together" implies bringing things or people together in one place, which is the definition of "assemble." Choice A, Semblance, means outward appearance or resemblance, not gathering. Choice B, Assembly, is close but lacks the action of bringing things together. Choice C, Appearance, refers to how something looks, not the act of gathering. Therefore, D is the only choice that accurately reflects the meaning of "to gather together."

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Wide open. "Gaping" typically refers to something being wide open or having a large opening. This can be inferred from the word itself, as "gaping" implies a significant space or opening. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the typical meaning of "gaping." A (Partially closed) suggests the opposite of what "gaping" means, C (Narrow) implies a small opening rather than a wide one, and D (Sealed) indicates something being completely closed rather than open. By process of elimination and understanding the definition of "gaping," the correct answer is B.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Getting worse. When a patient's condition is deteriorating, it means their health is declining or worsening. This is often indicated by worsening symptoms or vital signs. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Improving - Opposite of deteriorating, indicates better health. C: Stabilizing - Indicates the condition is neither improving nor worsening. D: Reversing - Suggests a complete turnaround or improvement, not consistent with deterioration.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Buttress. Buttressing involves providing structural support to prevent collapse. In the context of a falling fence, buttressing would involve reinforcing the weak section to prevent it from falling apart further. Degrade (B), hinder (C), and flounder (D) are all incorrect as they do not address the specific action needed to address the falling fence. Degrade means to deteriorate, hinder means to obstruct, and flounder means to struggle or fail.