Vocabulary for HESI A2

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Destructive. Pernicious means causing harm in a subtle or gradual way. It is not harmless (choice A) or helpful (choice C). While harmful (choice D) is a similar concept to pernicious, the key difference lies in the subtle or gradual nature of pernicious, which is not captured by simply being harmful. Therefore, choice B is the best meaning for pernicious.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Present but not active or visible. Latent refers to something existing but not yet developed or visible. It implies potential that is waiting to be realized. Option A is incorrect because latent means the opposite of easily seen. Option C is incorrect as latent does not imply quick reaction. Option D is incorrect as latent implies something existing but not actively growing.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Limp or lacking tone. Flaccid refers to a lack of firmness or stiffness in muscles or tissues. This term is used to describe a state of being weak or lacking in strength. Choice A, Rigid, is the opposite of flaccid as it means stiff or firm. Choice C, Tense, refers to being tight or strained, which is different from the relaxed and weak state of flaccid. Choice D, Swollen, means being enlarged due to fluid accumulation, which is not related to the lack of tone associated with flaccid. Thus, the correct answer is B as it best describes the meaning of flaccid.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Enlarged or expanded from pressure. Distended means swollen or expanded due to pressure or fluid accumulation. This is the correct choice as it directly reflects the definition of distended. A (Shrunken) is the opposite meaning, C (Collapsed) indicates a reduction in size, and D (Constricted) implies being squeezed or narrowed, all of which are different from the meaning of distended.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The term "caudal" in anatomical terms refers to the lower part of the body, specifically towards the tail or posterior end. Therefore, the correct answer is B: Bottom. Choice A (Top) refers to the upper part, Choice C (Middle) is not specific enough to describe the caudal region, and Choice D (Front) refers to the anterior part which is opposite to caudal.