HESI A2 Vocabulary Practice Test

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Produced within the body. Endogenous refers to something that originates or is produced internally by the body. In this context, endogenous substances are naturally produced by the body's cells or organs. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because endogenous specifically refers to internal production and is not related to being produced outside the body, taken from an external source, or linked to environmental factors. Therefore, the correct choice is B as it accurately reflects the definition of endogenous.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ephemeral. The word "ephemeral" means lasting for a very short time, which accurately describes a trip that the vacationer felt was too short. "Ponderous" means slow and dull, "salacious" means lustful or obscene, and "erudite" means scholarly or knowledgeable, none of which accurately describe a short trip. Therefore, C is the best choice.

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: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sluggish. "Torpid" means inactive or slow in movement, which aligns with the definition of sluggish. The word "energetic" (choice A) is the opposite of torpid. "Fast" (choice C) and "slow" (choice D) are somewhat related to torpid but do not capture the full meaning of the term, which specifically conveys a sense of lethargy or lack of energy. Therefore, choice B is the most appropriate based on the definition and context of the word "torpid."