HESI A2 Vocabulary Practice Test

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: B

Rationale: Exposure means coming into contact with something, which aligns with option B. Exposure involves encountering or being subjected to a particular factor or substance. Option A is incorrect as protection is the opposite of exposure. Option C is incorrect as absorption is a specific process following exposure. Option D is incorrect as isolation implies being separated from exposure.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Regretful. Contrite means feeling remorse or guilt for one's actions. It is important to differentiate between guilt and regret. Guilt implies responsibility for wrongdoing, while regret is feeling sorry for a past action. In this context, contrite aligns more closely with regretful as it signifies a sense of remorse without necessarily indicating guilt. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not capture the essence of contrite, which is about expressing sorrow and seeking forgiveness rather than feeling guilty, shameful, or pleased.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. "Precipitous" is often used to describe something happening quickly or suddenly. 2. The word "swift" means happening with speed and quickness. 3. Therefore, "swift" best aligns with the definition of "precipitous." Summary: - Choice A (Slow): Incorrect, as "slow" is the opposite of what "precipitous" typically means. - Choice C (Gradual): Incorrect, as "gradual" means happening slowly over time, opposite of "precipitous." - Choice D (Delayed): Incorrect, as "delayed" refers to something happening later than expected, not the suddenness of "precipitous."

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Expecting a child. "Gravid" specifically refers to a pregnant female. This term is used in biology to describe an animal that is carrying developing offspring. The other choices are incorrect because "Thin" (A), "Infected" (C), and "Healing" (D) do not accurately define the term "Gravid." This term is solely related to pregnancy and does not have any association with being thin, infected, or healing.