a child with a stuffy nose might find it hard to

HESI A2

HESI A2 Vocabulary Practice Test

1. A child with a stuffy nose might find it hard to ____.

A. Breathe
B. Breathing
C. Breath
D. Breadth

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A child with a stuffy nose might find it hard to breathe. 'Breathe' is the correct verb form in this sentence. 'Breathing' is the present participle form and could also work, but in the context of the sentence, 'breathe' is more suitable. 'Breath' is a noun referring to a single inhalation or exhalation of air, not the correct form in this context. 'Breadth' is a noun referring to the extent or measure of something from side to side, which is completely unrelated to the ability to breathe with a stuffy nose.

2. Which word correctly completes the sentence? 'I ___ the package on the table.'

A. Layed
B. Drop
C. Laid
D. Lay

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: Laid.' 'Laid' is the correct past tense form of 'lay,' which means to put something down. 'Layed' in choice A is incorrect as the past tense of 'lay' is 'laid,' not 'layed.' Choice B, 'Drop,' is incorrect as it does not fit the context of placing something on the table. Choice D, 'Lay,' is the base form of the verb and does not fit the sentence in the past tense.

3. 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.

4. Select the meaning of the underlined word in the following sentence. It is a clear, yellowish liquid having a peculiar ethereal, fruity odor.

A. Aerated
B. Incapacitating
C. Delicate
D. Distinctive

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The word 'distinctive' means having a quality that makes something unique or easily recognizable. In the context of the sentence provided, the clear, yellowish liquid with a peculiar ethereal, fruity odor is being described as having a noticeable and unique quality. Choice A, 'aerated,' means to introduce air into a substance, which does not fit the description of the liquid in the sentence. Choice B, 'incapacitating,' means to deprive of strength or ability, which is not relevant to the description of the liquid. Choice C, 'delicate,' means fragile or easily broken, and while it is somewhat related to the context of the sentence, it does not fully capture the unique and recognizable aspect described in the sentence.

5. What is the best meaning of Pernicious?

A. Harmless
B. Destructive
C. Helpful
D. Harmful

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'Destructive.' Pernicious is an adjective that describes something that is extremely harmful or destructive. Choice A, 'Harmless,' is the opposite of pernicious. Choice C, 'Helpful,' is a positive term and does not align with the meaning of pernicious. Choice D, 'Harmful,' is a similar term to pernicious but lacks the emphasis on the severe and damaging nature of the word.