what does labile mean

HESI A2

Vocabulary HESI A2 Practice Test

1. What does Labile mean?

A. Stable
B. Changing rapidly and often
C. Unchanging
D. Rarely changing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Labile means something that changes rapidly and often. In this context, 'Stable' (Choice A) is the opposite of labile, 'Unchanging' (Choice C) and 'Rarely changing' (Choice D) do not capture the essence of labile. Labile is specifically used to describe something that is easily altered, constantly changing, or unstable, hence the most suitable choice is 'Changing rapidly and often' (Choice B).

2. Select the meaning of the underlined word in the following sentence. The children became bellicose after too much time in the moving car.

A. Beautiful
B. Selfless
C. Tolerant
D. Quarrelsome

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The word 'bellicose' means showing aggression or a willingness to fight. In the context of the sentence, it suggests that the children became argumentative or confrontational after spending too much time in the moving car. Therefore, the correct meaning is 'quarrelsome.' Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because 'bellicose' does not mean beautiful, selfless, or tolerant. It specifically refers to a combative or aggressive behavior, which aligns with 'quarrelsome.'

3. What is the correct subjunctive verb to complete the sentence? 'If I ___ you, I'd leave now.'

A. Were
B. Is
C. Be
D. Was

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Were.' In the subjunctive mood, we use 'were' for hypothetical or unreal situations. The sentence should read, 'If I were you, I'd leave now.' Choice B ('Is') is incorrect because it is not in the subjunctive form. Choice C ('Be') is incorrect as it is the base form and not the correct form for the subjunctive mood. Choice D ('Was') is incorrect as it is the past tense form and not used in the subjunctive mood.

4. If a treatment mitigates symptoms, the symptoms become ______.

A. Worse
B. Less severe
C. Unchanged
D. Unbearable

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Less severe.' When a treatment mitigates symptoms, it means that it reduces the severity or impact of those symptoms. Therefore, the symptoms would become less severe after the treatment. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because mitigating symptoms does not make them worse, unchanged, or unbearable; instead, it helps alleviate or reduce their intensity.

5. What is the meaning of Diameter?

A. The width of a structure
B. The distance across the center of an object
C. The height of an object
D. The radius of a circle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Diameter is defined as the distance across the center of an object, typically a circle. Choice A is incorrect because width refers to the measurement of something from side to side, not necessarily through the center. Choice C is incorrect because height is a measurement from top to bottom, not across the center. Choice D is incorrect because the radius of a circle is the distance from the center to any point on the circle's circumference, not the distance across the center.