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. Which word is spelled incorrectly? 'The physician recommended a low-sodium diet for the patient.'

A. patient
B. physician
C. sodium
D. recommended

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'patient.' The correct spelling should be 'patient.' 'Physician,' 'sodium,' and 'recommended' are all spelled correctly. 'Physician' refers to a medical doctor, 'sodium' is a chemical element, and 'recommended' is the past tense of the verb 'recommend.' Therefore, the misspelled word in the sentence is 'patient.'

3. What is the meaning of the word 'insidious' in the sentence 'The 'insidious' disease was well established before becoming apparent'?

A. Sudden
B. Suffer
C. Gradual
D. Graduate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Gradual.' In the context provided, 'insidious' describes a disease that develops slowly and harmfully over time, without being easily noticed. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. 'Sudden' (choice A) means something happening quickly or unexpectedly, 'Suffer' (choice B) means to experience pain or hardship, and 'Graduate' (choice D) means to successfully complete a process or course of study, none of which capture the intended meaning of 'insidious' in this context.

4. He has 3 DISCRETE symptoms, causing the doctor to create an elaborative plan of care.

A. individual
B. common
C. difficult
D. separate

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The term 'discrete' means individually separate and distinct. Therefore, the most appropriate choice to describe the symptoms that are distinct and separate from each other is 'separate' (option D). Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not convey the specific meaning of the term 'discrete' as separate and distinct.

5. What is another word for flux?

A. Flowing
B. Restriction
C. Absorption
D. Discharge

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Flux is a term used to describe a discharge, which refers to the action of discharging or releasing something. In medical contexts, flux can specifically refer to a discharge of bodily fluids or matter. 'Flowing' (Choice A) is not a synonym of flux; it implies continuous movement rather than discharge. 'Restriction' (Choice B) and 'Absorption' (Choice C) are unrelated to the concept of flux and do not convey the same meaning.