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. What does 'abrupt' mean?

A. Gradual
B. Sudden
C. Delayed
D. Relaxed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Sudden.' Abrupt means something that occurs suddenly, without warning or preparation. It is the opposite of gradual, delayed, or relaxed, which imply a slower or more gentle pace of change or action.

3. What is the meaning of incorrigible?

A. Curable
B. Incurable
C. Treatable
D. Temporary

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Incurable.' Incorrigible refers to something or someone that is beyond correction or incurable. It implies a persistent behavior or trait that is difficult or impossible to change. Choice A, 'Curable,' is incorrect because incorrigible means the opposite - not capable of being cured. Choice C, 'Treatable,' is incorrect because incorrigible implies a condition that is resistant to treatment. Choice D, 'Temporary,' is incorrect as incorrigible suggests a long-lasting or permanent state, not something temporary.

4. Select the meaning of the word 'tenuous' in the sentence: 'Patients in this wing often have a tenuous hold on reality.'

A. Judicious
B. Deleted
C. Frantic
D. Fragile

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this context, the word 'tenuous' is used to describe a weak or delicate hold on reality. 'Fragile' is the correct choice as it conveys the idea of something being easily broken or damaged, which aligns with the meaning of 'tenuous' in the sentence. Choice A, 'Judicious,' means having good judgment, which is unrelated to the context. Choice B, 'Deleted,' means removed or erased, which is not synonymous with 'tenuous.' Choice C, 'Frantic,' means panicked or desperate, which does not capture the delicate or weak nature implied by 'tenuous.'

5. What does 'Deficit' mean?

A. An excess of something
B. A deficiency or lack of something
C. An abundance of something
D. A stable amount

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'A deficiency or lack of something.' The term 'deficit' refers to a shortage or inadequacy of something. Choice A is incorrect because a surplus means an excess, which is the opposite of a deficit. Choice C is incorrect as an abundance signifies a large quantity or more than enough of something. Choice D is incorrect as a stable amount does not convey the concept of a deficit.