what does parameter mean

HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Vocabulary

1. What does 'Parameter' mean?

A. A constant variable
B. A characteristic or constant factor
C. A measurable limit
D. A calculated risk

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'A characteristic or constant factor.' In the context of systems or experiments, a parameter is a fixed element that influences the behavior or outcome. It is not a variable like in choice A, which can change. Choice C, 'A measurable limit,' is incorrect as a parameter is not necessarily a physical limit but a defining factor. Choice D, 'A calculated risk,' is unrelated to the definition of a parameter.

2. LABILE also means .

A. Extremely changing
B. Suicidal
C. Rapidly changing
D. With a high fever

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The word 'labile' is used to describe something that is constantly changing or easily altered. Therefore, the best synonym for 'labile' is 'extremely changing.' Choice B, 'suicidal,' is incorrect as it does not relate to the meaning of 'labile.' Choice C, 'rapidly changing,' is close but not as precise as 'extremely changing.' Choice D, 'with a high fever,' is completely unrelated to the meaning of 'labile.'

3. Identify the correct sentence structure.

A. The cat sleeping on the mat
B. The cat is sleeping on the mat
C. The mat that the cat is sleeping on
D. Sleeping on the mat is the cat

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct sentence structure is 'The cat is sleeping on the mat.' This is a complete and grammatically correct sentence following a standard subject-verb-object structure. 'The cat' is the subject, 'is sleeping' is the verb, and 'on the mat' is the prepositional phrase describing where the action is taking place. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Option A is a sentence fragment lacking a verb; option C is a dependent clause lacking a main clause, and option D has a subject-verb inversion making it awkward and incorrect.

4. Select the meaning of the word 'overt' in the sentence: 'Despite the absence of overt signs, Dr. Harris suspected Alicia might be suffering from the flu.'

A. concealed
B. apparent
C. expert
D. delectable

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'apparent.' In the given sentence, 'overt' is used to describe signs that are evident or obvious. It indicates that Dr. Harris suspected Alicia might have the flu even though there were no clear or overt signs present. Choice A, 'concealed,' is incorrect as it means hidden or not easily visible, which is the opposite of 'overt.' Choices C and D, 'expert' and 'delectable,' are unrelated to the meaning of 'overt' in this context.

5. Another word for UNDER OBSERVATION is?

A. Cognition
B. Isolation
C. Surveillance
D. Assessment

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Surveillance,' which means 'under observation.' 'Cognition' (A) refers to mental processes, 'Isolation' (B) means being separated from others, and 'Assessment' (D) is the evaluation of something, none of which directly relate to being observed.