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. Which reflexive pronoun correctly completes the sentence? 'When a person finds ___ in a stressful situation, it helps to breathe deeply.'

A. Themselves
B. Itself
C. Yourself
D. Oneself

Correct answer: D

Rationale: 'Oneself' is the correct reflexive pronoun to use when referring to an unspecified person. In this sentence, 'oneself' is used to indicate any individual without specifying gender or number. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they refer to specific or known individuals, which does not fit the context of the sentence.

3. Which word is NOT used correctly in the sentence? "You should always do the write thing."

A. Do
B. Always
C. Write
D. Should

Correct answer: C

Rationale: "Write" is incorrect in this context. It should be "right," referring to the correct or moral action.

4. What is the meaning of the word 'placebo' in the following sentence: 'Ten patients will receive the experimental drug while 10 take a placebo'?

A. Fallback
B. Substitute
C. Control
D. Curative

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the context of the sentence, the word 'placebo' refers to a substance or treatment that resembles a real medical treatment but has no therapeutic effect. It is used as a standard against which the effects of the experimental drug are compared. A placebo is typically included in a control group in medical research to evaluate the actual effects of the experimental drug. Therefore, in this scenario, the placebo serves as a control to gauge the effectiveness of the experimental drug, making choice C the correct answer. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a placebo is not a fallback, substitute, or curative treatment in this context.

5. What does 'inflamed' mean?

A. Healthy and normal
B. Reddened, swollen, and often tender
C. Discolored but not swollen
D. Hard and stiff

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The term 'inflamed' means being red, swollen, and often tender. It is a common response of the body to injury or infection, involving increased blood flow and immune cell activity. Choice A is incorrect because 'inflamed' does not describe a state of being healthy and normal. Choice C is incorrect as it only mentions discoloration without the characteristic swelling. Choice D is incorrect as 'inflamed' does not imply being hard and stiff.