what does the word banal mean

HESI A2

Vocabulary for HESI A2

1. What does the word Banal mean?

A. Interesting
B. Ordinary
C. Boring
D. Creative

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Ordinary.' Banal refers to something that is common, unoriginal, or lacking in originality. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because banal does not mean interesting, boring, or creative; it specifically conveys the idea of being mundane or lacking in freshness.

2. A paroxysm is a sudden spasm. Another word for this might be ___________.

A. convulsion
B. symptom
C. efficacy
D. embolism

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "convulsion." A paroxysm is defined as a sudden spasm or convulsion. The word "convulsion" specifically refers to a violent and involuntary contraction or spasm of muscles, which aligns perfectly with the description of a paroxysm. On the other hand, choices B, C, and D are incorrect. "Symptom" (B) refers to a manifestation of a condition rather than a physical spasm. "Efficacy" (C) relates to effectiveness or success, not a sudden spasm. "Embolism" (D) refers to the obstruction of a blood vessel, which is unrelated to the concept of a sudden spasm. Therefore, convulsion is the most suitable synonym for a paroxysm in this context.

3. The electrolytes in human bodies include sodium, potassium, calcium, and ___________, among others.

A. magnesium
B. manganese
C. magnetite
D. manganite

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Magnesium is another essential electrolyte in the human body, along with sodium, potassium, and calcium. Magnesium plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, regulating blood pressure, and supporting the immune system. Manganese (Choice B), magnetite (Choice C), and manganite (Choice D) are not electrolytes found in the human body. Manganese is a mineral but not an electrolyte, while magnetite and manganite are compounds and not essential electrolytes for bodily functions.

4. John Kennedy was a senator before he _____ President in 1960.

A. was elected
B. became
C. was made
D. become

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'was elected.' This choice is the most appropriate as it correctly indicates the action of being chosen through a voting process in the past. In this context, 'was elected' is the right verb form to show that John Kennedy became President in 1960 after winning an election. The other choices are incorrect: 'became' is a simple past verb form that doesn't convey the electoral process, 'was made' implies a passive action rather than an active election, and 'become' is not the correct past tense form needed in this sentence.

5. Choose the meaning of the word 'contravene' in the following sentence: 'Did the interns contravene the doctor’s orders?'

A. Comply with
B. Misjudge
C. Comprehend
D. Disregard

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The word 'contravene' in this sentence means to go against or disobey. Therefore, the correct meaning is closest to 'disregard.' The interns did not follow or comply with the doctor's orders, indicating that they contravened them. 'Comply with' (Choice A) is the opposite of 'contravene,' 'misjudge' (Choice B) and 'comprehend' (Choice C) do not accurately reflect the meaning of 'contravene' in this context.