Vocabulary Practice Test for the HESI® exam 2 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the closest definition of diagnosis?

Comment
Explanation (Correct answer)
Complication
Alias

Correct answer: Explanation

In a medical context, a diagnosis is the identification of the nature of an illness or other problem by examination of the symptoms. It involves interpreting signs and symptoms to provide an explanation for a patient's condition. This explanation guides treatment and prognosis.

Question 2: To what does the word salpingo refer?

A tube (Correct answer)
A bone
The spleen
An artery

Correct answer: A tube

The prefix 'salpingo-' is derived from the Greek word 'salpinx,' meaning 'trumpet' or 'tube.' In medical terminology, it specifically refers to a tube, most commonly the fallopian tube (e.g., salpingectomy for removal of a fallopian tube) or sometimes the Eustachian tube.

Question 3: What part of the body is being visualized in a cystoscopy?

Vagina
Bladder (Correct answer)
Knee
Abdomen

Correct answer: Bladder

A cystoscopy is a medical procedure used to examine the inside of the bladder and urethra. A thin, flexible tube with a camera (cystoscope) is inserted through the urethra into the bladder, allowing a doctor to visualize these structures and diagnose conditions.

Question 4: What is the closest definition of biopsy?

Enter a conversation
Administer a written test
Conduct an interview
Remove for observation or study (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Remove for observation or study

A biopsy is a medical procedure involving the removal of tissue or cells from a living body. This sample is then sent to a laboratory for microscopic examination and study. The purpose is to diagnose diseases, especially cancer, or to determine the extent of a condition.

Question 5: What is the closest definition of deficiency?

Plenty
Powerful
Clarity
Absence (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Absence

Deficiency refers to a lack or shortage of something essential. In a medical context, it often describes an inadequate supply of a nutrient, vitamin, or hormone necessary for proper bodily function. For example, an iron deficiency means there is an absence of sufficient iron.

Question 6: What is the closest definition of benign?

Near
Harmless (Correct answer)
Painful
Silent

Correct answer: Harmless

In a medical context, 'benign' describes a condition, tumor, or growth that is not cancerous and will not spread to other parts of the body. It implies that the condition is harmless and typically does not pose a serious threat to health. This is in contrast to 'malignant,' which means cancerous.

Question 7: What is the best definition of the word dichotomy?

Trepidation
Division (Correct answer)
Achievement
Truncation

Correct answer: Division

Dichotomy refers to a division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different. It highlights a sharp separation or contrast between two distinct parts, ideas, or categories. For example, the dichotomy between good and evil.

Question 8: What is the meaning of the word acute?

Chronic
Permanent
Quick (Correct answer)
Tempered

Correct answer: Quick

In a medical context, 'acute' describes a condition or illness that has a sudden onset and a short, severe course. It implies a rapid development and often a quick resolution, as opposed to 'chronic,' which refers to a long-lasting condition. For example, acute pain comes on quickly.

Question 9: What is the closest definition of the word sinuous?

Thin
Mischievous
Slender
Supple (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Supple

Sinuous means having many curves and turns, or winding. It also implies flexibility and grace, making 'supple' a close synonym. A sinuous movement or shape is often fluid and elegant, like a snake moving.

Question 10: What is the meaning of the word bifurcate?

Shine
Divide (Correct answer)
Smell
Open

Correct answer: Divide

To bifurcate means to divide into two branches or forks. This term is often used to describe anatomical structures, such as blood vessels or nerves, that split into two distinct pathways. For example, the trachea bifurcates into two main bronchi.

Question 11: What is the closest definition of the word occlude?

To close tightly (Correct answer)
To revisit
To leave out
To forget

Correct answer: To close tightly

To occlude means to stop, close up, or block an opening or passage. In a medical context, it often refers to the blockage of a blood vessel or duct, preventing the flow of blood or other fluids. For example, a blood clot can occlude an artery.

Question 12: Which word most nearly means enervate?

Rectify
Fortify
Energize
Debilitate (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Debilitate

To enervate means to cause someone to feel drained of energy or vitality; to weaken or debilitate. It implies a loss of strength or vigor, making 'debilitate' the closest synonym. The word describes a process of sapping energy or making someone feeble.

Question 13: Which word, meaning “to examine by touch,” fits best into this sentence? “The pediatrician ____ the young patient’s abdomen to see if she could discover what was causing the girl’s pain.”

Projected
Palpated (Correct answer)
Perpetuated
Pondered

Correct answer: Palpated

To palpate means to examine by touch, especially for medical purposes. Doctors use palpation to feel for abnormalities, tenderness, or the size and consistency of organs or masses beneath the skin. This technique is a fundamental part of a physical examination.

Question 14: Which word means most nearly the same as the underlined word in this sentence? “During the bypass surgery, the surgeon had to locate the anterior veins first before she could reach the heart itself.”

Exterior
Frontal (Correct answer)
Posterior
Aft

Correct answer: Frontal

In anatomy, 'anterior' refers to the front of the body or a body part. It describes a position closer to the front surface. Therefore, 'frontal' is the most accurate synonym, indicating the front aspect or direction.

Question 15: The patient's file reveals that he has been having respiration issues. What activity is the patient having trouble with?

Interaction with others
Forming coherent sentences
Breathing (Correct answer)
Movement of limbs

Correct answer: Breathing

Respiration refers to the physiological process of breathing, which involves the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between an organism and its environment. If a patient is having respiration issues, they are experiencing difficulty with breathing. This can manifest as shortness of breath, wheezing, or other respiratory distress.

Question 16: What is the best way to define "predispose"?

To make susceptible (Correct answer)
To show interest
To be cautious of bias
To dispose an item before using

Correct answer: To make susceptible

To predispose someone means to make them liable or inclined to a specified attitude, action, or condition. In a medical context, it means to make someone more susceptible or vulnerable to developing a particular disease or condition. For example, genetics can predispose an individual to certain illnesses.

Vocabulary Practice Test for the HESI® exam 2

What is the closest definition of diagnosis?