Introduction to HESI A2 Vocabulary
Overview of HESI A2 Exam
The HESI A2 exam provides a comprehensive assessment for nursing school
candidates.
It includes sections on basic vocabulary, grammar, chemistry, reading comprehension,
biology, and math.
The exam duration is 50 minutes for 50 questions, testing various fundamental skills.
Importance of Vocabulary
Vocabulary is a crucial component of the HESI A2 exam, assessing language
proficiency.
Understanding and defining words accurately is essential for effective communication in
healthcare settings.
Strong vocabulary skills are indicative of a candidate's ability to comprehend medical
terminology and instructions.
Study Resources for HESI A2
Utilize resources like the 'HESI A2 Pre-Nursing Exam' playlist for comprehensive
preparation.
Practice grammar, chemistry, biology, and math alongside vocabulary to ensure a well-
rounded study approach.
Engage with online videos and tutorials to enhance understanding and retention of key
concepts.
Key Vocabulary Concepts
, Vocabulary Definitions and Examples
Abrupt: Refers to something sudden and unexpected. Example: 'I was surprised by the
abrupt change in gas prices.'
Assets: Resources or means of approach. Example: 'The Uber driver needed access to
the gate to deliver your food.'
Adverse: Undesired or harmful. Example: 'The amount of alcohol consumption had an
adverse effect on his liver.'
Aggregate: The sum or total of many things. Example: 'The council was an aggregate
of three regional assemblies.'
Aid: Assistance or a helper. Example: 'The nurse saw her patient vomiting and went to
his aid.'
Benevolent: Showing sympathy and generosity. Example: 'The Saint Jude Foundation
has a reputation for being very benevolent.'
Vocabulary Usage and Context
Circuitous Route: A longer route than the most direct way. Example: 'The Uber driver
followed a circuitous route.'
Concise: Brief and to the point. Example: 'Her presentation was concise.'
Constrict: To draw together or become smaller. Example: 'Blood vessels constrict
when smooth muscle tightens.'
Contour: The shape or outline of a shape. Example: 'Highlighting and contouring add a
3D appearance to your face.'
Diameter: The distance across the center of an object. Example: 'The diameter of the
friction frame was 73 feet.'
Dilute: To make a liquid less concentrated. Example: 'To disinfect, dilute bleach with
water.'
Vocabulary Application and Impact
Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others. Example: 'The nurse
showed empathy for her patients.'
Equilibrium: The state of balance. Example: 'The pair of scales is not in equilibrium.'
, Eradicate: To destroy completely. Example: 'Smallpox has been eradicated since
1980.'
Dysfunction: Impaired or abnormal functions. Example: 'Her computer began to
dysfunction due to many downloads.'
Ephemeral: Lasting for a short period of time. Example: 'Fashion trends are
ephemeral.'
Docile: Easily handled or managed. Example: 'A docile workforce is essential for
productivity.'
Terminology and Definitions
Medical Prefixes and Suffixes
Exogenous: Produced outside the body or related to external factors.
Internal: Located within the body.
Hyperbole: An exaggeration that makes something seem more than it is.
Neurologic: Relating to the nervous system.
Musculoskeletal: Relating to muscles and the skeleton.
Vascular: Relating to blood vessels.
Medical Terms and Concepts
Metabolism: Sum of all chemical processes in an organism.
Manifestation: Indication or sign of a condition.
Prognosis: Anticipated course or outcome of a disease.
Remission: Improvement or absence of disease signs.
Respiration: Inhalation and exhalation of air.
Transmission: Transfer of a disease from person to person.
Medical Conditions and States
Renal Failure: Condition related to kidney malfunction.
, Lethargic: Difficulty in being aroused, extreme tiredness.
Trauma: Injury or wound to the body.
Syndrome: Group of symptoms reflecting a specific disease.
Vital Signs: Indicators of life, such as pulse and temperature.
Void: To expel urine or feces.
Medical Practices and Procedures
Medical Interventions
Therapeutic: Relating to the treatment of a disease or disorder.
Triage: Process of evaluating medical urgency and prioritizing treatment.
Regimen: Systematic plan for therapy or medication.
Prophylactic: Preventative measures to avoid disease.
Transdermal: Crossing through the skin, like patches.
Supplement: Additional substance taken for health benefits.
Medical Assessments and Actions
Impending: Likely to occur soon.
Prognostic: Relating to making a prognosis.
Retained: Held or kept in place.
Restricted: Limited or controlled.
Triaged: Prioritized based on medical urgency.
Validated: Confirmed or substantiated.