If a patient is especially obdurate, she is ___________.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'quite stubborn.' The word 'obdurate' means stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action. Therefore, if a patient is especially obdurate, it indicates that she is likely very stubborn in her behavior or beliefs. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the meaning of 'obdurate.' Being 'very large' (Choice A), 'easily upset' (Choice C), or 'ready to go home' (Choice D) does not directly relate to being stubborn and unwilling to change.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this context, the word 'tenuous' is used to describe a weak or delicate hold on reality. 'Fragile' is the correct choice as it conveys the idea of something being easily broken or damaged, which aligns with the meaning of 'tenuous' in the sentence. Choice A, 'Judicious,' means having good judgment, which is unrelated to the context. Choice B, 'Deleted,' means removed or erased, which is not synonymous with 'tenuous.' Choice C, 'Frantic,' means panicked or desperate, which does not capture the delicate or weak nature implied by 'tenuous.'

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A strident alarm is loud, harsh, and piercing. The word 'shrill' specifically denotes a high-pitched and piercing sound, which aligns well with the characteristics of a strident alarm. Therefore, 'shrill' is the most suitable answer in this context. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because a strident alarm is not quiet (muted), unchanging (constant), or deep and full (resonant), but rather loud and harsh.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A "nostrum" is a term used to describe a questionable or untested remedy or medication that claims to cure ailments. In this context, as a remedy is suggested to cure certain ailments, "nostrum" fits best in providing an alternative word that aligns with the situation. The other choices are not synonyms for a remedy that cures ailments. 'Inoculation' refers to the introduction of a vaccine, 'indicator' is something that provides information or signals, and 'serum' is a component of blood or a medication, none of which directly align with the concept of a remedy curing ailments.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A vertiginous patient is dizzy. Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or dizziness that can be caused by various underlying medical conditions affecting the inner ear or brain. So, a vertiginous patient would be experiencing dizziness. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the condition of vertigo.