Select the meaning of the word 'tenuous' in the sentence: 'Patients in this wing often have a tenuous hold on reality.'

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: C

Rationale: The word 'amalgamate' in the sentence indicates that if the companies come together, combine, or unite as one entity, which aligns with the meaning of 'merge.' Amalgamation often refers to the merging or combining of two or more entities into one. 'Disband' (Choice A) means to break up or dissolve, which is opposite to what happens when companies amalgamate. 'Move' (Choice B) and 'Regroup' (Choice D) are not directly related to the process of companies amalgamating or merging.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Tepid bathwater refers to water that is neither too hot nor too cold, but rather lukewarm in temperature. It is a comfortable and soothing temperature for bathing or soaking. Choice A is incorrect because tepid water is not salty. Choice C is incorrect because icy water is cold, not tepid. Choice D is incorrect as half-full refers to the quantity of water, not its temperature.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Radius. The forearm consists of two long bones: the radius and the ulna. The radius is located on the thumb side of the forearm and is shorter than the ulna, which is on the pinky side. The humerus is the bone located in the upper arm, the scapula is the shoulder blade bone, and the fibula is a bone in the lower leg. Therefore, they are not the shorter bone in the forearm.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this sentence, the word 'tremulous' is used to describe the patient's hand. When someone's hand is described as tremulous, it means it is quivering or shaking, indicating weakness or distress. Therefore, the correct meaning of 'tremulous' in this context is quivering and weak. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not capture the specific meaning of 'tremulous' in this context. 'Wrinkled and wizened' refers to being old and withered, 'pale and lifeless' describes a lack of color and vitality, and 'clenched and arthritic' implies a tight grip and joint inflammation, none of which accurately represent the trembling or shaking nature of a tremulous hand.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When people masticate, they use their gums and teeth to chew and physically break down food into smaller pieces for easier digestion. The process of mastication is essential for proper digestion in the human body. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as fingers, eyes, ears, heels, and toes are not involved in the process of chewing or mastication.

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: C

Rationale: When someone is at the zenith of their career, it means they have reached the highest point or peak of success in their professional life. This suggests that they have achieved their utmost potential and are enjoying the height of their career accomplishments. Choice A, 'just getting started,' is incorrect as it implies the beginning of a career rather than the peak. Choice B, 'preparing for retirement,' is incorrect because being at the zenith of one's career usually signifies the prime of one's professional success, not the preparation for retirement. Choice D, 'having trouble with your superiors,' is incorrect as it is unrelated to the concept of reaching the peak of success in one's career.

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.