To cauterize a wound is to ___________.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: To cauterize a wound is to use heat or a chemical to burn the wound in order to stop bleeding and prevent infection. This process helps seal off blood vessels and close the wound by burning the affected tissue. Choice A, 'soothe it,' is incorrect because cauterization involves burning the wound, which is a controlled way of treating it, not soothing it. Choice B, 'cover it,' is incorrect as cauterization involves a more aggressive approach than just covering the wound. Choice C, 'stitch it,' is incorrect as it refers to using sutures to close a wound, which is different from cauterization that involves burning the wound to seal it.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A condition that is ongoing implies that it is happening or existing continuously without interruption. Therefore, the most suitable word to describe such a state is 'continuous.' Choice A, 'rapid,' means fast or quick, which does not convey the idea of ongoingness. Choice C, 'partial,' means incomplete or fragmentary, which is the opposite of ongoing. Choice D, 'complete,' means finished or whole, which also does not align with the concept of ongoing.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The word 'elated' means to be ecstatically happy or joyful. Similarly, 'delighted' also means to be extremely pleased or filled with joy. Therefore, 'delighted' is another word that could be used to express the same meaning as 'elated.' Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. 'Edified' means to instruct or enlighten, 'confused' means to be unclear or bewildered, and 'flabbergasted' means to be astonished or amazed, which do not convey the same meaning as 'elated.'

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: When a patient's condition is deteriorating, it means that their health is declining or worsening. This can involve a range of factors such as worsening symptoms, declining vital signs, or an overall decline in health status. In this context, the phrase 'getting worse' best describes the situation of a patient whose condition is deteriorating. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the concept of deterioration in a patient's health. Improving gradually (choice B) indicates a positive trend, resisting medication (choice C) suggests a behavioral response, and failing to eat or drink (choice D) points to a specific issue rather than a general decline in health.

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.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this context, the word 'quandary' refers to a state of uncertainty or confusion caused by being faced with a difficult decision or choice. This matches the meaning of option C. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because 'quandary' does not relate to a place where rocks are mined (A), a journey of discovery (B), or a major attempt or trial (D), but rather to a state of uncertainty or confusion.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct meaning of 'disregard' in the sentence provided is 'to ignore.' When someone disregards something, they are choosing not to pay attention to it or consider it important. Choice A, 'Have no opinion about,' is incorrect as disregard implies actively ignoring something rather than having no opinion. Choice B, 'Pay attention to,' is the opposite of disregard. Choice C, 'Care for,' is also the opposite of disregard, as caring for something implies giving it importance and attention.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this sentence, the word 'vent' means to allow the gases to escape or be emitted to the outside. 'Block' is incorrect because it means to obstruct or close off. 'Trade' is incorrect as it refers to the exchange of goods or services. 'Inhale' is incorrect as it means to breathe in, which is the opposite of venting gases out.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: To critique something means to evaluate and judge it, often pointing out its faults or shortcomings. Condemning something implies expressing strong disapproval or criticism of it, which aligns closely with the concept of critiquing. 'Appraise' means to assess the value or quality of something, which is not necessarily negative. 'Extol' means to praise highly, which is the opposite of critiquing. 'Berate' means to scold or criticize someone angrily, which is not the same as objectively evaluating something as in critiquing. Therefore, 'condemn it' is the most suitable choice among the given options.