Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The term 'cathartic' is best described as therapeutic because it refers to something that provides emotional release or purification. It helps in relieving emotional tension, which is a therapeutic benefit. 'Infested' means being invaded by pests, 'Fatiguing' means causing tiredness or exhaustion, and 'Supplementing' means adding to or enhancing something, none of which accurately describe the term 'cathartic.'

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: 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: 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.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this context, 'dilute' means to make the medicine less concentrated by adding water or another liquid. It is important to dilute certain medicines to ensure they are safe and effective for a patient's use. Choice B, 'Reduce by half,' is incorrect as diluting does not necessarily mean reducing by half; it means to make less concentrated. Choice C, 'Warm up,' is unrelated to the meaning of dilute. Choice D, 'Decontaminate,' is also incorrect as dilute refers to reducing the concentration of a substance, not removing contaminants.