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NLN NEX Verbal study materials
NLN NEX Verbal study resources

NLN NEX Verbal practice questions

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Question 1Verbal

A candidate writes: "The nurse asked the client to lie down and to breathe slowly." Which statement best describes the sentence structure used in the underlined portion?

  1. A compound predicate with two finite verbs
  2. Two parallel infinitives joined by "and" Correct answer.
  3. A dependent clause joined to an independent clause
  4. A participial phrase modifying "client"

Explanation

The words "to lie" and "to breathe" are both infinitives, and they are joined by the coordinating conjunction "and" in a balanced, parallel construction. Parallelism keeps coordinated items in the same grammatical form.

Question 2Verbal

In the sentence "The medication was administered by the evening nurse," the phrase "by the evening nurse" functions as which of the following?

  1. The direct object of the verb
  2. The agent performing the action Correct answer.
  3. An appositive renaming the subject
  4. A predicate adjective describing the subject

Explanation

The sentence is in passive voice: "was administered" is the passive verb, and "by the evening nurse" names the doer of the action, called the agent. Passive voice shifts the logical subject into a prepositional phrase introduced by "by."

Question 3Verbal

Which word in the sentence "The client recovered quickly after the brief procedure" is an adverb?

  1. procedure
  2. quickly Correct answer.
  3. brief
  4. client

Explanation

An adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, and "quickly" modifies the verb "recovered," telling how the recovery happened. The other three words are nouns or an adjective modifying a noun.

Question 4Verbal

A nursing student is unsure whether the word "cardiac" should be spelled with one "r" or two. Which reference would most directly confirm the standard spelling and syllabification of this medical term?

  1. A dictionary entry for the word Correct answer.
  2. A style guide section on abbreviations
  3. A thesaurus entry for the word
  4. A grammar handbook chapter on modifiers

Explanation

A dictionary is the standard reference for spelling, syllabification, pronunciation, and part of speech. It directly answers the student's question about how many "r" characters appear in the word.

Question 5Verbal

Read the sentence: "The physician explained that the test results were normal, and the client felt relieved." Which relationship does the conjunction "and" express between the two clauses?

  1. Addition of related information Correct answer.
  2. Cause followed by its effect
  3. Condition needed for a result
  4. Contrast between opposing ideas

Explanation

The coordinating conjunction "and" links two clauses by adding information of equal weight. Contrast would require "but," causation would require "so" or "because," and condition would require "if."

Question 6Verbal

Which sentence uses the apostrophe correctly for a plural possessive in a clinical context?

  1. The nurse's notes were reviewed before the shift change.
  2. The nurses's notes were reviewed before the shift change.
  3. The nurses notes' were reviewed before the shift change.
  4. The nurses' notes were reviewed before the shift change. Correct answer.

Explanation

A plural noun ending in -s forms the possessive by adding only an apostrophe after the s, so "nurses'" correctly shows notes belonging to multiple nurses. The apostrophe marks possession, not plurality.

Question 7Verbal

In the sentence "Although the client reported pain, the assessment showed no swelling," the word "Although" introduces which type of clause?

  1. A noun clause acting as the subject
  2. A subordinate clause expressing concession Correct answer.
  3. An independent clause stating a fact
  4. A relative clause modifying a noun

Explanation

"Although" is a subordinating conjunction that introduces a dependent clause expressing concession, meaning it sets up a contrast with the main clause. The clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Question 8Verbal

Which word is the best synonym for "acute" as used in the phrase "acute pain"?

  1. Mild
  2. Gradual
  3. Chronic
  4. Sudden Correct answer.

Explanation

In medical usage, "acute" describes a condition with sudden onset and short duration, so "sudden" is the closest synonym. "Chronic" is the direct antonym, and "mild" and "gradual" describe severity or progression rather than onset.

Question 9Verbal

A passage states: "Hand hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent infection transmission in health care settings. Nevertheless, compliance rates among staff remain below fifty percent." What is the main idea of the passage?

  1. Hand hygiene is less effective than other infection control measures.
  2. Staff compliance with hand hygiene has improved steadily.
  3. Infection transmission cannot be prevented in health care settings.
  4. Hand hygiene is highly effective but is often underused by staff. Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage contrasts the proven effectiveness of hand hygiene with low compliance, so the main idea combines both points. Recognizing a contrast signal such as "nevertheless" helps identify the author's central claim.

Question 10Verbal

Read the sentence: "The client, who had been waiting for hours, finally saw the specialist." Which type of clause is "who had been waiting for hours"?

  1. A restrictive relative clause
  2. An adverbial clause of time
  3. A nonrestrictive relative clause Correct answer.
  4. A noun clause serving as object

Explanation

The clause is set off by commas and adds extra information about an already identified client, making it nonrestrictive. Restrictive clauses, by contrast, are not set off by commas because they identify which noun is meant.

Question 11Verbal

Which sentence uses the semicolon correctly?

  1. The client refused the medication; which the nurse documented.
  2. The client refused; the medication because of nausea.
  3. The client refused the medication; the nurse documented the refusal. Correct answer.
  4. The client refused the medication; and the nurse documented the refusal.

Explanation

A semicolon joins two closely related independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction. Both halves here are complete sentences, so the semicolon is appropriate.

Question 12Verbal

In the sentence "The nurse gave the client a glass of water," the word "client" functions as which of the following?

  1. Object of a preposition
  2. Indirect object Correct answer.
  3. Direct object
  4. Subject complement

Explanation

The verb "gave" takes two objects: "a glass of water" is the direct object (what was given), and "client" is the indirect object (to whom it was given). The indirect object typically precedes the direct object in this pattern.

Question 13Verbal

A health article states: "Vaccination programs have reduced childhood mortality dramatically over the past century." Which inference is best supported by this statement?

  1. Vaccination programs are only effective in adults.
  2. Broader vaccine use has contributed to fewer deaths among children. Correct answer.
  3. Vaccines have eliminated all childhood diseases.
  4. Childhood mortality was unaffected before vaccines existed.

Explanation

The statement directly links vaccination programs to a dramatic reduction in childhood mortality, supporting the inference that broader use contributed to fewer deaths. A valid inference stays within what the text actually claims.

Question 14Verbal

Which word best completes the sentence: "The nurse spoke _____ to the anxious client, using a soft voice and slow pace."

  1. calmness
  2. calm
  3. calmly Correct answer.
  4. calming

Explanation

The blank modifies the verb "spoke," so an adverb is required, and "calmly" is the adverb form of "calm." Adverbs often end in -ly and describe how an action is performed.

Question 15Verbal

Read the sentence: "The lab technician, having finished the blood draw, labeled the tubes." What does the phrase "having finished the blood draw" modify?

  1. The verb "labeled" alone
  2. The lab technician Correct answer.
  3. The blood draw
  4. The tubes

Explanation

A participial phrase at the start of a sentence modifies the noun nearest to it, which is "the lab technician." This placement avoids a dangling modifier by making clear who completed the action.

Question 16Verbal

Which sentence correctly uses "affect" or "effect"?

  1. The new policy will have an affect on documentation.
  2. The new policy will affect how nurses document care. Correct answer.
  3. The new policy will effect how nurses document care.
  4. The new policy will affect a change in documentation rules.

Explanation

"Affect" is usually a verb meaning to influence, so "will affect how nurses document care" is correct. "Effect" as a verb means to bring about, and as a noun it means a result.

Question 17Verbal

A paragraph begins: "Emergency departments face crowding for several reasons. First, many patients lack primary care access. In addition, psychiatric boarding delays discharges." Which organizational pattern does this paragraph use?

  1. Chronological sequence
  2. Problem and solution
  3. Listing of causes Correct answer.
  4. Comparison and contrast

Explanation

The signal words "first" and "in addition" introduce separate causes of a single situation, so the paragraph is organized as a list of causes. Chronological order would use time markers, and problem-solution would propose remedies.

Question 18Verbal

In the sentence "Neither the nurse nor the aides were aware of the change," which statement about subject-verb agreement is accurate?

  1. The sentence is correct because "neither" is always plural.
  2. The verb "were" agrees with the nearer subject "aides." Correct answer.
  3. The verb "were" is incorrect because "nor" always takes a singular verb.
  4. The verb "were" should be "was" because "neither" is singular.

Explanation

With "neither...nor," the verb agrees with the subject closer to it, which is the plural "aides," so "were" is correct. This proximity rule also applies to "either...or."

Question 19Verbal

Which sentence best demonstrates concise wording appropriate for a clinical report?

  1. The client did a walk in the hallway with no help from anyone.
  2. The client ambulated in the hallway without assistance. Correct answer.
  3. The client, in the hallway, was engaged in walking unassisted.
  4. The client was walking around in the hallway all by himself.

Explanation

Concise clinical writing uses precise verbs and avoids wordy phrasing, and "ambulated...without assistance" is direct and professional. The other options add filler or informal wording without adding meaning.

Question 20Verbal

A passage notes: "Some studies suggest that shift length influences nurse fatigue. However, findings vary across hospitals, and few studies control for staffing ratios." What is the author's attitude toward the evidence?

  1. Cautious, noting limitations in the research Correct answer.
  2. Dismissive, rejecting the studies entirely
  3. Neutral, presenting no evaluation of the studies
  4. Enthusiastic, endorsing the findings without reservation

Explanation

The author acknowledges the studies but points to inconsistent findings and uncontrolled variables, which reflects a cautious stance. Words such as "however" and "few studies control for" signal reservations rather than outright rejection.

Question 21Verbal

Read the sentence: "The report that the nurse submitted was incomplete." In this sentence, "that the nurse submitted" is which of the following?

  1. A relative clause modifying "report" Correct answer.
  2. A noun clause serving as the subject
  3. An appositive renaming "report"
  4. An adverbial clause modifying "incomplete"

Explanation

The clause "that the nurse submitted" describes which report is meant, so it functions as a relative clause modifying the noun "report." Here "that" acts as a relative pronoun standing in for the object of "submitted."

Question 22Verbal

Which revision best corrects the dangling modifier in "After reviewing the chart, the medication order was unclear"?

  1. After reviewing the chart, unclear was the medication order.
  2. After reviewing the chart, the medication order was found to be unclear.
  3. After reviewing the chart, it was unclear about the medication order.
  4. After reviewing the chart, the nurse found the medication order unclear. Correct answer.

Explanation

An introductory participial phrase must modify the subject of the main clause, and only in the first option is the subject the person who reviewed the chart. The original sentence illogically makes the medication order do the reviewing.

Question 23Verbal

A paragraph argues: "Telehealth expands access for rural patients. It also reduces travel costs and time away from work. Clearly, telehealth should be adopted more widely." Which statement best evaluates the reasoning?

  1. The conclusion follows from stated benefits but ignores potential drawbacks such as limited broadband access. Correct answer.
  2. The argument is circular because the conclusion restates a premise.
  3. The argument confuses correlation with causation in its evidence.
  4. The conclusion is invalid because it relies on no supporting evidence at all.

Explanation

The paragraph lists real benefits and draws a reasonable but one-sided conclusion, since it never addresses counterarguments like connectivity gaps. Strong evaluation identifies both the support offered and what the argument omits.

Question 24Verbal

Which sentence uses a colon correctly in a professional document?

  1. The plan includes three steps: assessment, planning, and evaluation. Correct answer.
  2. The plan includes: assessment, planning, and evaluation as steps.
  3. The plan includes three steps: which are assessment, planning, and evaluation.
  4. The plan includes three steps, namely: assessment, planning, and evaluation.

Explanation

A colon should follow a complete independent clause and introduce a list or explanation, which the first option does correctly. The colon must not separate a verb from its object or precede a clause fragment.

Question 25Verbal

Read the sentence: "Had the protocol been followed, the error might have been avoided." Which grammatical feature does this sentence illustrate?

  1. A passive imperative giving a command
  2. A future conditional using "will"
  3. A present factual conditional using "if"
  4. A past unreal conditional using inversion Correct answer.

Explanation

The sentence expresses a past condition contrary to fact, and it uses inversion ("Had the protocol been followed") instead of "if." The main clause uses "might have been" to show the unreal result.

Question 26Verbal

A nursing student reads the sentence: 'The physician, along with two residents, was scheduled to round at seven.' Which statement best explains why the verb 'was' is singular?

  1. The subject is 'physician'; the phrase 'along with two residents' does not change the subject. Correct answer.
  2. The subject is 'two residents,' but the verb agrees with the nearer noun.
  3. The sentence is incorrect because 'along with' always creates a compound subject.
  4. The verb agrees with 'seven,' which is a singular time expression.

Explanation

When a subject is followed by an interrupting phrase introduced by 'along with,' 'as well as,' or 'together with,' that phrase is not part of the subject. The true subject here is the singular 'physician,' so the singular verb 'was' is correct. Only subjects joined by 'and' typically form a compound requiring a plural verb.

Question 27Verbal

In the sentence 'The nurse administered the medication quickly,' what grammatical role does 'quickly' serve?

  1. It modifies the adjective 'the' by intensifying it.
  2. It modifies the noun 'medication' by describing its type.
  3. It functions as the direct object of 'administered.'
  4. It modifies the verb 'administered' by describing how the action was performed. Correct answer.

Explanation

An adverb describes how, when, where, or to what degree an action occurs, and here 'quickly' tells how the nurse administered the medication. Adverbs commonly modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. The direct object of 'administered' is 'the medication,' not the adverb.

Question 28Verbal

A chart note reads: 'The client reported dizziness, the nurse assisted him to bed.' Which revision best corrects the sentence structure?

  1. The client reported dizziness the nurse assisted him to bed.
  2. The client reported dizziness, assisting the nurse to bed.
  3. The client reported dizziness; assisted him to bed.
  4. The client reported dizziness, and the nurse assisted him to bed. Correct answer.

Explanation

Two independent clauses joined without a conjunction create a comma splice. Adding the coordinating conjunction 'and' after the comma correctly joins the two complete thoughts. A semicolon could also work, but only if each side remains an independent clause.

Question 29Verbal

In the sentence 'The results of the study were inconclusive,' which word is the simple subject?

  1. results Correct answer.
  2. inconclusive
  3. of
  4. study

Explanation

The simple subject is the main noun that the verb 'were' agrees with. 'Results' is that noun, while 'of the study' is a prepositional phrase modifying it. 'Inconclusive' is a subject complement describing the results.

Question 30Verbal

A passage states: 'Handoff communication errors contribute to adverse events. Structured handoff tools, such as SBAR, standardize the information exchanged between caregivers. Hospitals that adopted such tools report fewer omissions in patient information.' Which sentence best states the passage's main idea?

  1. Handoff communication is unrelated to patient safety.
  2. SBAR is the only handoff tool used in hospitals today.
  3. Adverse events occur only during shift changes.
  4. Structured handoff tools like SBAR help reduce information loss and related adverse events. Correct answer.

Explanation

The main idea is the central claim supported by all the sentences: structured tools standardize handoffs and reduce omissions that contribute to adverse events. The other choices either overstate the passage or contradict it.

Question 31Verbal

Read the sentence: 'Before administering the vaccine, the nurse verified the patient's identity.' What does the introductory phrase 'Before administering the vaccine' describe?

  1. The identity of the vaccine manufacturer
  2. The time when the clinic closed
  3. The action the nurse performed prior to verifying identity Correct answer.
  4. The patient's reaction to the vaccine

Explanation

An introductory participial phrase modifies the subject of the main clause, which is 'the nurse.' It tells what the nurse did before verifying identity. The phrase does not describe the patient or any object in the sentence.

Question 32Verbal

Which sentence uses 'principal' and 'principle' correctly?

  1. The principal reason for the policy is the principle of patient autonomy. Correct answer.
  2. The principle reason for the policy is the principle of patient autonomy.
  3. The principle reason for the policy is the principal of patient autonomy.
  4. The principal reason for the policy is the principal of patient autonomy.

Explanation

'Principal' as an adjective means main or primary, while 'principle' as a noun means a fundamental rule or value. The sentence correctly pairs 'principal reason' with 'principle of patient autonomy.' The other options swap the words into incorrect roles.

Question 33Verbal

A paragraph begins: 'Wound care requires attention to several factors. The wound must be kept clean to prevent infection. Moisture balance supports tissue healing. Regular assessment detects complications early.' Which organizational pattern does the paragraph use?

  1. Listing related supporting details under a general topic Correct answer.
  2. Describing a chronological sequence of events
  3. Comparing two opposing treatments
  4. Stating a problem and proposing a single solution

Explanation

The first sentence introduces a general topic and the remaining sentences list related factors that support it. This is a simple listing or enumeration pattern, not comparison, chronology, or problem-solution. Recognizing such patterns helps candidates locate main ideas quickly.

Question 34Verbal

Which sentence most clearly avoids a dangling modifier?

  1. After drawing the blood, the labeling of each tube was done.
  2. After drawing the blood, the technician labeled each tube. Correct answer.
  3. After drawing the blood, each tube was labeled by the technician.
  4. After drawing the blood, it was time for labeling tubes.

Explanation

A dangling modifier occurs when the introductory phrase does not clearly modify the subject of the main clause. Here 'the technician' is the subject and logically performs the drawing and labeling. The other sentences leave the modifier attached to something that cannot perform the action.

Question 35Verbal

In the sentence 'The nurse told the patient that she would return shortly,' the pronoun 'she' is ambiguous. Which revision removes the ambiguity?

  1. The nurse told the patient that she would return shortly, as she had promised.
  2. The nurse told the patient, 'I will return shortly.' Correct answer.
  3. The nurse told the patient that she would return shortly, which was expected.
  4. The nurse told the patient that she would return shortly, and she did.

Explanation

Ambiguous pronoun reference occurs when a pronoun could refer to more than one noun. Using direct quotation with 'I' makes clear that the nurse is the one returning. The other revisions keep the ambiguous 'she' or add more unclear pronouns.

Question 36Verbal

Which word is the best antonym for 'chronic' as used in 'chronic illness'?

  1. persistent
  2. acute Correct answer.
  3. severe
  4. progressive

Explanation

'Chronic' describes a condition that persists over a long period, so its opposite in duration is 'acute,' meaning sudden and short-term. 'Severe,' 'persistent,' and 'progressive' describe intensity or course rather than contrasting duration.

Question 37Verbal

A sentence reads: 'The medication had a profound ____ on the patient's blood pressure.' Which word correctly completes the sentence?

  1. effecting
  2. affects
  3. effect Correct answer.
  4. affect

Explanation

'Effect' is usually a noun meaning result, which fits after the article 'a' and adjective 'profound.' 'Affect' is typically a verb meaning to influence. The sentence needs a noun object of 'had.'

Question 38Verbal

A passage notes: 'Interpreter services improve communication with patients who have limited English proficiency. However, some clinicians report that accessing interpreters quickly during emergencies remains difficult.' What does the word 'However' signal about the second sentence?

  1. It draws a conclusion from the first sentence.
  2. It introduces a limitation that qualifies the first statement. Correct answer.
  3. It restates the first sentence in different words.
  4. It provides an example of the first sentence.

Explanation

'However' is a contrast signal showing that the second sentence limits or qualifies the positive claim in the first. Recognizing contrast transitions helps readers track an author's qualifications. It does not introduce an example, restatement, or conclusion.

Question 39Verbal

Which sentence uses a hyphen correctly in a compound modifier?

  1. The nurse documented a well organized care plan.
  2. The nurse documented a well, organized care plan.
  3. The nurse documented a wellorganized care plan.
  4. The nurse documented a well-organized care plan. Correct answer.

Explanation

A compound adjective made of an adverb ending in '-ly' plus a participle is usually hyphenated when it precedes the noun it modifies. 'Well-organized' correctly modifies 'care plan.' Omitting the hyphen, adding a comma, or fusing the words is incorrect.

Question 40Verbal

In the sentence 'If the patient had received the medication sooner, the outcome might have been different,' what does the sentence express?

  1. A command to administer medication sooner
  2. A prediction about a future outcome
  3. A factual statement about a completed event
  4. A hypothetical situation contrary to what actually happened Correct answer.

Explanation

The past perfect in the 'if' clause plus 'might have been' in the main clause signals a past unreal conditional, describing what could have happened but did not. It is not a factual statement, command, or future prediction.

Question 41Verbal

Which sentence best demonstrates formal, professional tone for a clinical report?

  1. The patient exhibited signs of dehydration upon admission. Correct answer.
  2. The patient looked pretty bad when admitted.
  3. The patient was kind of dehydrated on arrival.
  4. The patient was super dehydrated when they came in.

Explanation

Formal clinical writing favors precise, neutral vocabulary such as 'exhibited signs of' and avoids slang, vague intensifiers, and casual phrasing. The other options use informal or imprecise language unsuitable for a report.

Question 42Verbal

A paragraph reads: 'Patient education improves adherence to treatment plans. When patients understand their medications, they are more likely to take them correctly. Education also helps patients recognize side effects early.' Which sentence is the topic sentence?

  1. Patient education improves adherence to treatment plans. Correct answer.
  2. Education also helps patients recognize side effects early.
  3. None of the supporting sentences restates the topic.
  4. When patients understand their medications, they are more likely to take them correctly.

Explanation

The topic sentence states the paragraph's central claim, and the remaining sentences provide supporting detail. The first sentence makes the broad claim about education and adherence that the others explain. The other sentences are supporting points rather than the main topic.

Question 43Verbal

Read the sentence: 'The technician calibrated the equipment, checked the readings, and recorded the results.' What structural feature does this sentence use?

  1. A compound sentence joined by a semicolon
  2. A passive construction throughout
  3. A series of parallel verb phrases Correct answer.
  4. A dependent clause at the beginning

Explanation

The sentence lists three verb phrases in the same grammatical form: calibrated, checked, and recorded. This parallelism creates balance and clarity. It is not a compound sentence with a semicolon, nor is it passive or led by a dependent clause.

Question 44Verbal

Which sentence uses 'their' correctly in a clinical context?

  1. Each patient should receive they're own copy of the discharge instructions.
  2. Each patient should receive its own copy of the discharge instructions.
  3. Each patient should receive their own copy of the discharge instructions. Correct answer.
  4. Each patient should receive there own copy of the discharge instructions.

Explanation

'Their' is the possessive form, while 'there' indicates place and 'they're' means 'they are.' In modern usage, 'their' can refer to a singular antecedent like 'each patient' to avoid gendered pronouns. The other options misuse homophones or use an inappropriate pronoun.

Question 45Verbal

A sentence reads: 'The physician spoke to the patient's family about the prognosis.' Which word is the possessive noun?

  1. physician
  2. prognosis
  3. patient's Correct answer.
  4. family

Explanation

A possessive noun shows ownership and is formed with an apostrophe plus 's' for singular nouns. Here 'patient's' shows that the family belongs to or is associated with the patient. The other words are nouns without possessive marking.

Question 46Verbal

A passage argues: 'Telehealth visits reduce travel time for rural patients. They also lower costs and allow follow-up care from home. Therefore, expanding telehealth access should be a priority for rural health systems.' Which sentence states the conclusion?

  1. Telehealth visits reduce travel time for rural patients.
  2. Rural patients live far from clinics.
  3. They also lower costs and allow follow-up care from home.
  4. Expanding telehealth access should be a priority for rural health systems. Correct answer.

Explanation

The conclusion is the claim the author wants the reader to accept, signaled here by 'Therefore.' The other sentences are premises that support the conclusion. Identifying conclusion indicators helps candidates analyze arguments.

Question 47Verbal

Which sentence correctly uses a colon?

  1. The protocol requires three steps: assessment, intervention, and evaluation. Correct answer.
  2. The protocol requires three steps; assessment, intervention, and evaluation.
  3. The protocol requires three steps, assessment, intervention, and evaluation.
  4. The protocol requires three steps assessment, intervention, and evaluation.

Explanation

A colon introduces a list or explanation after an independent clause. Here the clause 'The protocol requires three steps' is complete, and the colon correctly introduces the list. Commas and semicolons are not used this way to introduce a list.

Question 48Verbal

Read the sentence: 'The nurse, whose shift had ended, stayed to help with the emergency.' What type of clause is 'whose shift had ended'?

  1. An independent clause
  2. An adverb clause of condition
  3. A nonrestrictive relative clause Correct answer.
  4. A restrictive relative clause

Explanation

The clause is set off by commas and adds nonessential information about the nurse, making it a nonrestrictive relative clause. A restrictive clause would not use commas and would be essential to identify the noun. It is dependent, not independent, and it does not express a condition.

Question 49Verbal

Which sentence uses concise wording appropriate for a clinical summary?

  1. The patient got better after the fluids were given to the patient.
  2. The patient showed improvement in a manner that was noticeable after receiving fluids.
  3. The patient, after receiving fluids, did improve in a noticeable way.
  4. The patient improved after receiving fluids. Correct answer.

Explanation

Concise clinical writing removes redundant words and unnecessary phrases while preserving meaning. 'The patient improved after receiving fluids' conveys the same information in fewer words. The other options add filler, repetition, or awkward phrasing.

Question 50Verbal

In the sentence 'The data suggest that the treatment is effective,' why is the verb 'suggest' plural?

  1. 'Data' is treated as a plural noun in formal usage. Correct answer.
  2. 'Treatment' is the subject and requires a plural verb.
  3. 'That' introduces a plural clause.
  4. 'Effective' is a plural adjective.

Explanation

In formal and scientific writing, 'data' is the plural of 'datum' and takes a plural verb such as 'suggest.' The subject of the main clause is 'data,' not 'treatment.' Recognizing this convention matters in research-based passages.