DIRECTIONS: A sentence with an underlined word is given below. Find the Word which is most similar in meaning to the underlined word. His financial problems escalated after he became unemployed?

Appeared in: DHS Staff Nurse - 2018 (Shift-2nd)

Explanation

The word 'escalated' signifies a rapid increase in intensity or seriousness.
In the given sentence, losing a job would logically cause financial problems to grow or become more severe.
Therefore, 'Increased' is the most direct synonym for 'escalated' in this context, as it means to become greater in amount or degree.

Option B: 'Decreased' is an antonym of 'escalated,' meaning to become smaller or less. This is the opposite of what would happen to financial problems after unemployment.
Option C: 'Disappeared' means to vanish completely. It is highly unlikely that financial problems would simply disappear after becoming unemployed.
Option D: 'Settled' means to resolve or pay off a debt or problem. This is contrary to the context, as unemployment would make it harder, not easier, to settle financial issues.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Vocabulary and Synonym Recognition as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the term 'escalation' is vital for nurses, as the 'Escalation of Care' protocol is a cornerstone of patient safety.
Failure to recognize a deteriorating patient and escalate care in a timely manner can lead to preventable harm, cardiac arrest, or death.
Nurses use tools like Early Warning Scores (EWS) to objectively identify deterioration and trigger the escalation pathway (SRC_13118).

How to Approach the Question

First, read the sentence and understand the meaning of the underlined word, 'escalated,' within its context. The context suggests the problems got worse.
Next, analyze each option to determine its meaning.
Evaluate which option's meaning is closest to your understanding of 'escalated.' 'Increased' means to become greater.
Compare this with the other options. 'Decreased' is the opposite. 'Disappeared' and 'Settled' do not fit the context of problems worsening.
Conclude that 'Increased' is the best synonym for 'escalated' in this sentence.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Medicine Macleod Clinical Examination 15e p. 399-401

E6 Nursing Vital Signs p. 157-159

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 2 p. 116-118

Practise the full DHS Staff Nurse - 2018 (Shift-2nd)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.