Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam 2026 – The All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The term that describes two issues that are separate and not connected is "discrete." This word originates from the Latin root "discretus," meaning "separate" or "distinct." In various fields, particularly in mathematics and statistics, "discrete" refers to distinct or separate values or items as opposed to continuous ones.

Understanding "discrete" is essential in contexts where it is crucial to differentiate between individual elements, such as in data analysis or when discussing separate concepts in nursing practice. This precision is why it effectively captures the idea of things that do not connect or interact with one another.

The term "discreet," on the other hand, refers to being careful and judicious in one's speech or actions, often to avoid causing offense or revealing confidential information. "Incident" relates to an event, especially in a context that might require attention or intervention, while "incidence" generally refers to the occurrence or frequency of an event. These terms do not apply to the concept of separation as "discrete" does.