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

The term "officious" accurately describes a person who is overly assertive in their authority, often in an intrusive or meddlesome way. Individuals who are officious tend to involve themselves in the affairs of others, usually with a sense of self-importance or a desire to exert control. They may provide unwanted advice or assume authority in situations where their involvement is neither necessary nor welcome. This characteristic brings to mind someone who oversteps boundaries in their eagerness to assert their perceived role or knowledge.

The other options do not convey the same meaning. "Proper" refers to being appropriate or suitable in behavior but does not imply any assertiveness regarding authority. "Complacent" describes a state of self-satisfaction often leading to a lack of awareness of potential dangers or deficiencies, which is the opposite of being authoritative. Lastly, "submissive" indicates a willingness to yield or defer to others, which clearly contrasts with the notion of being assertive in authority. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why the term "officious" is the most fitting choice in this context.