TEAS-style practice questions (all four sections): cram pack

Formula sheets, the key method steps for every topic and 16 practice problems, with full solutions at the back.

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1Formulas and methods

Reading comprehension (entrance exams)

Method

  1. Read the question first so you know what you are looking for.
  2. Skim the passage for its topic and main point; the first or last sentence often states it.
  3. Go back to the exact lines that answer the question.
  4. For inferences, choose the option the clues most strongly support, not one that goes further.
  5. For labels and tables, apply every rule that fits the case and do the small calculation carefully.

Pre-nursing math (entrance exam)

Order of operations
parentheses → exponents → × ÷ (left to right) → + − (left to right)
Fractions
a/b + c/d = (ad + bc)/bd, a/b × c/d = ac/bd, a/b ÷ c/d = a/b × d/c
Percent
p% of N = (p/100)·N; percent = part/whole × 100
Percent change
(new − original)/original × 100
Discount, then tax
price × (1 − d/100) × (1 + t/100)
Proportion
a/b = c/d → ad = bc
Mean, median, mode, range
sum/count; middle of ordered list; most frequent; max − min
Length, capacity, time
1 km = 1000 m, 1 m = 100 cm, 1 ft = 12 in, 1 yd = 3 ft, 1 mi = 5280 ft, 1 gal = 4 qt = 16 cups, 1 h = 60 min
Temperature
°F = °C·9/5 + 32, °C = (°F − 32)·5/9; a change of 1 °C = 1.8 °F
Area
rectangle l·w, triangle ½·b·h, circle π·r²
Perimeter and circumference
rectangle 2l + 2w, circle π·d = 2π·r
Volume
box l·w·h, cylinder π·r²·h; 1000 cm³ = 1 L
Speed
distance ÷ time (time in hours for mph or km/h)

Method

  1. Read the last sentence first: what exactly is asked, and in which unit or form (lowest terms, nearest cent, one decimal place)?
  2. Write the numbers in one form: turn mixed numbers into improper fractions, percents into decimals, and hours and minutes into one unit.
  3. Pick the method: PEMDAS for expressions, a common denominator for adding fractions, part ÷ whole × 100 for percents, cross-multiplying for proportions, inverse operations for equations.
  4. Work one step at a time and write each line down; round only at the very end.
  5. Check the size of the answer with an estimate, and put an equation’s answer back in.

Biology for nursing entrance exams

Method

  1. Name the topic of the question: cell parts, transport, division, DNA and protein synthesis, inheritance, biomolecules, microorganisms or experimental design.
  2. Recall the key rule: A–T and G–C, diffusion from high to low, water moves towards more solute, mitosis keeps and meiosis halves the chromosome number.
  3. For crosses, write the parents’ genotypes, list the gametes and fill a Punnett square before counting.
  4. For experiments, label the independent, dependent and controlled variables, and ask whether the evidence supports or only suggests the conclusion.
  5. Check each option against the question asked, not just whether it is a true statement.

Chemistry for nursing entrance exams

Method

  1. Identify what is given and asked: particles, a formula, a state change, a concentration, a pH or a mass.
  2. Use the periodic table: the atomic number gives protons, the group gives valence electrons and the usual ion charge.
  3. Balance equations with coefficients only, element by element, oxygen and hydrogen last.
  4. For amounts, go mass → moles → mole ratio → moles → mass, and for solutions use M = mol/L and C₁V₁ = C₂V₂.
  5. Remember that pH is logarithmic: one unit is a factor of 10.

English grammar & language usage (entrance exams)

Method

  1. Find the subject and the verb of the sentence before choosing a form.
  2. Strip away phrases (of the …, along with …) and extra people (you and …) to test agreement and pronoun case.
  3. Check each clause: can it stand alone? Join independent clauses with a comma + conjunction or a semicolon.
  4. Check modifiers and lists: the describing phrase next to its word, items in the same form.
  5. For word choice and register, pick the precise, formal and concise option.

Healthcare vocabulary (entrance exams)

Method

  1. Read the whole sentence and look for a context clue: a definition, a contrast, an example or a cause and effect.
  2. Split an unfamiliar word into prefix, root and suffix and translate each part.
  3. Read a medical term from the suffix back to the start (hepat-itis: inflammation of the liver).
  4. Put each option into the sentence and check that the meaning still fits.
  5. Choose the meaning used in this sentence, even if the word has another everyday meaning.

2Practice problems

1.Reading comprehension (entrance exams)Medium

Paragraph: “Exercise has many benefits. It strengthens the heart and lungs. It helps control weight. It can also improve mood and sleep.” Which sentence is the topic sentence?

  1. AExercise has many benefits.
  2. BIt can also improve mood and sleep.
  3. CIt helps control weight.
  4. DIt strengthens the heart and lungs.
2.Reading comprehension (entrance exams)Hard

A medicine label reads: “Take 1 capsule every 8 hours. Do not take with milk or antacids. Finish the full course even if you feel better.” A patient feels well after 3 days of a 7-day course. What should the patient do?

  1. ATake one capsule a day for the rest of the week.
  2. BTake the remaining capsules all at once with milk.
  3. CStop taking the capsules because the symptoms are gone.
  4. DKeep taking the capsules until the course is finished.
3.Pre-nursing math (entrance exam)Medium
024681012°Ch0246810

The line graph shows the outdoor temperature every 2 hours, from hour 0 to hour 10. What was the largest increase Δ between two neighbouring readings (2 hours apart)?

Δ = °C
4.Pre-nursing math (entrance exam)Hard

A box of 280 gloves is shared between three wards in the ratio 3 : 2 : 5. How many gloves x does the third ward get?

2803 : 2 : 5
x =
5.Human anatomyMedium

The hepatic portal vein is formed by the union of which two veins?

  1. AInferior vena cava and renal vein
  2. BSuperior mesenteric vein and splenic vein
  3. CHepatic vein and splenic vein
  4. DSuperior mesenteric vein and left renal vein
6.Human anatomyHard

After an injury at the medial epicondyle of the elbow, a patient has numbness of the little finger and weakness of finger abduction. Which nerve is affected?

  1. AMedian nerve
  2. BUlnar nerve
  3. CRadial nerve
  4. DMusculocutaneous nerve
7.Human physiologyMedium

How does glucagon raise blood glucose?

  1. AIt blocks insulin receptors on fat cells
  2. BIt slows glucose absorption from the gut
  3. CIt stimulates glycogen breakdown and gluconeogenesis in the liver
  4. DIt stimulates glucose uptake by muscle
8.Human physiologyHard

Why does a person with lactase deficiency get diarrhoea and bloating after drinking milk?

  1. AMilk protein triggers an allergic reaction
  2. BUndigested lactose draws water into the gut and is fermented by colonic bacteria
  3. CLactose damages the villi directly
  4. DLactose is absorbed too quickly and raises blood glucose
9.Biology for nursing entrance examsMedium

How do saturated fats differ from unsaturated fats?

  1. AThey dissolve easily in water
  2. BThey have no C=C double bonds and are usually solid
  3. CThey have many double bonds and are liquid at room temperature
  4. DThey contain nitrogen and form proteins
10.Biology for nursing entrance examsHard

Home pregnancy tests use antibodies that bind the hormone hCG. Why do they react with hCG and not with other proteins in urine?

  1. AThe hormone hCG is a type of antibody itself
  2. BUrine contains no other proteins at all
  3. CEach antibody binds a specific antigen shape
  4. DAntibodies bind every protein but change colour only with hCG
11.Chemistry for nursing entrance examsMedium

Why can a very high fever disrupt the body's chemical reactions?

  1. AHigh temperatures remove the water from blood
  2. BHigh temperatures make every enzyme work faster without any limit
  3. CHigh temperatures can change the shape of enzymes so they stop working
  4. DHigh temperatures turn enzymes into fats
12.Chemistry for nursing entrance examsHard

A solution of a strong acid has pH 2. It is diluted with water to 10 times its original volume. What is the new pH?

  1. A20
  2. B3
  3. C1
  4. D0.2
13.English grammar & language usage (entrance exams)Medium

Choose the correct spelling: “She has ___ of homework.”

  1. Aallot
  2. Balot
  3. Ca-lot
  4. Da lot
14.English grammar & language usage (entrance exams)Hard

Which sentence uses the correct word order for an indirect question?

  1. ACan you tell me where the pharmacy is?
  2. BCan you tell me is where the pharmacy?
  3. CCan you tell me where is the pharmacy?
  4. DCan you tell me where the pharmacy is it?
15.Healthcare vocabulary (entrance exams)Medium

What does the abbreviation PRN mean on a medication order?

  1. AEvery morning
  2. BBefore meals
  3. CAs needed
  4. DBy mouth
16.Healthcare vocabulary (entrance exams)Hard

Choose the meaning of the word in bold: “Firm pressure was applied to achieve haemostasis.”

  1. AA normal blood pressure
  2. BAn increase in blood flow
  3. CThe stopping of bleeding
  4. DThe formation of a bruise

3Solutions

1.Reading comprehension (entrance exams)

Answer: A · Exercise has many benefits.

Why this is the answer

The first sentence states the main idea, and the other three give supporting details (specific benefits).

Answer

A · Exercise has many benefits.
2.Reading comprehension (entrance exams)

Answer: D · Keep taking the capsules until the course is finished.

Why this is the answer

The label says to finish the full course even if you feel better, so the patient should continue every 8 hours until day 7.

Answer

D · Keep taking the capsules until the course is finished.
3.Pre-nursing math (entrance exam)

Answer: Δ = 4 °C

Reading charts and tables: read the title, the categories and the scale first. On a bar chart or line graph, follow the top of the bar or the point across to the vertical axis; every gridline is one step of the scale. A pie chart shows parts of a whole: a sector of p% stands for p% of the total and has an angle of p% of 360°.

Changes between neighbours

0→2: −2, 2→4: −2, 4→6: +2, 6→8: +2, 8→10: +4

Largest increase

Δ = 4 °C

Answer

Δ = 4 °C
4.Pre-nursing math (entrance exam)

Answer: x = 140

Ratios and proportions: a ratio a : b compares two amounts. In a proportion two ratios are equal, a/b = c/d, and you solve it by cross-multiplying: a·d = b·c. To share an amount in the ratio m : n, divide it into m + n equal parts; one share is m parts, the other n parts.

One part

280/10 = 28

Share

x = 5 × 28 = 140

Answer

x = 140
5.Human anatomy

Answer: B · Superior mesenteric vein and splenic vein

Why this is the answer

The portal vein forms behind the neck of the pancreas from the superior mesenteric and splenic veins. It carries nutrient-rich blood to the liver.

Answer

B · Superior mesenteric vein and splenic vein
6.Human anatomy

Answer: B · Ulnar nerve

Why this is the answer

The ulnar nerve passes behind the medial epicondyle. It supplies most intrinsic hand muscles, including the interossei, and the skin of the little finger.

Answer

B · Ulnar nerve
7.Human physiology

Answer: C · It stimulates glycogen breakdown and gluconeogenesis in the liver

Why this is the answer

Glucagon from alpha cells acts on the liver to break down glycogen and make new glucose from non-carbohydrate sources.

Answer

C · It stimulates glycogen breakdown and gluconeogenesis in the liver
8.Human physiology

Answer: B · Undigested lactose draws water into the gut and is fermented by colonic bacteria

Why this is the answer

Unabsorbed lactose acts osmotically, pulling water into the lumen. Colonic bacteria ferment it, producing gas and short-chain fatty acids.

Answer

B · Undigested lactose draws water into the gut and is fermented by colonic bacteria
9.Biology for nursing entrance exams

Answer: B · They have no C=C double bonds and are usually solid

Why this is the answer

Saturated fatty acids have only single bonds, so they pack tightly and are solid (like butter). Double bonds in unsaturated fats cause kinks, so they are oils.

Answer

B · They have no C=C double bonds and are usually solid
10.Biology for nursing entrance exams

Answer: C · Each antibody binds a specific antigen shape

Why this is the answer

An antibody's binding site fits one particular antigen shape, so the test reacts with hCG but not with unrelated proteins. Laboratory-made antibodies of one type (monoclonal antibodies) are used for this reason.

Answer

C · Each antibody binds a specific antigen shape
11.Chemistry for nursing entrance exams

Answer: C · High temperatures can change the shape of enzymes so they stop working

Why this is the answer

Enzymes are proteins with a specific shape. Too much heat breaks the weak bonds holding that shape, changing the active site (denaturation), so the enzyme can no longer bind its substrate.

Answer

C · High temperatures can change the shape of enzymes so they stop working
12.Chemistry for nursing entrance exams

Answer: B · 3

Why this is the answer

[H⁺] goes from 10⁻² to 10⁻³ mol/L, so the pH rises by one unit to 3. Diluting an acid makes its pH higher (less acidic), never lower.

Answer

B · 3
13.English grammar & language usage (entrance exams)

Answer: D · a lot

Why this is the answer

“A lot” is always written as two words. “Allot” is a different verb meaning to give out shares, and “alot” is not a word.

Answer

D · a lot
14.English grammar & language usage (entrance exams)

Answer: A · Can you tell me where the pharmacy is?

Why this is the answer

An indirect question uses subject + verb order: “where the pharmacy is”, not “where is the pharmacy”.

Answer

A · Can you tell me where the pharmacy is?
15.Healthcare vocabulary (entrance exams)

Answer: C · As needed

Why this is the answer

PRN means the medication is given when needed, for example for pain, rather than at set times.

Answer

C · As needed
16.Healthcare vocabulary (entrance exams)

Answer: C · The stopping of bleeding

Why this is the answer

Haemostasis (US: hemostasis) is the process of stopping bleeding.

Answer

C · The stopping of bleeding

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