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

“Jess studied the map carefully, then folded it and set off down the left-hand trail without hesitating.” What does “without hesitating” suggest?

  1. AShe was lost and confused.
  2. BShe secretly wanted to go back home.
  3. CShe was sure which way to go.
  4. DShe had never seen a map.
2.Reading comprehension (entrance exams)Hard

“Ms. Lee’s plants on the sunny windowsill grew tall and green. The same plants in the dark corner stayed small and turned yellow.” What conclusion is best supported?

  1. AThese plants turn yellow in all homes.
  2. BThese plants need light to grow well.
  3. CThese plants need more water in corners.
  4. DThese plants grow best in the dark.
3.Pre-nursing math (entrance exam)Medium
0102030405060708090nh0246810

The line graph shows the number of people in a waiting room every 2 hours, from hour 0 to hour 10. What was the largest increase Δ between two neighbouring readings (2 hours apart)?

Δ =
4.Pre-nursing math (entrance exam)Hard
7 6/75 1/24 1/101 3/22

Work out 2 1/2 × 2 1/5. Click the answer in lowest terms.

2 1/2 × 2 1/5
  1. 17 6/7
  2. 25 1/2
  3. 34 1/10
  4. 41 3/22
5.Human anatomyMedium

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

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

Which ligament of the knee prevents the tibia from sliding forward relative to the femur?

  1. AMedial collateral ligament
  2. BAnterior cruciate ligament
  3. CPosterior cruciate ligament
  4. DPatellar ligament
7.Human physiologyMedium

Which is a classic example of positive feedback in the body?

  1. AInsulin release after a meal
  2. BSweating when body temperature rises
  3. CADH release when plasma osmolality rises
  4. DOxytocin release during labour
8.Human physiologyHard

What is the main reason the ventricles do not contract at the same moment as the atria?

  1. AConduction is delayed at the atrioventricular node
  2. BThe ventricles have a longer refractory period only
  3. CThe Purkinje fibres conduct slowly
  4. DThe SA node fires twice per beat
9.Biology for nursing entrance examsMedium

Which kind of mutation can be passed on to a person's children?

  1. AA mutation in a skin cell caused by sunlight
  2. BA mutation in a liver cell caused by alcohol
  3. CA mutation in a white blood cell during infection
  4. DA mutation in a cell that forms eggs or sperm
10.Biology for nursing entrance examsHard

A student puts a fertilised plant in a sunny window and an unfertilised plant in a dark cupboard. The fertilised plant grows more. What is the main flaw?

  1. AThe student used too much fertiliser on the plant in the window
  2. BThere was no hypothesis to test
  3. CTwo variables were changed, so the cause is unclear
  4. DThe dependent variable was not measured
11.Chemistry for nursing entrance examsMedium

When a nucleus emits a beta particle, how do its mass number and atomic number change?

  1. ABoth fall by 1
  2. BMass number rises by 1 and atomic number stays the same
  3. CMass number falls by 4 and atomic number falls by 2
  4. DMass number stays the same and atomic number rises by 1
12.Chemistry for nursing entrance examsHard

Which pair of substances could form a buffer solution?

  1. AHydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
  2. BSodium chloride (NaCl) and water
  3. CHydrochloric acid (HCl) and chloride (Cl⁻)
  4. DCarbonic acid (H₂CO₃) and bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻)
13.English grammar & language usage (entrance exams)Medium

Choose the correct pronoun: “The test was harder for my brother than for ___.”

  1. Ame
  2. BI
  3. Cmine
  4. Dmyself
14.English grammar & language usage (entrance exams)Hard

Which sentence correctly uses the subjunctive mood?

  1. AIf I am you, I would ask the instructor.
  2. BIf I was you, I would ask the instructor.
  3. CIf I be you, I would ask the instructor.
  4. DIf I were you, I would ask the instructor.
15.Healthcare vocabulary (entrance exams)Medium

Choose the meaning of the word in bold: “The team will implement the new care plan today.”

  1. APut into action
  2. BCancel
  3. CReview again
  4. DWrite down
16.Healthcare vocabulary (entrance exams)Hard

Choose the meaning of the word in bold: “The abdominal incision showed signs of dehiscence.”

  1. AFormation of a thick scar
  2. BComplete and rapid healing of the wound
  3. CSeparation of the wound edges
  4. DInfection producing pus

3Solutions

1.Reading comprehension (entrance exams)

Answer: C · She was sure which way to go.

Why this is the answer

Setting off without hesitating after studying the map shows she was confident about the route.

Answer

C · She was sure which way to go.
2.Reading comprehension (entrance exams)

Answer: B · These plants need light to grow well.

Why this is the answer

The only difference given is light, and the plants in sunlight grew better, so the plants need light to grow well.

Answer

B · These plants need light to grow well.
3.Pre-nursing math (entrance exam)

Answer: Δ = 20

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: +10, 2→4: 0, 4→6: +10, 6→8: +20, 8→10: −20

Largest increase

Δ = 20

Answer

Δ = 20
4.Pre-nursing math (entrance exam)

Answer: 5 1/2

Multiplying and dividing fractions: first turn mixed numbers into improper fractions (2 1/3 = 7/3). To multiply, multiply the numerators and the denominators. To divide, keep the first fraction, change ÷ to ×, and flip the second fraction (multiply by its reciprocal). Cancel common factors and write the result in lowest terms as a mixed number.

Improper fractions

2 1/2 = 5/2
2 1/5 = 11/5

Multiply

5/2 × 11/5 = 55/10

Simplify

55/10 = 5 1/2

Answer

5 1/2
5.Human anatomy

Answer: C · 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

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

Answer: B · Anterior cruciate ligament

Why this is the answer

The anterior cruciate ligament limits anterior translation of the tibia; a positive anterior drawer or Lachman test suggests an ACL tear.

Answer

B · Anterior cruciate ligament
7.Human physiology

Answer: D · Oxytocin release during labour

Why this is the answer

Stretch of the cervix releases oxytocin, which strengthens contractions and causes more stretch. The loop ends with delivery. The other examples are negative feedback.

Answer

D · Oxytocin release during labour
8.Human physiology

Answer: A · Conduction is delayed at the atrioventricular node

Why this is the answer

The AV node conducts slowly (about 0.1 s delay), so atrial contraction completes ventricular filling before ventricular depolarisation begins.

Answer

A · Conduction is delayed at the atrioventricular node
9.Biology for nursing entrance exams

Answer: D · A mutation in a cell that forms eggs or sperm

Why this is the answer

Germline mutations, in cells that form gametes, can be inherited. Somatic mutations in body cells, such as UV damage in skin, affect only that person and may cause cancer, but are not passed to children.

Answer

D · A mutation in a cell that forms eggs or sperm
10.Biology for nursing entrance exams

Answer: C · Two variables were changed, so the cause is unclear

Why this is the answer

Both fertiliser and light differ between the plants, so the extra growth could be due to either. A fair test changes only the independent variable and keeps everything else the same.

Answer

C · Two variables were changed, so the cause is unclear
11.Chemistry for nursing entrance exams

Answer: D · Mass number stays the same and atomic number rises by 1

Why this is the answer

In beta decay a neutron becomes a proton, so the atomic number rises by 1. The total of protons plus neutrons is unchanged, so the mass number stays the same.

Answer

D · Mass number stays the same and atomic number rises by 1
12.Chemistry for nursing entrance exams

Answer: D · Carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) and bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻)

Why this is the answer

A buffer contains a weak acid and its conjugate base, which can absorb added base or acid. H₂CO₃/HCO₃⁻ is the main buffer in blood. HCl is a strong acid, so Cl⁻ cannot pick up H⁺ well enough to buffer.

Answer

D · Carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) and bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻)
13.English grammar & language usage (entrance exams)

Answer: A · me

Why this is the answer

The object of a preposition takes the object form, so “for me” is correct, just as “for my brother” is.

Answer

A · me
14.English grammar & language usage (entrance exams)

Answer: D · If I were you, I would ask the instructor.

Why this is the answer

For unreal or hypothetical situations, formal English uses “were” for all subjects: If I were you.

Answer

D · If I were you, I would ask the instructor.
15.Healthcare vocabulary (entrance exams)

Answer: A · Put into action

Why this is the answer

To implement a plan is to put it into effect.

Answer

A · Put into action
16.Healthcare vocabulary (entrance exams)

Answer: C · Separation of the wound edges

Why this is the answer

Dehiscence is the partial or complete separation of the edges of a surgical wound.

Answer

C · Separation of the wound edges

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