Free TEAS 7 Practice Test

Get ready for the 2026 TEAS 7 exam by testing your skills with our free practice test.

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QUESTION COUNT:

100 Questions

TIME LIMIT:

120 Minutes

FORMAT:

Multiple Choice

About Our TEAS 7 Practice Test

This TEAS 7 practice test checks your understanding of the core subjects covered on the exam, including reading, math, science, and English and language usage. It is designed to help you strengthen accuracy, improve time management, and apply essential academic skills in realistic testing scenarios.

Each question reflects common topics and question styles you may encounter on the actual ATI TEAS 7 exam in 2026. At the end of our interactive practice test, you will get a score of your performance by category, giving you the chance to assess your understanding and identify categories where you might be able to improve. All our questions and rationales have been reviewed by an experienced registered nurse (RN) to support accurate, exam-relevant practice.

Maegan Baker, BSN, RN, CCM Avatar
Questions reviewed by
Maegan Baker, BSN, RN, CCM
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Full Question Bank & Rationales

Below, you will find the complete list of 100 questions from our TEAS 7 practice test. We have included a detailed rationale for every question to help you understand the why behind the correct answer.

These questions are listed in the same order as our interactive practice test and are grouped by exam category.

Some questions are marked as Challenging. These questions are designed to be a bit harder than the rest and usually include more detailed scenarios. Use them to build confidence with tougher exam-style questions and to pinpoint which skills or concepts to revisit before test day.

Note: The answer and rationale are hidden by default. Click “Show Answer & Rationale” after you answer the question to see if you got it right.

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Reading

1. Question

Context

The growth of telehealth has made medical care more accessible, especially for people living in rural or isolated areas. Through video appointments, patients can meet with specialists who may be located far away, avoiding the burden of lengthy travel. However, the broader use of telehealth still faces important challenges. Many rural communities do not have reliable high-speed internet, which is necessary for smooth video consultations. In addition, some elderly patients may find digital healthcare platforms difficult to use, which could deepen existing healthcare disparities. For telehealth to reach its full potential, policymakers need to improve broadband access, while technology developers should create simpler and more user-friendly platforms.

Based on the author’s arguments, which of the following is the most logical consequence if policymakers fail to expand broadband infrastructure?

  1. Software developers will stop creating new telehealth applications.
  2. Hospitals will completely abandon telehealth programs and return to traditional models.
  3. Elderly patients will experience a sudden improvement in digital literacy.
  4. Patients in remote areas will continue to face barriers in accessing specialist care.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: D

The author identifies reliable broadband as necessary for smooth video consultations, especially in rural areas. If broadband access is not improved, remote patients would likely continue having difficulty reaching specialist care through telehealth.

2. Question

Context

Sleep is frequently misunderstood as merely a period of inactive physical rest. In reality, neurological research shows that the brain remains highly engaged while a person sleeps, especially in the important process of memory consolidation. During rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and deep slow-wave sleep, the brain reviews recent experiences, removes insignificant details, and strengthens important information by storing it in long-term memory networks. When people do not get enough sleep, the neural pathways involved in learning and memory can be disrupted. As a result, chronic sleep deprivation is often linked to cognitive problems such as reduced concentration and weaker problem-solving skills. For both students and healthcare professionals, giving up sleep in order to study longer or work additional hours can ultimately harm long-term performance rather than improve it.

Which of the following inferences can be logically drawn from the passage?

  1. Healthcare professionals require more hours of REM sleep than individuals in other professions.
  2. Slow-wave sleep is more important for physical recovery than it is for memory consolidation.
  3. A nursing student who stays up all night cramming for an exam may struggle to recall the material the next day.
  4. People who experience poor problem-solving abilities are definitely suffering from sleep deprivation.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: C

The passage explains that sleep helps store and strengthen memories and that sacrificing sleep to study can hurt performance, so it is reasonable to infer that an all-night cram session may reduce recall. Choice D goes too far because poor problem-solving can have causes other than sleep deprivation.

3. Question

Context

Since the county hospital replaced the fluorescent lighting in its main hallways with warm LED lighting, the facility’s quarterly patient satisfaction scores have increased by 15%. A hospital administrator released a statement declaring, “The new lighting has directly caused our patients to feel more confident in the quality of their medical care.”

Which of the following identifies the primary logical flaw in the administrator’s statement?

  1. The administrator assumes that a correlation between two events proves causation.
  2. The administrator fails to provide the exact cost of the new LED lighting.
  3. The administrator relies on outdated patient satisfaction data.
  4. The administrator does not specify which departments received the new lighting.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: A

The administrator assumes that because satisfaction scores rose after the lighting change, the lighting must have caused the increase. This is a correlation-versus-causation flaw because other factors could also explain the improved scores.

4. Question (Challenging)

Context

MEMORANDUM
To: All Ward Staff
From: Clinical Director
Date: October 14
Subject: Defective IV Pumps

It has come to our attention that several of the newly issued Alpha-Flow IV pumps display an intermittent “low battery” error code (E-04) even when fully charged. This is the most frustrating issue our clinical team has faced this quarter. Effective immediately, if you encounter an E-04 error, you must first unplug the device from the wall outlet. Next, tag it with a red “Out of Service” label. Finally, notify the biomedical engineering department via the internal portal. Do not attempt to reset the pump manually or swap the battery yourself. A replacement shipment of updated pumps is expected next Monday.

Based on the memo, what is expected to happen on the following Monday?

  1. Staff will receive training on how to swap the batteries.
  2. A shipment of replacement IV pumps will arrive.
  3. The biomedical department will fix the E-04 errors.
  4. The clinical team will vote on the most frustrating issues.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: B

The final sentence states that a replacement shipment of updated pumps is expected next Monday. Choice C may seem related because biomedical engineering is mentioned, but the memo specifically connects Monday with the arrival of replacement pumps.

5. Question

Context

To properly sanitize surgical instruments:
1. Rinse visibly soiled instruments in cool water immediately after use.
2. Submerge the instruments in an enzymatic detergent solution for 10 minutes.
3. Scrub hinges and crevices with a soft-bristled brush.
4. Rinse thoroughly with distilled water.
5. Place in an autoclave at 121°C for 30 minutes.
Note: Hot water must never be used during the initial rinse, as it will cause biological proteins to coagulate, effectively trapping bacteria on the instrument’s surface.

What is the primary reason for using cool water instead of hot water in Step 1?

  1. Hot water causes proteins to harden, making bacteria difficult to remove.
  2. Cool water is required to activate the enzymatic detergent in Step 2.
  3. Cool water prevents the instruments from melting before they reach the autoclave.
  4. Hot water will damage the soft-bristled brush used in Step 3.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: A

The note states that hot water can cause biological proteins to coagulate, which traps bacteria on the instrument’s surface. In this context, coagulate means to harden or solidify, making Choice A correct.

6. Question

Context

Sleep is frequently misunderstood as merely a period of inactive physical rest. In reality, neurological research shows that the brain remains highly engaged while a person sleeps, especially in the important process of memory consolidation. During rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and deep slow-wave sleep, the brain reviews recent experiences, removes insignificant details, and strengthens important information by storing it in long-term memory networks. When people do not get enough sleep, the neural pathways involved in learning and memory can be disrupted. As a result, chronic sleep deprivation is often linked to cognitive problems such as reduced concentration and weaker problem-solving skills. For both students and healthcare professionals, giving up sleep in order to study longer or work additional hours can ultimately harm long-term performance rather than improve it.

Which of the following best states the main idea of the passage?

  1. Sleep is an active, essential neurological process that facilitates learning and memory consolidation.
  2. The brain filters out trivial details during REM sleep to prepare for the next day’s activities.
  3. People who sacrifice sleep to work longer hours will eventually suffer from compromised immune systems.
  4. Sleep deprivation is the leading cause of cognitive deficits in students and healthcare professionals.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: A

This answer best reflects the central point of the passage: sleep is not passive rest, but an active neurological process that supports learning and memory. Choice B describes one detail from the passage rather than the overall main idea.

7. Question

Context

The emergency room was a cacophony of ringing alarms, rushed footsteps, and overlapping voices. Despite the intense chaos of her twelve-hour shift, Nurse Avery paused at the bedside of an elderly patient who had no family present. She gently held his hand, speaking in a soft, steady voice until his breathing finally slowed and he drifted off to sleep. Outside the room, the frenetic pace of the hospital continued uninterrupted.

Which of the following best describes the theme of the passage?

  1. Elderly patients require more medical supervision than younger patients.
  2. Moments of deep compassion can persist even in chaotic environments.
  3. Nurses are routinely overworked by twelve-hour shifts in the ER.
  4. Modern hospitals are too noisy for patients to properly recover.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: B

The passage contrasts the noisy, chaotic emergency room with Nurse Avery’s calm and compassionate care for the patient. This contrast supports the theme that kindness and compassion can exist even in stressful surroundings.

8. Question (Challenging)

Context

Aspirin has roots that stretch back thousands of years. Records from ancient Sumer and Egypt show that healers used willow tree bark to alleviate pain and lower fevers. In the 1800s, chemists identified and isolated salicylic acid, the substance in willow bark responsible for these effects. Although salicylic acid was effective, it was very irritating to the stomach and could cause serious digestive problems, including gastric distress and internal bleeding. In 1897, German chemist Felix Hoffmann created acetylsalicylic acid, a chemically altered form of salicylic acid. This new substance still relieved pain effectively, but it was much less harsh on the digestive system. Hoffmann’s development helped make large-scale production of aspirin possible. Today, aspirin is still one of the most commonly used medicines in the world.

Based on the context of the passage, the word “alleviate” most likely means:

  1. to artificially create
  2. to accurately diagnose
  3. to permanently cure
  4. to make less severe
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: D

In the medical context of easing pain and lowering fevers, “alleviate” means to reduce discomfort or make symptoms less severe. Choice C is too strong because relieving pain does not necessarily mean permanently curing its cause.

9. Question

A student is writing a research paper on the living conditions of nurses serving in field hospitals during World War I. Which of the following would be considered a primary source of information?

  1. A documentary film released in 2020 about the history of military nursing
  2. A modern textbook chapter detailing medical advancements in the early 20th century
  3. A peer-reviewed journal article analyzing the mortality rates of soldiers in WWI
  4. A diary written by a Red Cross nurse stationed in France in 1917
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: D

A primary source is a firsthand record created by someone who directly experienced the event or time period being studied. The nurse’s diary from 1917 fits this definition, while the other choices are later interpretations or analyses.

10. Question

Context

MEMORANDUM
To: All Ward Staff
From: Clinical Director
Date: October 14
Subject: Defective IV Pumps

It has come to our attention that several of the newly issued Alpha-Flow IV pumps display an intermittent “low battery” error code (E-04) even when fully charged. This is the most frustrating issue our clinical team has faced this quarter. Effective immediately, if you encounter an E-04 error, you must first unplug the device from the wall outlet. Next, tag it with a red “Out of Service” label. Finally, notify the biomedical engineering department via the internal portal. Do not attempt to reset the pump manually or swap the battery yourself. A replacement shipment of updated pumps is expected next Monday.

According to the memo, what is the very first action a staff member should take when encountering an E-04 error?

  1. Tag the device with an “Out of Service” label
  2. Attempt to manually reset the pump
  3. Unplug the device from the wall outlet
  4. Notify the biomedical engineering department
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: C

The memo clearly lists the required actions in order: staff must first unplug the device, then tag it, and finally notify biomedical engineering. Choice A may seem plausible, but tagging the pump comes after unplugging it.

11. Question

Context

The growth of telehealth has made medical care more accessible, especially for people living in rural or isolated areas. Through video appointments, patients can meet with specialists who may be located far away, avoiding the burden of lengthy travel. However, the broader use of telehealth still faces important challenges. Many rural communities do not have reliable high-speed internet, which is necessary for smooth video consultations. In addition, some elderly patients may find digital healthcare platforms difficult to use, which could deepen existing healthcare disparities. For telehealth to reach its full potential, policymakers need to improve broadband access, while technology developers should create simpler and more user-friendly platforms.

Which of the following statements best summarizes the main idea of the passage?

  1. Elderly patients are unable to use telehealth platforms due to complex and confusing software designs.
  2. While telehealth offers greater healthcare access, technological and infrastructural barriers must be addressed to maximize its success.
  3. High-speed broadband internet is the most critical factor in providing adequate healthcare to rural communities.
  4. Telehealth is primarily beneficial because it saves patients money on travel and transportation costs.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: B

This option captures both the benefit of telehealth—improved access to care—and the barriers that must be solved, including internet reliability and platform usability. Choice C focuses too narrowly on broadband and leaves out other concerns discussed in the passage.

12. Question

A nursing student encounters the term “homeostasis” in an anatomy textbook and wants to find its etymology (word origin) and its part of speech. Which of the following reference materials is best suited for this task?

  1. An anatomy index
  2. An English dictionary
  3. A thesaurus
  4. A medical encyclopedia
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: B

An English dictionary is designed to provide meanings, parts of speech, pronunciations, and word origins. A thesaurus focuses on synonyms, while an encyclopedia or index would not usually provide detailed grammatical and etymological information.

13. Question

Context

Aspirin has roots that stretch back thousands of years. Records from ancient Sumer and Egypt show that healers used willow tree bark to ease pain and lower fevers. In the 1800s, chemists identified and isolated salicylic acid, the substance in willow bark responsible for these effects. Although salicylic acid was effective, it was very irritating to the stomach and could cause serious digestive problems, including gastric distress and internal bleeding. In 1897, German chemist Felix Hoffmann created acetylsalicylic acid, a chemically altered form of salicylic acid. This new substance still relieved pain effectively, but it was much less harsh on the digestive system. Hoffmann’s development helped make large-scale production of aspirin possible. Today, aspirin is still one of the most commonly used medicines in the world.

Why did chemists feel the need to modify pure salicylic acid into acetylsalicylic acid?

  1. Pure salicylic acid was too expensive for mass commercial production.
  2. Pure salicylic acid was not effective at reducing high fevers.
  3. Pure salicylic acid caused severe irritation to the stomach.
  4. Pure salicylic acid was difficult to extract from the willow bark.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: C

The passage states that salicylic acid was effective but very irritating to the stomach and could cause serious digestive problems. Acetylsalicylic acid was created as a less harsh form, so Choice C gives the stated reason for the modification.

14. Question

Context

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1: History of Modern Nursing ….. 4
Chapter 2: Medical Terminology Basics ….. 28
Chapter 3: Infection Control and Asepsis ….. 55
Chapter 4: Patient Assessment Protocols ….. 82
Chapter 5: Legal and Ethical Standards ….. 110

A student needs to review the correct procedure for putting on sterile gloves and a gown before entering an isolation room. Which chapter is most likely to contain this information?

  1. Chapter 3
  2. Chapter 5
  3. Chapter 4
  4. Chapter 2
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: A

Sterile gloves, gowns, and isolation procedures are closely related to infection control and asepsis, so Chapter 3 is the most appropriate place to look. Chapter 4 would more likely cover how to assess a patient rather than how to maintain sterile conditions.

15. Question

Context

Sleep is frequently misunderstood as merely a period of inactive physical rest. In reality, neurological research shows that the brain remains highly engaged while a person sleeps, especially in the important process of memory consolidation. During rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and deep slow-wave sleep, the brain reviews recent experiences, removes insignificant details, and strengthens important information by storing it in long-term memory networks. When people do not get enough sleep, the neural pathways involved in learning and memory can be disrupted. As a result, chronic sleep deprivation is often linked to cognitive problems such as reduced concentration and weaker problem-solving skills. For both students and healthcare professionals, giving up sleep in order to study longer or work additional hours can ultimately harm long-term performance rather than improve it.

Based on its use in the passage, which of the following is the best definition for the word “consolidation”?

  1. The elimination of unnecessary information
  2. The act of merging or strengthening
  3. The process of resting completely
  4. The physical recovery of muscle tissue
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: B

In this passage, “consolidation” refers to making important information stronger and more stable in long-term memory networks. Choice A is incorrect because removing unimportant details is mentioned separately, while consolidation focuses on strengthening and storing key information.

16. Question

Context

A community health clinic tracked the number of daily walk-in patients seeking flu vaccinations over a five-day period:
Monday: 45 patients
Tuesday: 30 patients
Wednesday: 30 patients
Thursday: 55 patients
Friday: 60 patients

Based strictly on the data provided, which of the following statements is true?

  1. The number of patients steadily increased every single day of the week.
  2. More patients sought vaccinations on Friday than on Monday and Tuesday combined.
  3. The total number of patients seen on Wednesday and Thursday equals 85.
  4. The clinic saw the fewest number of patients on Monday.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: C

Wednesday had 30 patients and Thursday had 55 patients, which together total 85. Choice B is incorrect because Friday’s 60 patients is fewer than the combined Monday and Tuesday total of 75.

17. Question (Challenging)

Context

MEMORANDUM
To: All Ward Staff
From: Clinical Director
Date: October 14
Subject: Defective IV Pumps

It has come to our attention that several of the newly issued Alpha-Flow IV pumps display an intermittent “low battery” error code (E-04) even when fully charged. This is the most frustrating issue our clinical team has faced this quarter. Effective immediately, if you encounter an E-04 error, you must first unplug the device from the wall outlet. Next, tag it with a red “Out of Service” label. Finally, notify the biomedical engineering department via the internal portal. Do not attempt to reset the pump manually or swap the battery yourself. A replacement shipment of updated pumps is expected next Monday.

Which of the following sentences from the passage represents an opinion rather than a fact?

  1. “This is the most frustrating issue our clinical team has faced this quarter.”
  2. “A replacement shipment of updated pumps is expected next Monday.”
  3. “Do not attempt to reset the pump manually or swap the battery yourself.”
  4. “Effective immediately, if you encounter an E-04 error, you must first unplug the device…”
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: A

Calling the issue “the most frustrating” expresses a subjective judgment rather than a verifiable fact. The other choices provide instructions, procedures, or information that can be checked or followed.

18. Question

Context

INDEX
Erythrocytes, 30-34
Hemoglobin, 32-33
Leukocytes, 35-40
Plasma composition, 25-29
Platelets and Coagulation, 51-55
Vascular pathways, 45-50

A nursing student needs to research the role of white blood cells in immune defense. Based on this index, which page range should the student consult first?

  1. 51-55
  2. 25-29
  3. 30-34
  4. 35-40
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: D

White blood cells are called leukocytes, and the index lists leukocytes on pages 35-40. Choice C refers to erythrocytes, which are red blood cells rather than white blood cells.

19. Question

Context

The city council’s short-sighted decision to slash funding for the community health clinic will undoubtedly lead to a severe public health crisis. By prioritizing unnecessary corporate tax cuts over essential medical services, our local politicians have shown a blatant disregard for the most vulnerable citizens in our community.

Which of the following phrases from the passage most clearly indicates the author’s bias?

  1. “corporate tax cuts”
  2. “decision to slash funding for the community health clinic”
  3. “blatant disregard for the most vulnerable citizens”
  4. “essential medical services”
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: C

The phrase “blatant disregard for the most vulnerable citizens” uses emotionally charged and judgmental wording, revealing the author’s negative bias toward the politicians. The other choices are less directly subjective than accusing officials of disregard.

20. Question

Context

Aspirin has roots that stretch back thousands of years. Records from ancient Sumer and Egypt show that healers used willow tree bark to ease pain and lower fevers. In the 1800s, chemists identified and isolated salicylic acid, the substance in willow bark responsible for these effects. Although salicylic acid was effective, it was very irritating to the stomach and could cause serious digestive problems, including gastric distress and internal bleeding. In 1897, German chemist Felix Hoffmann created acetylsalicylic acid, a chemically altered form of salicylic acid. This new substance still relieved pain effectively, but it was much less harsh on the digestive system. Hoffmann’s development helped make large-scale production of aspirin possible. Today, aspirin is still one of the most commonly used medicines in the world.

Which of the following conclusions can be reasonably drawn from the information provided in the passage?

  1. The ancient Sumerians likely experienced stomach discomfort when consuming large amounts of willow bark.
  2. Acetylsalicylic acid is the only pain-relieving medication that does not cause gastric distress.
  3. Chemists in the 19th century lacked the technology to isolate chemicals from natural plants.
  4. Felix Hoffmann was the first person to discover that willow bark could be used to reduce fevers.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: A

Since the passage says willow bark contained salicylic acid and that salicylic acid could irritate the stomach, it is reasonable to conclude that people who consumed willow bark may have experienced stomach discomfort. Choice D is contradicted by the passage because ancient healers used willow bark long before Hoffmann.

21. Question (Challenging)

Context

COUGH SUPPRESSANT SYRUP
Directions for use:
Adults and children 12 years and over: Take 10 mL every 4 hours as needed.
Children 6 to under 12 years: Take 5 mL every 6 hours as needed.
Warnings: Do not exceed 4 doses in any 24-hour period. Not for use in children under 6 years of age.

A 10-year-old child takes their first dose of this medication at 8:00 AM on Tuesday. Assuming the child takes the maximum allowed amount, what is the total volume of medication they will have consumed by 8:00 AM on Wednesday?

  1. 60 mL
  2. 40 mL
  3. 30 mL
  4. 20 mL
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: D

A 10-year-old belongs in the 6 to under 12 age group, which calls for 5 mL per dose. Since no more than 4 doses may be taken in 24 hours, the maximum total is 5 mL times 4, or 20 mL.

22. Question

Context

Sleep is frequently misunderstood as merely a period of inactive physical rest. In reality, neurological research shows that the brain remains highly engaged while a person sleeps, especially in the important process of memory consolidation. During rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and deep slow-wave sleep, the brain reviews recent experiences, removes insignificant details, and strengthens important information by storing it in long-term memory networks. When people do not get enough sleep, the neural pathways involved in learning and memory can be disrupted. As a result, chronic sleep deprivation is often linked to cognitive problems such as reduced concentration and weaker problem-solving skills. For both students and healthcare professionals, giving up sleep in order to study longer or work additional hours can ultimately harm long-term performance rather than improve it.

What is the author’s primary purpose in writing this passage?

  1. To entertain the reader with fascinating facts about brain neurology
  2. To describe the different stages of sleep, including REM and slow-wave
  3. To persuade hospitals to shorten the length of nursing shifts
  4. To inform the reader about the active role sleep plays in cognitive function
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: D

The author’s main goal is to explain how sleep actively contributes to memory, learning, and overall cognitive performance. The mentions of work hours and sleep stages support this informative purpose but are not the passage’s primary focus.

23. Question

Context

To properly sanitize surgical instruments:
1. Rinse visibly soiled instruments in cool water immediately after use.
2. Submerge the instruments in an enzymatic detergent solution for 10 minutes.
3. Scrub hinges and crevices with a soft-bristled brush.
4. Rinse thoroughly with distilled water.
5. Place in an autoclave at 121°C for 30 minutes.
Note: Hot water must never be used during the initial rinse, as it will cause biological proteins to coagulate, effectively trapping bacteria on the instrument’s surface.

If a technician has just finished scrubbing the instrument’s hinges, what must they do before placing the instrument in the autoclave?

  1. Wait for the biological proteins to coagulate
  2. Rinse it thoroughly with distilled water
  3. Submerge it in an enzymatic detergent
  4. Rinse it thoroughly in cool water
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: B

Scrubbing the hinges is Step 3, and the next required step is to rinse the instruments thoroughly with distilled water before autoclaving. Choice D is incorrect because cool water is used at the initial rinse stage, not after scrubbing.

24. Question (Challenging)

Context

Aspirin has roots that stretch back thousands of years. Records from ancient Sumer and Egypt show that healers used willow tree bark to ease pain and lower fevers. In the 1800s, chemists identified and isolated salicylic acid, the substance in willow bark responsible for these effects. Although salicylic acid was effective, it was very irritating to the stomach and could cause serious digestive problems, including gastric distress and internal bleeding. In 1897, German chemist Felix Hoffmann created acetylsalicylic acid, a chemically altered form of salicylic acid. This new substance still relieved pain effectively, but it was much less harsh on the digestive system. Hoffmann’s development helped make large-scale production of aspirin possible. Today, aspirin is still one of the most commonly used medicines in the world.

Which of the following best describes the overall text structure of the passage?

  1. Persuasive argument
  2. Compare and contrast
  3. Problem and solution
  4. Chronological order
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: D

The passage is organized as a timeline, moving from ancient Sumer and Egypt, to the 1800s, to 1897, and then to the present day. Although it includes a problem and solution, the overall structure is chronological.

25. Question

Context

The growth of telehealth has made medical care more accessible, especially for people living in rural or isolated areas. Through video appointments, patients can meet with specialists who may be located far away, avoiding the burden of lengthy travel. However, the broader use of telehealth still faces important challenges. Many rural communities do not have reliable high-speed internet, which is necessary for smooth video consultations. In addition, some elderly patients may find digital healthcare platforms difficult to use, which could deepen existing healthcare disparities. For telehealth to reach its full potential, policymakers need to improve broadband access, while technology developers should create simpler and more user-friendly platforms.

According to the author, how might telehealth inadvertently worsen healthcare inequities?

  1. By increasing the cost of high-speed broadband in rural communities
  2. By forcing patients to travel longer distances for physical exams
  3. By being inaccessible to older patients who struggle with complex technology
  4. By replacing face-to-face specialist consultations entirely
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: C

The passage explains that some elderly patients may have difficulty using digital healthcare platforms, which could deepen existing disparities. Choice D is not supported because the passage does not say telehealth will completely replace in-person care.

Math

26. Question (Challenging)

Order the following values from least to greatest: 3/8, 0.35, 2/5, 33%.

  1. 2/5, 3/8, 0.35, 33%
  2. 0.35, 33%, 3/8, 2/5
  3. 33%, 3/8, 0.35, 2/5
  4. 33%, 0.35, 3/8, 2/5
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: D

Convert all values to decimals to easily compare them: 3/8 = 0.375, 0.35 = 0.350, 2/5 = 0.400, and 33% = 0.330. Ordered from least to greatest, the decimals are 0.330, 0.350, 0.375, 0.400, which correspond to 33%, 0.35, 3/8, 2/5. Distractor C reverses the order of 0.35 and 3/8.

27. Question

Over a 12-hour shift, a patient consumes 8 ounces of apple juice, 12 ounces of water, and 4 ounces of chicken broth. What is the patient’s total fluid intake in milliliters? (1 ounce = 30 milliliters)

  1. 960 mL
  2. 720 mL
  3. 480 mL
  4. 24 mL
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: B

First, find the total ounces consumed: 8 + 12 + 4 = 24 ounces. Then, convert to milliliters by multiplying by 30: 24 × 30 = 720 mL. Distractor D represents the total in ounces without completing the required conversion to milliliters.

28. Question

A liquid medicine compounding tank is currently 2/3 full. After exactly 400 liters are removed, the tank is found to be 1/4 full. What is the total capacity of the tank when completely full?

  1. 1,600 liters
  2. 960 liters
  3. 800 liters
  4. 1,200 liters
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: B

Set up the equation: (2/3)x – 400 = (1/4)x. Rearrange to get (2/3)x – (1/4)x = 400. Find a common denominator (12): (8/12)x – (3/12)x = 400, which simplifies to (5/12)x = 400. Multiply both sides by 12/5: x = 400 × 12 / 5 = 960 liters. Distractor D represents a computational error that often happens if a student mismanages the cross-multiplication step.

29. Question

Following a dietary intervention, a patient’s total cholesterol dropped from 240 mg/dL to 192 mg/dL. What is the percentage decrease in the patient’s cholesterol?

  1. 20%
  2. 25%
  3. 15%
  4. 48%
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: A

First, find the absolute decrease: 240 – 192 = 48. Next, divide the decrease by the original amount: 48 / 240 = 0.20, which is 20%. Distractor D is the raw numerical decrease (48 mg/dL) rather than the requested percentage.

30. Question

Convert 72.5% to a decimal.

  1. 0.725
  2. 72.5
  3. 0.0725
  4. 7.25
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: A

To convert a percentage to a decimal, drop the percent sign and move the decimal point two places to the left, which gives 0.725. Distractor D might tempt a student who incorrectly moves the decimal point only one place.

31. Question

A physician orders 1,000 mL of an IV fluid to be administered over 8 hours. The IV tubing has a drop factor of 15 drops/mL. What is the correct drip rate in drops per minute? (Round to the nearest whole number).

  1. 42 drops/min
  2. 31 drops/min
  3. 125 drops/min
  4. 21 drops/min
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: B

First, find the mL per hour: 1000 mL / 8 hours = 125 mL/hour. Next, convert this to mL per minute: 125 / 60 ≈ 2.0833 mL/min. Multiply by the drop factor: 2.0833 × 15 = 31.25, which rounds to 31 drops/min. Distractor C is the rate in mL per hour, completely omitting the conversion to drops per minute.

32. Question

Which of the following algebraic equations correctly translates the phrase: “Five less than three times a number is equal to sixteen”?

  1. 3x – 5 = 16
  2. 5x – 3 = 16
  3. 3(x – 5) = 16
  4. 5 – 3x = 16
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: A

“Three times a number” is written as 3x. “Five less than” means you subtract 5 from that amount, giving 3x – 5. The phrase “is equal to sixteen” completes it as 3x – 5 = 16. Distractor D is a frequent error caused by translating the words strictly left-to-right rather than recognizing that “less than” indicates a subtraction from the primary term.

33. Question

A patient in a weight management program lost 2 1/4 pounds in the first week, lost 1 1/2 pounds in the second week, and gained 3/4 of a pound in the third week. What is the patient’s net weight change over the three weeks?

  1. Lost 3 1/4 lbs
  2. Lost 3 lbs
  3. Lost 4 1/2 lbs
  4. Gained 3 lbs
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: B

Convert the changes to negative and positive values or decimals: -2.25 (week 1), -1.50 (week 2), +0.75 (week 3). Combining these yields -3.75 + 0.75 = -3.0. The net change is a 3-pound loss. Distractor C is the result of improperly adding all three values without accounting for the weight gain.

34. Question

A patient is prescribed 1.5 grams of a medication daily. Over the course of the day, they have already received two doses: one of 0.75 grams and another of 0.3 grams. How many grams remain to be administered to complete the daily order?

  1. 0.45 grams
  2. 1.45 grams
  3. 1.05 grams
  4. 0.55 grams
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: A

First, add the doses already administered: 0.75 + 0.3 = 1.05 grams. Then, subtract this amount from the total prescribed amount: 1.5 – 1.05 = 0.45 grams remaining. Distractor D is a common subtraction error when a student fails to properly borrow across the decimal point.

35. Question

A patient weighs 80 kilograms. What is the patient’s approximate weight in pounds? (1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds)

  1. 154.2 lbs
  2. 180.5 lbs
  3. 36.4 lbs
  4. 176.0 lbs
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: D

To convert kilograms to pounds, multiply the weight in kilograms by 2.2. Calculating 80 × 2.2 yields 176.0 pounds. Distractor C is a common mistake that results from dividing instead of multiplying by 2.2.

36. Question (Challenging)

A clinic tracks patient visits by department. According to the data, 30% of the 120 total daily patients visited Pediatrics, 45% visited General Practice, and the remaining patients visited Cardiology. How many patients visited the Cardiology department?

  1. 36
  2. 30
  3. 54
  4. 25
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: B

First, find the percentage of Cardiology patients: 100% – (30% + 45%) = 25%. Then, calculate 25% of 120: 0.25 × 120 = 30 patients. Distractor D is the percentage of Cardiology patients, which students might quickly pick without completing the calculation for the actual number of patients.

37. Question (Challenging)

A hospital stores liquid oxygen in a cylindrical tank. The tank has a radius of 3 meters and a height of 5 meters. Using the formula V = πr²h and 3.14 for π, what is the approximate volume of the tank?

  1. 282.6 cubic meters
  2. 94.2 cubic meters
  3. 47.1 cubic meters
  4. 141.3 cubic meters
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: D

Substitute the given values into the formula: V = 3.14 × (3)² × 5 = 3.14 × 9 × 5 = 3.14 × 45 = 141.3 cubic meters. Distractor C occurs if a student multiplies the radius by 2 instead of squaring it (3.14 × 3 × 5 = 47.1).

38. Question

A nurse records the following resting heart rates (in beats per minute) for six patients: 72, 84, 68, 92, 78, 88. What is the median heart rate of this group?

  1. 84 bpm
  2. 80 bpm
  3. 78 bpm
  4. 81 bpm
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: D

To find the median, arrange the numbers in order: 68, 72, 78, 84, 88, 92. Because there is an even number of values, average the two middle numbers (78 and 84): (78 + 84) / 2 = 162 / 2 = 81. Distractors A and C are tempting if the student simply picks one of the middle numbers without averaging them.

39. Question

To raise money for charity, a nursing program sponsors a 10-kilometer run. Approximately how many miles is this race? (1 mile = 1.61 kilometers)

  1. 10.0 miles
  2. 11.6 miles
  3. 6.2 miles
  4. 16.1 miles
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: C

To convert kilometers to miles, divide the number of kilometers by the conversion factor 1.61. 10 / 1.61 ≈ 6.21 miles. Distractor D occurs if the student incorrectly multiplies 10 by 1.61 instead of dividing.

40. Question

In a particular hospital, the ratio of registered nurses to nursing assistants is 3:2. If there are currently 45 registered nurses on staff, how many nursing assistants are there?

  1. 30
  2. 45
  3. 60
  4. 20
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: A

Set up the proportion RNs/NAs = 3/2. Substitute the known value for RNs: 45 / x = 3 / 2. Cross-multiplying gives 3x = 90, so x = 30. Distractor C represents a calculation error where 45 is multiplied by the ratio incorrectly, rather than solved proportionally.

41. Question (Challenging)

A medical courier travels 210 miles in 3.5 hours to deliver a transplant organ. Maintaining the same average rate of speed, how far will the courier travel in 5 hours?

  1. 350 miles
  2. 270 miles
  3. 315 miles
  4. 300 miles
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: D

First, find the average speed (rate) by dividing distance by time: 210 / 3.5 = 60 miles per hour. Then, use the rate to find the new distance: Distance = Rate × Time, so 60 × 5 = 300 miles. Distractor C represents a mental math slip where the student might multiply 60 by a slightly higher decimal.

42. Question

Solve for x: 3(x – 4) + 2 = 5x – 6

  1. x = -2
  2. x = -8
  3. x = 4
  4. x = 2
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: A

First, distribute the 3: 3x – 12 + 2 = 5x – 6. Combine like terms: 3x – 10 = 5x – 6. Subtract 3x from both sides: -10 = 2x – 6. Add 6 to both sides: -4 = 2x, which simplifies to x = -2. Distractor D is a frequent error if a student mismanages negative signs during subtraction.

43. Question

A nursing student purchases 4 sets of scrubs for $28.50 each and a stethoscope for $85.00. If a local sales tax of 8% is applied to the entire purchase, what is the total cost?

  1. $228.00
  2. $286.08
  3. $214.92
  4. $199.00
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: C

First, calculate the subtotal: (4 × $28.50) + $85.00 = $114.00 + $85.00 = $199.00. Then, calculate the tax: $199.00 × 0.08 = $15.92. Add the tax to the subtotal: $199.00 + $15.92 = $214.92. Distractor D is the pre-tax total, tempting students who forget the final step.

44. Question

A doctor prescribes 250 mg of a medication. The medication is available in a liquid suspension of 100 mg per 5 mL. How many mL should the nurse administer?

  1. 20.5 mL
  2. 10.5 mL
  3. 12.5 mL
  4. 15.0 mL
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: C

Set up a proportion: 100 mg / 5 mL = 250 mg / x mL. Cross-multiply to get 100x = 1250, then divide by 100 to find x = 12.5 mL. Distractor D might tempt a student who attempts to estimate the dosage by improperly adding rather than using a proportional ratio.

45. Question

A medical assistant folds a triangular bandage for a sling. If the base of the triangular fabric is 14 inches and the height is 8 inches, what is the total area of the fabric?

  1. 56 sq inches
  2. 224 sq inches
  3. 22 sq inches
  4. 112 sq inches
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: A

The area of a triangle is found using the formula A = 1/2 × base × height. A = 1/2 × 14 × 8 = 7 × 8 = 56 square inches. Distractor D is the result of simply multiplying the base by the height (14 × 8) without halving the product.

46. Question

Solve the equation for x: x – 18 = 45

  1. 53
  2. 73
  3. 27
  4. 63
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: D

To isolate x, add 18 to both sides of the equation. 45 + 18 = 63. Distractor C is tempting if a student incorrectly subtracts 18 from 45 instead of adding it.

47. Question (Challenging)

A medication bottle contains 4 red pills, 5 blue pills, 6 green pills, and 5 yellow pills. If a patient draws one pill at random, what is the probability of selecting a green pill?

  1. 40%
  2. 20%
  3. 30%
  4. 25%
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: C

First, find the total number of pills: 4 + 5 + 6 + 5 = 20. The probability of drawing a green pill is the number of green pills divided by the total: 6 / 20. This simplifies to 3/10 or 30%. Distractor D is the probability of selecting either a blue or a yellow pill (5/20).

48. Question

A physical therapist is taping off a rectangular exercise area that measures 12 feet wide by 15 feet long. What is the perimeter of the exercise area?

  1. 360 ft
  2. 27 ft
  3. 54 ft
  4. 180 ft
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: C

The perimeter of a rectangle is calculated using the formula P = 2L + 2W. Therefore, P = 2(15) + 2(12) = 30 + 24 = 54 feet. Distractor D is the area (12 × 15), which students commonly confuse when calculating perimeter.

49. Question

A patient’s systolic blood pressure is checked five times over a weekend, yielding the following readings: 118, 124, 112, 136, 120. What is the range of these readings?

  1. 136
  2. 24
  3. 112
  4. 122
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: B

The range of a data set is the difference between the highest and lowest values. The highest reading is 136, and the lowest is 112. Subtracting 112 from 136 equals 24. Distractor D is the mean (average) of the data set, which tests a different statistical concept.

50. Question

A patient’s surgical incision measures 4.5 centimeters in length. What is the length of the incision in millimeters?

  1. 450 mm
  2. 0.045 mm
  3. 45 mm
  4. 0.45 mm
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: C

There are 10 millimeters in 1 centimeter. To convert centimeters to millimeters, multiply by 10. 4.5 × 10 = 45 mm. Distractor D represents a common error of dividing by 10 instead of multiplying, confusing the direction of the metric conversion.

Science

51. Question

A researcher notes that plant growth increases as the amount of daily sunlight increases, up to 10 hours a day. Beyond 10 hours, the growth rate begins to rapidly decline. Which of the following is a logical conclusion based solely on these observations?

  1. 10 hours of sunlight is the optimal daily duration for the growth of this plant.
  2. Sunlight is the only environmental factor that affects plant growth.
  3. Plants will inevitably die if they receive more than 10 hours of sunlight.
  4. Plants do not require sunlight to grow effectively.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: A

The observations show that plant growth reaches its highest point at 10 hours of daily sunlight, making that the optimal duration based on the data provided. Option C goes beyond the evidence because the data shows reduced growth after 10 hours, not certain plant death.

52. Question

In an experiment investigating the effect of temperature on enzyme activity, which of the following represents the independent variable?

  1. The pH of the solution
  2. The amount of product formed
  3. The temperature of the environment
  4. The concentration of the enzyme
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: C

The independent variable is the factor deliberately changed by the experimenter, which in this experiment is temperature. The amount of product formed may seem plausible, but it is the dependent variable because it is measured in response to changes in temperature.

53. Question (Challenging)

In an exothermic, reversible chemical reaction that has reached equilibrium, what will be the immediate effect of increasing the temperature of the system?

  1. The reaction will shift to the right to produce more products.
  2. The rate of the forward reaction will permanently increase relative to the reverse.
  3. The reaction will shift to the left to produce more reactants.
  4. The equilibrium constant will remain completely unchanged.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: C

For an exothermic reaction, heat acts like a product. By Le Chatelier’s principle, adding heat by increasing temperature shifts the equilibrium to the left, favoring reactants to counteract the change. Option A describes what would happen for an endothermic reaction, not an exothermic one.

54. Question

Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for coordinating voluntary muscle movements and maintaining posture and balance?

  1. Cerebellum
  2. Hypothalamus
  3. Medulla oblongata
  4. Cerebrum
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: A

The cerebellum, located toward the back of the brain, helps coordinate movement, balance, and posture. The cerebrum can be tempting because it starts voluntary movement, but the cerebellum refines and coordinates those movements.

55. Question

Which organelle helps break down waste and damaged cell parts?

  1. Nucleus
  2. Ribosome
  3. Centriole
  4. Lysosome
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: D

Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes that break down cellular waste, damaged components, and foreign materials. They function like a cell’s cleanup system, supporting normal cell health and activity. Ribosomes may be confused with lysosomes, but ribosomes make proteins.

56. Question

An atom has 8 protons, 8 neutrons, and 10 electrons. What is the overall net charge of this ion?

  1. -2
  2. +2
  3. -10
  4. 0
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: A

Each proton contributes a +1 charge, while each electron contributes a -1 charge. With 8 protons and 10 electrons, the ion has a total charge of +8 plus -10, which equals -2. The -10 option may attract students who focus only on the number of electrons rather than the net charge.

57. Question

Which nutrient requires bile for proper digestion and absorption?

  1. Iron
  2. Vitamin C
  3. Protein
  4. Fat
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: D

Bile emulsifies fats by breaking them into smaller droplets, making them easier for digestive enzymes to process and for the body to absorb. Bile also supports absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin C may distract students who confuse it with the vitamins that depend on fat digestion and absorption.

58. Question

Where does the fertilization of an ovum by a sperm cell typically occur in the human female reproductive system?

  1. Ovary
  2. Cervix
  3. Uterus
  4. Fallopian tube
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: D

Fertilization most often takes place in the ampulla, the wider section of the Fallopian tube, before the fertilized egg moves toward the uterus. The uterus is a common distractor because implantation and fetal development occur there, but fertilization usually does not.

59. Question (Challenging)

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions. They are composed primarily of which of the following macromolecules?

  1. Lipids
  2. Proteins
  3. Nucleic acids
  4. Carbohydrates
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: B

Most enzymes are proteins made from folded chains of amino acids. Nucleic acids may seem appealing because they contain the genetic instructions for making enzymes, but they are not the main structural material of enzymes.

60. Question

Which blood vessel contains valves that help prevent blood from flowing backward as it returns to the heart?

  1. Veins
  2. Alveoli
  3. Arteries
  4. Capillaries
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: A

Veins have one-way valves that help blood continue moving toward the heart and stop it from flowing backward. Arteries move blood away from the heart under higher pressure and generally do not need these valves. Capillaries allow exchange between blood and tissues, while alveoli are lung structures used for gas exchange.

61. Question

A public health study shows a strong positive correlation between daily ice cream sales and the number of drowning incidents at a local beach. Which of the following is the most scientifically sound interpretation of this data?

  1. Consuming ice cream causes severe muscle cramps, leading directly to drowning.
  2. Witnessing drowning incidents causes an increase in psychological demand for ice cream.
  3. The correlation is a statistical error and cannot be logically explained by external variables.
  4. A third variable likely causes increases in both ice cream sales and swimming.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: D

A correlation does not prove causation. A confounding variable, such as hot weather, could increase both ice cream sales and the number of people swimming, which may also raise drowning risk. Options A and B incorrectly assume a direct causal link between ice cream sales and drowning incidents.

62. Question

Which substance is most important for helping muscles and nerves send electrical signals?

  1. Glucose
  2. Potassium
  3. Calcium
  4. Iron
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: B

Potassium is essential for transmitting nerve impulses and supporting muscle contraction, including normal heart rhythm. Iron carries oxygen, and glucose supplies energy. Calcium also contributes to nerve and muscle function, but it is most commonly associated with maintaining strong bones and teeth.

63. Question (Challenging)

Which of the following types of chemical bonds involves the sharing of a pair of electrons between two nonmetal atoms?

  1. Hydrogen bond
  2. Ionic bond
  3. Covalent bond
  4. Metallic bond
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: C

A covalent bond occurs when atoms share electrons in order to reach more stable electron configurations. Ionic bond is a common distractor, but ionic bonding involves electron transfer rather than electron sharing.

64. Question

A sequence of a DNA template strand is 3′-TAC GGA CTC-5′. What will be the exact sequence of the corresponding mRNA molecule produced during transcription?

  1. 5′-ATG CCT GAG-3′
  2. 5′-AUG CCU GAG-3′
  3. 5′-UAC GGA CUC-3′
  4. 3′-AUG CCU GAG-5′
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: B

During transcription, mRNA is built in the 5′ to 3′ direction while the DNA template is read from 3′ to 5′. RNA uses uracil instead of thymine, so the complementary mRNA sequence is 5′-AUG CCU GAG-3′. Option A is a strong distractor because it gives the complementary DNA sequence rather than the RNA transcript.

65. Question

Which of the following bones is classified as part of the appendicular skeleton?

  1. Femur
  2. Vertebra
  3. Sternum
  4. Skull
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: A

The femur is located in the lower limb, so it belongs to the appendicular skeleton, which includes the limbs and their supporting girdles. The skull, sternum, and vertebrae are distractors because they are part of the axial skeleton, the body’s central framework.

66. Question

To accurately test the effectiveness of a new blood pressure medication, a clinical trial must include a control group. What is the primary purpose of this control group?

  1. To ensure that all participants eventually receive the beneficial new medication.
  2. To provide a baseline to compare against the group receiving the experimental medication.
  3. To increase the overall sample size of the experiment to make the data look more reliable.
  4. To test the effects of multiple different medications simultaneously.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: B

A control group receives a placebo or standard treatment so researchers have a baseline for comparison with the experimental group. Option C may seem reasonable because larger sample sizes can improve studies, but the specific purpose of a control group is comparison, not simply adding more participants.

67. Question (Challenging)

Which of the following types of immune cells is directly responsible for producing antibodies in response to a specific antigen?

  1. Macrophages
  2. T-cells
  3. Neutrophils
  4. B-cells
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: D

B-cells, or B lymphocytes, are adaptive immune cells that can develop into plasma cells, which produce antibodies against specific antigens. T-cells are important in adaptive immunity as well, but they either help regulate immune responses or directly attack infected cells rather than producing antibodies.

68. Question

A human red blood cell is placed in a hypertonic salt solution. Which of the following accurately describes the most likely physiological outcome and the mechanism driving it?

  1. The cell will swell and burst due to water moving into the cell by active transport.
  2. The cell will shrink and crenate due to water moving out of the cell by osmosis.
  3. The cell will shrink due to salt leaving the cell through facilitated diffusion.
  4. The cell will not change because salts will rapidly diffuse into the cell to balance the gradient.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: B

A hypertonic solution has a greater solute concentration than the inside of the red blood cell, so water leaves the cell by osmosis. This loss of water causes the cell to shrink, or crenate. Option A is a tempting distractor because it describes what would happen in a hypotonic solution instead.

69. Question

The process by which a substance changes directly from a solid state to a gaseous state without passing through the liquid phase is known as:

  1. Melting
  2. Sublimation
  3. Evaporation
  4. Condensation
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: B

Sublimation is a phase change in which a solid becomes a gas without first becoming a liquid, such as dry ice changing into carbon dioxide gas. Evaporation is a likely distractor, but it refers to a liquid changing into a gas.

70. Question

During the sliding filament mechanism of muscle contraction, which of the following events directly requires the binding of ATP?

  1. The detachment of the myosin head from the actin filament.
  2. The attachment of myosin heads to the exposed sites on actin filaments.
  3. The release of calcium ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
  4. The uncovering of binding sites on the actin filament by troponin.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: A

ATP binding to the myosin head causes myosin to detach from actin, ending the cross-bridge. Option B is a very tempting distractor, but myosin attachment to actin depends on energy stored from earlier ATP hydrolysis rather than the direct binding of a new ATP molecule.

71. Question

Which of the following hormones is produced by the pancreas to lower blood glucose levels?

  1. Cortisol
  2. Glucagon
  3. Insulin
  4. Epinephrine
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: C

Insulin is released by beta cells in the pancreas and lowers blood glucose by helping cells take in glucose. Glucagon is a strong distractor because it is also made by the pancreas, but it has the opposite effect by raising blood glucose levels.

72. Question

Which of the following best describes a key difference between mitosis and meiosis?

  1. Mitosis produces haploid cells, while meiosis produces diploid cells.
  2. Mitosis occurs only in reproductive organs, while meiosis occurs in somatic cells.
  3. Mitosis involves two cell divisions, while meiosis involves only one.
  4. Mitosis produces genetically identical daughter cells, while meiosis produces genetically distinct cells.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: D

Mitosis produces two genetically identical diploid cells used for growth and repair, while meiosis produces four genetically varied haploid gametes through processes such as crossing over and independent assortment. Option A is misleading because it reverses the correct relationship: mitosis maintains diploid cells, while meiosis produces haploid cells.

73. Question

Which of the following specific structures within the nephron is primarily responsible for the initial filtration of blood?

  1. Collecting duct
  2. Loop of Henle
  3. Glomerulus
  4. Proximal convoluted tubule
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: C

The glomerulus is a capillary network where pressure pushes water and small solutes out of the blood and into Bowman’s capsule, starting urine formation. The proximal convoluted tubule may seem plausible, but it mainly reabsorbs water and useful nutrients after filtration has already occurred.

74. Question

If a pea plant is heterozygous for seed color (Yy), where yellow (Y) is dominant over green (y), what is the probability that its offspring will have green seeds when crossed with another heterozygous (Yy) plant?

  1. 100%
  2. 50%
  3. 25%
  4. 75%
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: C

Crossing two heterozygous plants (Yy x Yy) produces the possible genotypes YY, Yy, Yy, and yy. Only the yy genotype gives the recessive green seed phenotype, so the chance is 1 out of 4, or 25%. The 50% option may distract students who confuse this cross with a test cross such as Yy x yy.

75. Question (Challenging)

A sample of gastric fluid has a pH of 2. Which of the following best describes this fluid?

  1. It is weakly basic and contains more hydroxide ions than hydrogen ions.
  2. It is strongly acidic and contains more hydrogen ions than hydroxide ions.
  3. It is strongly basic and contains no hydrogen ions.
  4. It is neutral and contains equal amounts of hydrogen and hydroxide ions.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: B

A pH of 2 is well below 7 on the 0-14 pH scale, so the fluid is strongly acidic and has a high concentration of hydrogen ions (H+). Option A may distract students who mistakenly think lower pH values indicate more basic solutions.

English & Language Usage

76. Question

Read the following sentence:
“The pernicious effects of the disease were not immediately evident, but over time, the patient’s condition rapidly declined.” Based on the context, what is the meaning of the word “pernicious”?

  1. Predictable
  2. Destructive
  3. Beneficial
  4. Subtle
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: B

The context clues “condition rapidly declined” and “effects of the disease” point to a harmful or negative impact. Therefore, “destructive” is the best meaning of “pernicious.” “Subtle” is a tempting distractor because the effects “were not immediately evident,” but it does not express the severe harm described by the sentence.

77. Question

The collection of rare medical books, including several first editions by famous anatomists, _______ recently donated to the university library.

  1. are
  2. was
  3. have been
  4. were
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: B

The subject of the sentence is “collection,” which is singular. The phrase “of rare medical books, including several first editions by famous anatomists” separates the subject from the verb but does not change the subject’s number. Because the subject is singular, the singular verb “was” is required. Distractors A, C, and D are plural verbs that incorrectly agree with closer nouns such as “books” or “anatomists.”

78. Question

Which of the following sentences is punctuated correctly?

  1. Dr. Smith who is the head of pediatrics will speak, at the seminar.
  2. Dr. Smith who is the head of pediatrics, will speak at the seminar.
  3. Dr. Smith, who is the head of pediatrics will speak at the seminar.
  4. Dr. Smith, who is the head of pediatrics, will speak at the seminar.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: D

The phrase “who is the head of pediatrics” is a non-restrictive clause because it adds extra information that is not necessary to identify Dr. Smith. Non-restrictive clauses must be enclosed with commas on both sides. Students may be drawn to B or C if they remember only one comma but forget that both commas are needed.

79. Question

Read the following sentence:
“Although the overnight shift was grueling, the medical staff remained highly focused.” What type of sentence structure is used here?

  1. Simple
  2. Compound-complex
  3. Compound
  4. Complex
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: D

A complex sentence includes one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Here, “the medical staff remained highly focused” is the independent clause, and “Although the overnight shift was grueling” is the dependent clause. Students may guess “compound” because of the comma, but a compound sentence must contain two independent clauses.

80. Question

The nursing committee, along with the hospital administrators, _______ to implement the new triage protocol by next month.

  1. plan
  2. are planning
  3. plans
  4. have planned
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: C

The subject of the sentence is “committee,” a singular collective noun. The phrase “along with the hospital administrators” is an intervening phrase and does not change the subject’s singular number, so “plans” is the only grammatically correct option. Students may be tempted to choose “plan” or “are planning” if they incorrectly match the verb to the plural noun “administrators.”

81. Question

Which word provides the most formal and precise replacement for the phrase between the asterisks in “The broad-spectrum antibiotics are expected to *wipe out* the infection.?

  1. finish
  2. crush
  3. eradicate
  4. fix
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: C

“Eradicate” is a formal and precise verb meaning to destroy completely. “Wipe out” is too informal for a medical report. “Fix,” “finish,” and “crush” are either too conversational or do not provide the same level of medical precision as “eradicate.”

82. Question

Which of the following is a complete sentence?

  1. The new resident physician arrived.
  2. Because the power went out during the severe thunderstorm.
  3. To prepare for the upcoming cardiovascular surgical procedure.
  4. Running quickly through the hospital corridors to grab the crash cart.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: A

A complete sentence must include a subject and a verb and express a complete idea. Choice A has the subject “physician” and the verb “arrived,” and it makes sense on its own. Choices B, C, and D are dependent clauses or phrases that lack a main subject, a main verb, or a complete thought.

83. Question (Challenging)

Which of the following sentences maintains consistent and correct verb tenses?

  1. The ambulance arrived quickly and transported the victim to the hospital.
  2. The surgeon scrubs in, puts on her gloves, and began the operation.
  3. I will study for the anatomy exam tonight and passed with flying colors.
  4. After the patient wakes up, the nurse checked his vital signs.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: A

Choice A consistently uses past tense verbs: “arrived” and “transported.” Choice B shifts from present tense to past tense (“scrubs/puts” to “began”). Choice D shifts from present to past (“wakes” to “checked”). Choice C shifts from future to past (“will study” to “passed”). These tense shifts make the timeline unclear.

84. Question (Challenging)

Which of the following words is spelled correctly?

  1. Embarass
  2. Accomodate
  3. Privilege
  4. Ocurrence
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: C

“Privilege” is spelled correctly with two “i”s and two “e”s. Choice B is missing an “m” (accommodate), Choice D is missing a “c” (occurrence), and Choice A is missing an “r” (embarrass). These are common spelling mistakes, which makes the incorrect options especially tempting.

85. Question

Which of the following sentences uses an apostrophe correctly?

  1. Its time for you to take your afternoon medication.
  2. The two doctor’s are in a meeting right now.
  3. The syringes are stored in those box’s over there.
  4. The patient’s chart is currently missing from the front desk.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: D

Choice D correctly uses an apostrophe to show singular possession, meaning the chart belongs to the patient. Choice B incorrectly adds an apostrophe to a simple plural noun (doctors). Choice A incorrectly leaves out the apostrophe in the contraction “It’s.” Choice C incorrectly uses an apostrophe to form the plural noun “boxes.”

86. Question

Which of the following sentences correctly uses pronoun-antecedent agreement?

  1. The hospital board reached its decision unanimously.
  2. A patient should always bring their insurance card.
  3. Both of the surgeons left his coat in the lounge.
  4. Every nurse must submit her timesheet by Friday.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: A

The pronoun “its” correctly matches the singular collective noun “board.” Choice B uses a plural pronoun (“their”) with a singular antecedent (“patient”). Choice D assumes a gender, while “his or her” would be more grammatically acceptable in formal writing. Choice C uses a singular pronoun (“his”) for the plural antecedent “Both.”

87. Question

Which of the following correctly joins the two independent clauses: “The new vaccine is highly effective.” “It must be stored at very low temperatures.”

  1. The new vaccine is highly effective because it must be stored at very low temperatures.
  2. The new vaccine is highly effective; however, it must be stored at very low temperatures.
  3. The new vaccine is highly effective, it must be stored at very low temperatures.
  4. The new vaccine is highly effective but it must be stored at very low temperatures.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: B

Choice B correctly joins two related independent clauses with a semicolon, the conjunctive adverb “however,” and a comma to show contrast. Choice C is a comma splice. Choice D lacks the comma needed before the coordinating conjunction “but.” Choice A changes the meaning by making storage temperature the reason the vaccine is effective.

88. Question

Which of the following sentences contains a dangling modifier?

  1. The nurse, exhausted after the 12-hour shift, quickly fell asleep.
  2. Exhausted after the 12-hour shift, the nurse found the bed incredibly comfortable.
  3. After a 12-hour shift, the nurse was exhausted and went straight to bed.
  4. Exhausted after the 12-hour shift, the bed felt incredibly comfortable to the nurse.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: D

A dangling modifier occurs when a descriptive phrase does not clearly or logically modify the noun that follows it. In Choice D, “Exhausted after the 12-hour shift” appears to modify “the bed,” suggesting illogically that the bed was exhausted. Students may miss the error if they do not check which noun comes immediately after the introductory phrase.

89. Question (Challenging)

Read the following sentence:
“The patient complained of severe abdominal pain. _______, the physician ordered an immediate CT scan.” Which transition word best fills in the blank to maintain logical flow?

  1. Consequently
  2. Furthermore
  3. However
  4. Nevertheless
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: A

The second sentence describes an action taken as a result of the situation in the first sentence. “Consequently” correctly shows cause and effect. “However” and “Nevertheless” indicate contrast, while “Furthermore” adds information without showing a direct result.

90. Question (Challenging)

Which of the following sentences contains a capitalization error?

  1. We traveled South for three hours to reach the coastal hospital.
  2. We crossed the Golden Gate Bridge on Tuesday.
  3. My uncle, Doctor Adams, works at the community clinic.
  4. She enrolled in Biology 101 for the fall semester.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: A

The word “South” is being used as a compass direction and should be lowercase (“south”). Compass points are capitalized only when they name a specific geographic region, such as “living in the South.” Students may overlook this because compass directions are often capitalized in addresses or regional names.

91. Question

Which of the following sentences is most appropriate for a formal academic research paper?

  1. It’s super obvious that resting is a great thing for healing wounds.
  2. The results of the clinical study totally blew our minds.
  3. The data suggests a significant correlation between adequate sleep and rapid recovery.
  4. You can see that sleep helps the patients get better much faster than normal.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: C

Formal academic tone uses objective, precise language and avoids slang, idioms, and second-person wording. Choice C uses professional and objective phrasing, such as “data suggests” and “significant correlation.” The other choices rely on informal expressions such as “blew our minds,” “much faster,” and “super obvious.”

92. Question (Challenging)

Based on your knowledge of word parts, what is the most likely meaning of the word “tachycardia”?

  1. An absence of a heartbeat
  2. A slow heartbeat
  3. A fast heartbeat
  4. An irregular heartbeat
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: C

The prefix “tachy-” means fast or rapid, and the root “cardia” refers to the heart. Therefore, tachycardia means a rapid heart rate. “Brady-” means slow, as in bradycardia, which makes Choice B a common distractor for students who mix up the two prefixes.

93. Question

Which of the following sentences uses a semicolon correctly?

  1. I am studying for my anatomy exams; which are scheduled for next week.
  2. The medication must be taken with food; otherwise, it may cause severe nausea.
  3. The night shift was incredibly long; because we had multiple emergency admissions.
  4. The supply room needs to be restocked with; bandages, syringes, and gauze.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: B

The semicolon is used properly here to connect two independent clauses joined by the conjunctive adverb “otherwise.” Choices A and C incorrectly place a semicolon before dependent clauses. Choice D incorrectly uses a semicolon before a list, where a colon or no punctuation would be appropriate.

94. Question

Which of the following words is spelled correctly, adhering to the traditional “i before e” rule and its exceptions?

  1. Wierd
  2. Conceive
  3. Acheive
  4. Nieghbor
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: B

“Conceive” is spelled correctly and follows the pattern “i before e, except after c.” Choice C should be spelled “achieve,” following the “i before e” pattern. Choices D and A are also misspelled; “neighbor” is an exception because it has an “ay” sound, and “weird” is an irregular exception.

95. Question

Fill in the blanks with the correct words:
The loud noise _______ the patient’s ability to sleep, resulting in a negative _______ on his recovery.

  1. effected; affect
  2. effected; effect
  3. affected; affect
  4. affected; effect
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: D

“Affected” is a verb meaning “influenced,” while “effect” is a noun meaning “result” or “outcome.” The first blank requires an action verb, so “affected” is correct; the second blank requires a noun, so “effect” is correct. Students often confuse these two words, making choices A and C plausible distractors.

96. Question

Which of the following sentences is the most clear and concise?

  1. At this point in time, we are currently out of stock of that specific medication.
  2. Due to the fact that it was raining, the outdoor wellness event was postponed.
  3. In my own personal opinion, I think the new uniform policy is a good one.
  4. The hospital implemented the new protocol to improve patient safety.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: D

Choice D states the idea directly and avoids unnecessary wording. Choice C is redundant because it uses both “In my own personal opinion” and “I think.” Choice B uses the wordy phrase “Due to the fact that” instead of “Because.” Choice A includes redundant wording such as “At this point in time” and “currently.”

97. Question

The pharmacist advised the patient not to _______ the prescribed dosage without first consulting a doctor.

  1. alltar
  2. altar
  3. alter
  4. allter
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: C

“Alter” is a verb that means to change or adjust. “Altar” is a noun referring to a raised structure used in religious ceremonies. Choices D and A are misspellings. This question tests a common homophone confusion.

98. Question

Which of the following sentences is a comma splice?

  1. Nursing is a demanding profession; it requires great dedication.
  2. Although she was extremely tired, she completed her shift.
  3. The lab results are ready, we can review them right now.
  4. The fever broke, and the patient finally slept peacefully.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: C

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined with only a comma and no coordinating conjunction, such as “and” or “but.” Choice C joins two complete sentences using only a comma. Choice D is correct because it includes both a comma and the conjunction “and.”

99. Question

Which of the following sentences demonstrates correct parallel structure?

  1. A good nurse must be observant, compassionate, and communicate effectively.
  2. The clinic’s goals are to provide care, to educate the community, and to promote wellness.
  3. The therapist instructed the patient to stretch, ice the joint, and taking ibuprofen.
  4. The doctor enjoys playing tennis, reading medical journals, and to cook.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: B

Parallel structure requires the items in a list or series to use the same grammatical form. Choice B consistently uses infinitive phrases: “to provide,” “to educate,” and “to promote.” Choice C mixes verb forms with a gerund, Choice D mixes gerunds with an infinitive, and Choice A mixes adjectives with a verb phrase.

100. Question

Which of the following sentences contains an ambiguous pronoun reference?

  1. When the nurse spoke to the patient, she smiled.
  2. After the surgery, the patient felt much better.
  3. The administrator reviewed the budget and approved it immediately.
  4. The doctor prescribed antibiotics for the severe bacterial infection.
Show Answer & Rationale

Correct Answer: A

An ambiguous pronoun reference occurs when it is not clear which noun a pronoun refers to. In Choice A, “she” could refer to either the nurse or the patient, so the meaning is unclear. The other choices either avoid pronoun confusion or use pronouns with clear antecedents.

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