TEAS Nursing Entrance Exam Questions and Answers 2025/2026 |
Complete TEAS Study Guide for Nursing School Admission, Reading,
Mathematics, Science, and English Language Skills, Practice Tests, Verified
Answers, Detailed Rationales, Test-Taking Strategies, High-Yield Content,
and Comprehensive Preparation Bundle for Aspiring Nurses
Question 1: Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of a passage that explains the
step-by-step process of how the human kidney filters blood to produce urine?
A. To entertain the reader with a fictional story about organ function
B. To persuade the reader to donate a kidney
C. To inform the reader about a physiological process
D. To compare kidney function in humans versus animals
CORRECT ANSWER: C. To inform the reader about a physiological process
RATIONALE: The passage describes a biological mechanism in a factual, sequential manner, which
aligns with an informative or expository purpose. TEAS reading questions often assess the ability to
identify author intent, and explanatory scientific content is typically classified as informative.
Question 2: A patient reads a medication label that states, "Take two tablets by mouth every 8 hours
with food." What is the most appropriate inference regarding the dosing schedule?
A. The medication should be taken only when symptoms occur
B. The medication requires consistent blood levels maintained throughout the day
C. The medication is ineffective if taken without food
D. The medication should be discontinued after three doses
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The medication requires consistent blood levels maintained throughout the day
RATIONALE: Dosing every 8 hours suggests the drug has a relatively short half-life and requires regular
administration to maintain therapeutic levels. While food may enhance absorption or reduce GI upset,
the timing interval primarily supports pharmacokinetic stability, a key concept in nursing medication
administration.
Question 3: In a passage discussing the benefits of hand hygiene in healthcare settings, the author
cites a 2023 CDC study showing a 40% reduction in hospital-acquired infections after implementing
mandatory handwashing protocols. What type of evidence is the author primarily using?
A. Anecdotal evidence
B. Statistical evidence
C. Expert testimony
D. Hypothetical reasoning
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Statistical evidence
RATIONALE: The reference to a specific percentage reduction from a CDC study constitutes
quantitative, data-driven support. TEAS reading questions frequently test recognition of evidence types,
and numerical outcomes from research studies are classified as statistical evidence.
,Question 4: Which sentence best summarizes the following paragraph? "Nursing documentation must
be timely, accurate, and objective. Delayed charting can lead to errors in patient care, while subjective
language may compromise legal defensibility. Electronic health records have improved accessibility
but require diligent data entry."
A. Electronic health records are superior to paper charts in all clinical settings
B. Accurate and prompt nursing documentation is critical for patient safety and legal protection
C. Subjective language in charts is acceptable if the nurse signs the entry
D. Legal issues in nursing arise primarily from electronic record systems
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Accurate and prompt nursing documentation is critical for patient safety and
legal protection
RATIONALE: The paragraph emphasizes timeliness, accuracy, objectivity, and the implications of poor
documentation. Option B captures all key elements without adding unsupported claims, demonstrating
the skill of identifying central ideas—a core TEAS reading competency.
Question 5: A passage states, "Although aspirin is effective for pain relief, it should be used cautiously
in pediatric patients due to the risk of Reye's syndrome." What is the author's tone in this sentence?
A. Enthusiastic
B. Indifferent
C. Cautious
D. Sarcastic
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Cautious
RATIONALE: The use of "although" and "should be used cautiously" signals a measured, warning-
oriented tone appropriate for clinical guidance. TEAS questions often assess tone identification, and
words indicating restraint or warning typically reflect a cautious tone in medical contexts.
Question 6: In the sentence, "The nurse assessed the patient's apical pulse before administering
digoxin," what does the word "assessed" most nearly mean?
A. Ignored
B. Evaluated
C. Prescribed
D. Discharged
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Evaluated
RATIONALE: In clinical terminology, "assessed" refers to the systematic collection and analysis of
patient data. This vocabulary-in-context question tests understanding of professional nursing language,
a common TEAS reading skill.
Question 7: Which of the following is an example of a primary source in a research article about
wound care techniques?
A. A literature review summarizing 50 studies on hydrocolloid dressings
B. A textbook chapter describing standard sterile procedure
,C. A nurse's firsthand account of using negative pressure therapy on a diabetic ulcer
D. An editorial opinion on the cost-effectiveness of advanced wound products
CORRECT ANSWER: C. A nurse's firsthand account of using negative pressure therapy on a diabetic
ulcer
RATIONALE: Primary sources present original, firsthand data or experiences. TEAS reading questions
often distinguish between primary and secondary sources; a direct clinical account qualifies as primary,
whereas reviews, textbooks, and editorials are secondary.
Question 8: A patient instruction leaflet reads: "Do not operate heavy machinery while taking this
medication." What is the most logical reason for this warning?
A. The medication may cause drowsiness or impaired coordination
B. The medication is expensive and machinery operation could damage it
C. The medication requires refrigeration, which is unavailable in vehicles
D. The medication interacts with gasoline fumes
CORRECT ANSWER: A. The medication may cause drowsiness or impaired coordination
RATIONALE: Many medications, particularly antihistamines, opioids, or muscle relaxants, carry
warnings about operating machinery due to central nervous system depression. This inference question
tests practical application of medication safety knowledge.
Question 9: Which organizational pattern is used in a passage that lists the signs and symptoms of
hypoglycemia, followed by recommended interventions for each?
A. Chronological order
B. Cause and effect
C. Problem and solution
D. Compare and contrast
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Problem and solution
RATIONALE: The passage first identifies a clinical problem (hypoglycemia symptoms) and then provides
corresponding solutions (interventions). Recognizing text structure is a key TEAS reading skill, and
problem-solution is common in clinical guidelines.
Question 10: In a graph showing patient wait times in an emergency department over a 24-hour
period, the highest peak occurs at 6 PM. What conclusion is best supported by this data?
A. Emergency departments should close at 6 PM to reduce wait times
B. Staffing levels may need to be increased during evening hours
C. Patients prefer to visit the ER at 6 PM
D. Wait times are unrelated to staffing
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Staffing levels may need to be increased during evening hours
, RATIONALE: Data interpretation questions on the TEAS require logical conclusions based solely on
presented information. A peak in wait times suggests higher demand or insufficient resources at that
time, making increased staffing a reasonable inference.
Question 11: Which of the following best defines the term "triage" as used in emergency nursing?
A. The process of discharging patients quickly
B. The systematic prioritization of patients based on severity of condition
C. The documentation of patient allergies
D. The administration of pain medication upon arrival
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The systematic prioritization of patients based on severity of condition
RATIONALE: Triage is a foundational emergency care concept involving rapid assessment to determine
treatment priority. This definition question tests knowledge of essential nursing terminology within a
reading context.
Question 12: A passage argues that mandatory overtime for nurses leads to increased medical errors.
Which of the following, if true, would most weaken this argument?
A. A study shows no significant difference in error rates between nurses working mandatory versus
voluntary overtime
B. Nurses report higher job satisfaction when overtime is optional
C. Hospitals with mandatory overtime policies have higher patient satisfaction scores
D. Medical errors are more common during daytime shifts
CORRECT ANSWER: A. A study shows no significant difference in error rates between nurses working
mandatory versus voluntary overtime
RATIONALE: To weaken a causal argument, evidence showing no correlation between the proposed
cause (mandatory overtime) and effect (errors) is most effective. This critical reasoning question
assesses evaluation of argument strength, a TEAS reading objective.
Question 13: What is the meaning of the prefix "brady-" in the medical term "bradycardia"?
A. Fast
B. Irregular
C. Slow
D. Absent
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Slow
RATIONALE: Medical terminology questions on the TEAS often test knowledge of Greek and Latin
roots. "Brady-" means slow, as in bradycardia (slow heart rate), while "tachy-" means fast.
Understanding prefixes aids in decoding unfamiliar clinical terms.
Question 14: Which sentence demonstrates correct use of context clues to determine the meaning of
"hemostasis" in the following passage: "After the laceration was cleaned, the nurse applied direct
pressure to achieve hemostasis before suturing."
Complete TEAS Study Guide for Nursing School Admission, Reading,
Mathematics, Science, and English Language Skills, Practice Tests, Verified
Answers, Detailed Rationales, Test-Taking Strategies, High-Yield Content,
and Comprehensive Preparation Bundle for Aspiring Nurses
Question 1: Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of a passage that explains the
step-by-step process of how the human kidney filters blood to produce urine?
A. To entertain the reader with a fictional story about organ function
B. To persuade the reader to donate a kidney
C. To inform the reader about a physiological process
D. To compare kidney function in humans versus animals
CORRECT ANSWER: C. To inform the reader about a physiological process
RATIONALE: The passage describes a biological mechanism in a factual, sequential manner, which
aligns with an informative or expository purpose. TEAS reading questions often assess the ability to
identify author intent, and explanatory scientific content is typically classified as informative.
Question 2: A patient reads a medication label that states, "Take two tablets by mouth every 8 hours
with food." What is the most appropriate inference regarding the dosing schedule?
A. The medication should be taken only when symptoms occur
B. The medication requires consistent blood levels maintained throughout the day
C. The medication is ineffective if taken without food
D. The medication should be discontinued after three doses
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The medication requires consistent blood levels maintained throughout the day
RATIONALE: Dosing every 8 hours suggests the drug has a relatively short half-life and requires regular
administration to maintain therapeutic levels. While food may enhance absorption or reduce GI upset,
the timing interval primarily supports pharmacokinetic stability, a key concept in nursing medication
administration.
Question 3: In a passage discussing the benefits of hand hygiene in healthcare settings, the author
cites a 2023 CDC study showing a 40% reduction in hospital-acquired infections after implementing
mandatory handwashing protocols. What type of evidence is the author primarily using?
A. Anecdotal evidence
B. Statistical evidence
C. Expert testimony
D. Hypothetical reasoning
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Statistical evidence
RATIONALE: The reference to a specific percentage reduction from a CDC study constitutes
quantitative, data-driven support. TEAS reading questions frequently test recognition of evidence types,
and numerical outcomes from research studies are classified as statistical evidence.
,Question 4: Which sentence best summarizes the following paragraph? "Nursing documentation must
be timely, accurate, and objective. Delayed charting can lead to errors in patient care, while subjective
language may compromise legal defensibility. Electronic health records have improved accessibility
but require diligent data entry."
A. Electronic health records are superior to paper charts in all clinical settings
B. Accurate and prompt nursing documentation is critical for patient safety and legal protection
C. Subjective language in charts is acceptable if the nurse signs the entry
D. Legal issues in nursing arise primarily from electronic record systems
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Accurate and prompt nursing documentation is critical for patient safety and
legal protection
RATIONALE: The paragraph emphasizes timeliness, accuracy, objectivity, and the implications of poor
documentation. Option B captures all key elements without adding unsupported claims, demonstrating
the skill of identifying central ideas—a core TEAS reading competency.
Question 5: A passage states, "Although aspirin is effective for pain relief, it should be used cautiously
in pediatric patients due to the risk of Reye's syndrome." What is the author's tone in this sentence?
A. Enthusiastic
B. Indifferent
C. Cautious
D. Sarcastic
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Cautious
RATIONALE: The use of "although" and "should be used cautiously" signals a measured, warning-
oriented tone appropriate for clinical guidance. TEAS questions often assess tone identification, and
words indicating restraint or warning typically reflect a cautious tone in medical contexts.
Question 6: In the sentence, "The nurse assessed the patient's apical pulse before administering
digoxin," what does the word "assessed" most nearly mean?
A. Ignored
B. Evaluated
C. Prescribed
D. Discharged
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Evaluated
RATIONALE: In clinical terminology, "assessed" refers to the systematic collection and analysis of
patient data. This vocabulary-in-context question tests understanding of professional nursing language,
a common TEAS reading skill.
Question 7: Which of the following is an example of a primary source in a research article about
wound care techniques?
A. A literature review summarizing 50 studies on hydrocolloid dressings
B. A textbook chapter describing standard sterile procedure
,C. A nurse's firsthand account of using negative pressure therapy on a diabetic ulcer
D. An editorial opinion on the cost-effectiveness of advanced wound products
CORRECT ANSWER: C. A nurse's firsthand account of using negative pressure therapy on a diabetic
ulcer
RATIONALE: Primary sources present original, firsthand data or experiences. TEAS reading questions
often distinguish between primary and secondary sources; a direct clinical account qualifies as primary,
whereas reviews, textbooks, and editorials are secondary.
Question 8: A patient instruction leaflet reads: "Do not operate heavy machinery while taking this
medication." What is the most logical reason for this warning?
A. The medication may cause drowsiness or impaired coordination
B. The medication is expensive and machinery operation could damage it
C. The medication requires refrigeration, which is unavailable in vehicles
D. The medication interacts with gasoline fumes
CORRECT ANSWER: A. The medication may cause drowsiness or impaired coordination
RATIONALE: Many medications, particularly antihistamines, opioids, or muscle relaxants, carry
warnings about operating machinery due to central nervous system depression. This inference question
tests practical application of medication safety knowledge.
Question 9: Which organizational pattern is used in a passage that lists the signs and symptoms of
hypoglycemia, followed by recommended interventions for each?
A. Chronological order
B. Cause and effect
C. Problem and solution
D. Compare and contrast
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Problem and solution
RATIONALE: The passage first identifies a clinical problem (hypoglycemia symptoms) and then provides
corresponding solutions (interventions). Recognizing text structure is a key TEAS reading skill, and
problem-solution is common in clinical guidelines.
Question 10: In a graph showing patient wait times in an emergency department over a 24-hour
period, the highest peak occurs at 6 PM. What conclusion is best supported by this data?
A. Emergency departments should close at 6 PM to reduce wait times
B. Staffing levels may need to be increased during evening hours
C. Patients prefer to visit the ER at 6 PM
D. Wait times are unrelated to staffing
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Staffing levels may need to be increased during evening hours
, RATIONALE: Data interpretation questions on the TEAS require logical conclusions based solely on
presented information. A peak in wait times suggests higher demand or insufficient resources at that
time, making increased staffing a reasonable inference.
Question 11: Which of the following best defines the term "triage" as used in emergency nursing?
A. The process of discharging patients quickly
B. The systematic prioritization of patients based on severity of condition
C. The documentation of patient allergies
D. The administration of pain medication upon arrival
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The systematic prioritization of patients based on severity of condition
RATIONALE: Triage is a foundational emergency care concept involving rapid assessment to determine
treatment priority. This definition question tests knowledge of essential nursing terminology within a
reading context.
Question 12: A passage argues that mandatory overtime for nurses leads to increased medical errors.
Which of the following, if true, would most weaken this argument?
A. A study shows no significant difference in error rates between nurses working mandatory versus
voluntary overtime
B. Nurses report higher job satisfaction when overtime is optional
C. Hospitals with mandatory overtime policies have higher patient satisfaction scores
D. Medical errors are more common during daytime shifts
CORRECT ANSWER: A. A study shows no significant difference in error rates between nurses working
mandatory versus voluntary overtime
RATIONALE: To weaken a causal argument, evidence showing no correlation between the proposed
cause (mandatory overtime) and effect (errors) is most effective. This critical reasoning question
assesses evaluation of argument strength, a TEAS reading objective.
Question 13: What is the meaning of the prefix "brady-" in the medical term "bradycardia"?
A. Fast
B. Irregular
C. Slow
D. Absent
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Slow
RATIONALE: Medical terminology questions on the TEAS often test knowledge of Greek and Latin
roots. "Brady-" means slow, as in bradycardia (slow heart rate), while "tachy-" means fast.
Understanding prefixes aids in decoding unfamiliar clinical terms.
Question 14: Which sentence demonstrates correct use of context clues to determine the meaning of
"hemostasis" in the following passage: "After the laceration was cleaned, the nurse applied direct
pressure to achieve hemostasis before suturing."
