50 Reading Questions – ATI TEAS Version 7 Style
Passage 1 (Narrative
/ Informational)
Read the passage
below and answer questions 1–5.
The circulatory
system is responsible for transporting oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and
cellular waste products throughout the body. The heart, a muscular organ
roughly the size of a fist, acts as the pump. It has four chambers: two atria
on the top and two ventricles on the bottom. Deoxygenated blood returns to the
right atrium, passes into the right ventricle, and is pumped to the lungs. In
the lungs, carbon dioxide is exchanged for oxygen. The now oxygen-rich blood
returns to the left atrium, moves into the left ventricle, and is then pumped
out to the rest of the body through the aorta.
What is the
primary purpose of this passage?
A) To persuade readers to exercise more
B) To describe the flow of blood through the heart
C) To compare the heart to other organs
D) To argue for better cardiac care
According to
the passage, which chamber pumps oxygenated blood to the body?
A) Right atrium
B) Right ventricle
C) Left atrium
D) Left ventricle
Which of the
following can be inferred from the passage?
A) The circulatory system only transports oxygen.
B) The lungs play a role in gas exchange.
C) The heart has six chambers.
D) The aorta receives deoxygenated blood.
The word
"exchanged" in the passage most nearly means:
A) Traded
B) Removed
C) Added
D) Stored
Which of the
following details is NOT mentioned in the passage?
A) The size of the heart
B) The number of chambers in the heart
C) The names of heart valves
D) The route of deoxygenated blood
Passage 2
(Expository / Scientific)
Read the
passage below and answer questions 6–10.
The Hawthorne
effect refers to a phenomenon in which individuals modify their behavior in
response to being observed. The term originated from a series of studies
conducted at the Hawthorne Works factory in Illinois during the 1920s and
1930s. Researchers initially sought to determine how lighting levels affected
worker productivity. Surprisingly, productivity improved regardless of whether
lighting was increased or decreased. The researchers concluded that the
attention from the study itself, rather than the lighting changes, was
responsible. Today, the Hawthorne effect is a critical consideration in
clinical research and educational settings, as observation may skew results.
What is the
main idea of the passage?
A) Factory lighting is essential for productivity.
B) People change their behavior when they know they are being watched.
C) The Hawthorne Works factory is still in operation.
D) Clinical research is always unreliable.
Which of the
following statements is a logical conclusion based on the passage?
A) The Hawthorne effect only occurs in factories.
B) Blind studies in medicine help reduce the Hawthorne effect.
C) The researchers expected productivity to decrease.
D) Lighting has no effect on human performance.
The passage
describes the original lighting study primarily to:
A) Explain how the Hawthorne effect was discovered
B) Argue for better lighting in modern factories
C) Disprove the Hawthorne effect
D) Compare different factory conditions
Which of the
following is an example of the Hawthorne effect as described in the passage?
A) A student studies harder right before an exam.
B) A nurse washes her hands more thoroughly when the supervisor is present.
C) A patient takes medication exactly as prescribed at home.
D) A doctor orders a standard blood test.
The word
"skew" in the last sentence most nearly means:
A) Distort
B) Confirm
C) Simplify
D) Remove
Passage 3
(Technical / Workplace – Memo)
Read the
passage below and answer questions 11–15.
MEMORANDUM
To: All Nursing Staff
From: Infection Control Committee
Date: March 15
Subject: New Hand Hygiene Protocol
Effective April
1, all clinical staff must use alcohol-based hand rub before and after every
patient encounter, even if gloves are worn. Hand washing with soap and water is
required when hands are visibly soiled, before eating, and after using the
restroom. Compliance will be monitored through direct observation and
electronic dispenser counters. Noncompliance may result in a written warning.
Please direct questions to the Infection Control office by March 25.
What is the
purpose of this memorandum?
A) To announce a change in hand hygiene requirements
B) To fire noncompliant staff
C) To describe the history of infection control
D) To request a meeting about hand soap
According to
the memo, when is hand washing with soap and water required?
A) Before every patient encounter
B) After every patient encounter
C) When hands are visibly soiled
D) Only when alcohol rub is unavailable
What can be
inferred about the current protocol?
A) It already requires hand hygiene after all patient encounters.
B) It did not previously require hand hygiene before patient encounters.
C) It will remain exactly the same after April 1.
D) It only applies to physicians.
Which of the
following is an opinion rather than a fact in the memo?
A) Effective April 1, all clinical staff must use alcohol-based hand rub.
B) Compliance will be monitored.
C) Noncompliance may result in a written warning.
D) Direct questions to the Infection Control office.
The intended
audience for this memo is:
A) Hospital visitors
B) All clinical staff
C) Patients
D) The general public
Passage 4
(Literary / Narrative)
Read the
passage below and answer questions 16–20.
The first day
of clinical rotation, Maria’s hands trembled as she pulled the stethoscope from
her bag. She had studied for months, passed every exam, and practiced on
mannequins until she could recite the steps in her sleep. But Mrs. Hendricks
was not a mannequin. The elderly woman in Bed 4 looked up with tired eyes and
said, “You’re new, aren’t you, dear?” Maria nodded, unable to speak. “Everyone
starts somewhere,” Mrs. Hendricks said, extending a thin, papery hand. “Why
don’t you practice taking my blood pressure?” Maria swallowed hard, placed the
earpieces, and listened. Lub-dub. Lub-dub. For the first time, she heard not
just a sound but a story.
Which of the
following best describes the mood of the passage?
A) Joyful and celebratory
B) Anxious then reassured
C) Angry and confrontational
D) Bored and indifferent
The phrase
“heard not just a sound but a story” suggests that Maria:
A) Began to understand the human connection behind clinical skills
B) Heard Mrs. Hendricks speak about her life
C) Realized she had forgotten how to use the stethoscope
D) Decided to change careers
Which of the
following is the primary conflict in this passage?
A) Maria vs. the mannequin
B) Maria vs. her fear of real patient interaction
C) Mrs. Hendricks vs. the hospital staff
D) Maria vs. the exam system
The author’s
use of the word “trembled” serves to:
A) Emphasize Maria’s physical anxiety
B) Indicate cold weather in the room
C) Show that Maria is angry
D) Suggest that Maria is ill
Which of the
following can be inferred about Mrs. Hendricks?
A) She is hostile toward nursing students.
B) She has experience being treated by nervous beginners.
C) She refuses to have her blood pressure taken.
D) She is a doctor.
Passage 5
(Informational / Health)
Read the
passage below and answer questions 21–25.
Dehydration
occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in, leading to an insufficient
amount of water to carry out normal functions. Early signs include thirst, dry
mouth, fatigue, and dark-colored urine. Severe dehydration can cause confusion,
rapid heartbeat, and even organ failure. Older adults are at higher risk
because the sense of thirst diminishes with age. Additionally, individuals with
diabetes or kidney disease are more vulnerable. Treatment for mild dehydration
includes drinking water or oral rehydration solutions. Severe cases require
intravenous fluids in a medical setting.
Which of the
following is the best summary of the passage?
A) Dehydration is rare and only affects older adults.
B) Dehydration is dangerous only in hot weather.
C) Dehydration is a fluid imbalance with mild to severe symptoms, and certain
populations are at higher risk.
D) Drinking water cures all forms of dehydration.
According to
the passage, why are older adults more prone to dehydration?
A) They exercise more.
B) They do not feel thirst as strongly.
C) They have larger body size.
D) They drink too much water.
Which of the
following is a sign of severe dehydration mentioned in the passage?
A) Thirst
B) Dry mouth
C) Rapid heartbeat
D) Dark urine
The word
"diminishes" in the passage most nearly means:
A) Increases
B) Strengthens
C) Decreases
D) Confuses
Which of the
following conclusions is supported by the passage?
A) IV fluids are never necessary for dehydration.
B) Thirst is a reliable early indicator but may be absent in some populations.
C) Only older adults can become dehydrated.
D) Dehydration has no effect on organ function.
Passage 6
(Expository / History of Medicine)
Read the
passage below and answer questions 26–30.
Before the
development of antiseptic techniques in the 19th century, postoperative
infections were common and frequently fatal. Ignaz Semmelweis, a Hungarian
physician, observed that women giving birth in hospital clinics had much higher
mortality rates from childbed fever than those who gave birth at home. He noted
that medical students often went directly from performing autopsies to
examining pregnant women without washing their hands. When he introduced a
policy of hand washing with chlorinated lime solution, mortality rates dropped
dramatically. Despite his evidence, the medical establishment rejected his
ideas because they conflicted with the prevailing theory that diseases were
caused by "miasma" (bad air). It was only later, with the work of
Louis Pasteur and Joseph Lister, that germ theory gained acceptance.
What is the
main idea of the passage?
A) Semmelweis was a cruel physician.
B) Hand washing is still controversial today.
C) Early evidence for antiseptic techniques was rejected due to existing beliefs.
D) Home birth is safer than hospital birth.
According to
the passage, why did the medical establishment reject Semmelweis’s hand-washing
policy?
A) Hand washing was too expensive.
B) It contradicted the miasma theory of disease.
C) His mortality data were incorrect.
D) Chlorinated lime caused skin rashes.
What can be
inferred about Louis Pasteur and Joseph Lister?
A) They rejected Semmelweis’s ideas.
B) They supported the miasma theory.
C) Their work helped validate Semmelweis’s findings.
D) They were Hungarian physicians.
The author’s
tone in describing the rejection of Semmelweis’s ideas can best be described as:
A) Celebratory
B) Critical of the medical establishment
C) Indifferent
D) Humorous
Which of the
following is a fact presented in the passage?
A) Semmelweis’s ideas were wrong.
B) Medical students performed autopsies.
C) Miasma theory is correct.
D) Home birth has zero mortality.
Passage 7
(Technical / Procedure)
Read the
passage below and answer questions 31–35.
Procedure for
Measuring Blood Pressure (Manual)
Have the
patient sit quietly for 5 minutes with feet flat on the floor and back
supported.
Locate the brachial artery just above the antecubital fossa (inner elbow).
Wrap the cuff snugly around the bare upper arm, aligning the cuff’s marker over
the brachial artery.
Place the stethoscope earpieces in your ears. Position the diaphragm over the
brachial artery.
Inflate the cuff to 180 mmHg or until the radial pulse disappears, plus 20–30
mmHg.
Slowly deflate the cuff at 2–3 mmHg per second.
Note the first clear tapping sound (systolic pressure) and the point where
sound disappears (diastolic pressure).
What is the
purpose of this passage?
A) To explain the history of blood pressure measurement
B) To provide step-by-step instructions for manual blood pressure measurement
C) To compare manual and automatic blood pressure devices
D) To persuade the reader to use a digital cuff
According to
the procedure, what should be done immediately before inflating the cuff?
A) Deflate the cuff completely
B) Position the stethoscope diaphragm
C) Have the patient stand up
D) Remove the patient’s shirt entirely
The systolic
pressure is identified as:
A) The point where sound disappears
B) The first clear tapping sound
C) The pressure at 180 mmHg
D) The radial pulse
Which of the
following would be a contraindication (reason not to follow this procedure as
written)?
A) The patient has a brachial pulse.
B) The patient has a mastectomy on that arm.
C) The patient is over 18 years old.
D) The patient is sitting quietly.
The word
"snugly" in step 3 most nearly means:
A) Loosely
B) Tightly but comfortably
C) Painfully
D) Quickly
Passage 8
(Argumentative / Policy)
Read the
passage below and answer questions 36–40.
Mandatory flu
vaccination for healthcare workers is not only reasonable but essential. Each
year, influenza kills tens of thousands of Americans. Healthcare workers are in
close contact with vulnerable patients — the elderly, infants, and those with
compromised immune systems. An unvaccinated healthcare worker can transmit the
virus even if they have mild or no symptoms. While some argue that mandatory
vaccination infringes on personal autonomy, patient safety must take
precedence. Exceptions can be made for legitimate medical or religious reasons.
Therefore, all healthcare facilities should adopt mandatory flu vaccination
policies with limited exemptions.
Which of the
following best describes the author’s main claim?
A) Flu vaccines are ineffective.
B) Healthcare facilities should require flu vaccination for staff.
C) Patients should be vaccinated instead of staff.
D) Mandatory vaccination has no exemptions.
The author
addresses the counterargument about personal autonomy by:
A) Ignoring it completely
B) Stating that patient safety outweighs personal autonomy in this context
C) Agreeing that autonomy is more important
D) Suggesting that healthcare workers have no rights
Which of the
following, if true, would most weaken the author’s argument?
A) The flu vaccine is widely available and safe.
B) Healthcare workers rarely transmit flu to patients.
C) Many patients request that staff be vaccinated.
D) Exemptions are allowed for medical reasons.
The phrase
"even if they have mild or no symptoms" serves to emphasize that:
A) Vaccinated people cannot spread the flu.
B) Unvaccinated workers can be silent carriers.
C) Symptoms are required for transmission.
D) The flu is not serious.
The author’s
tone is best described as:
A) Indifferent
B) Playful
C) Persuasive and urgent
D) Uncertain
Passage 9
(Informational / Nutrition)
Read the
passage below and answer questions 41–45.
Electrolytes
are minerals that carry an electric charge and are vital for many bodily
functions. Key electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium,
chloride, and phosphate. Sodium helps regulate fluid balance and nerve
transmission. Potassium is essential for muscle contraction and heart rhythm.
Imbalances can occur due to vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, or kidney disease.
Hyponatremia (low sodium) can cause confusion and seizures. Hyperkalemia (high
potassium) can lead to dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. Treatment of electrolyte
imbalances depends on the specific electrolyte and the severity of the
abnormality.
Which of the
following is a correct statement based on the passage?
A) Electrolytes are not important for heart function.
B) Potassium imbalance can affect heart rhythm.
C) Only sodium imbalances are dangerous.
D) Electrolytes carry no electric charge.
The passage
mentions all of the following as causes of electrolyte imbalance EXCEPT:
A) Vomiting
B) Diarrhea
C) Exercise
D) Kidney disease
According to
the passage, hyponatremia is associated with:
A) High sodium
B) Cardiac arrhythmias
C) Confusion and seizures
D) Muscle growth
Which of the
following can be inferred from the passage?
A) Electrolyte imbalances are always treated the same way.
B) Kidneys play a role in electrolyte regulation.
C) Magnesium is not an electrolyte.
D) Sweating does not affect electrolytes.
The word
"vital" in the first sentence most nearly means:
A) Optional
B) Unimportant
C) Essential
D) Toxic
Passage 10
(Mixed – Table / Graph Comprehension)
Table:
Patient Vital Signs Over 4 Hours
Time | Heart
Rate (bpm) | Blood Pressure (mmHg) | Temperature (°F)
0800 | 88 | 138/86 | 98.6
1000 | 94 | 142/88 | 99.2
1200 | 102 | 150/90 | 100.1
1400 | 110 | 158/94 | 101.3
According to
the table, which vital sign showed a consistent increase over the four-hour
period?
A) Heart rate only
B) Blood pressure only
C) Temperature only
D) All three vital signs
At which time
was the patient’s temperature closest to normal (98.6°F)?
A) 0800
B) 1000
C) 1200
D) 1400
Which of the
following statements is best supported by the data?
A) The patient’s condition appears to be worsening.
B) The patient is improving.
C) The patient’s blood pressure is decreasing.
D) The patient’s heart rate is stable.
The change in
heart rate from 0800 to 1400 is approximately:
A) 2 bpm increase
B) 22 bpm increase
C) 50 bpm decrease
D) No change
Which of the following additional pieces of
information would be most useful to interpret the trend?
A) The patient’s favorite food
B) The patient’s age and medical history
C) The room number
D) The name of the nurse
ATI TEAS Reading Answers (1–50) with Short Reasons
Passage 1 (1–5)
1.
B) To describe the flow of blood through the
heart
→ Passage explains circulation steps, not persuasion or argument.
2.
D) Left ventricle
→ Left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to body.
3.
B) The lungs play a role in gas exchange
→ CO₂ ↔ O₂ exchange is clearly described.
4.
A) Traded
→ “Exchanged” = swapped/traded.
5.
C) The names of heart valves
→ Valves are not mentioned.
Passage 2 (6–10)
6.
B) People change their behavior when they know
they are being watched
→ Main definition of Hawthorne effect.
7.
B) Blind studies in medicine help reduce the
Hawthorne effect
→ If observation affects behavior, blinding reduces it.
8.
A) Explain how the Hawthorne effect was
discovered
→ Factory study is historical explanation.
9.
B) A nurse washes her hands more thoroughly
when supervisor is present
→ Behavior changes due to observation.
10. A) Distort
→ “Skew” = distort results.
Passage 3 (11–15)
11. A) To announce a change in
hand hygiene requirements
→ Memo introduces new protocol.
12. C) When hands are visibly
soiled
→ Directly stated in memo.
13. B) It did not previously
require hand hygiene before patient encounters
→ New rule adds “before and after.”
14. C) Noncompliance may result
in a written warning
→ “May” shows possibility/opinion.
15. B) All clinical staff
→ Addressed to nursing staff.
Passage 4 (16–20)
16. B) Anxious then reassured
→ Fear → comfort from patient.
17. A) Began to understand the
human connection behind clinical skills
→ Shift from mechanical to human meaning.
18. B) Maria vs. her fear of real
patient interaction
→ Internal conflict.
19. A) Emphasize Maria’s physical
anxiety
→ “Trembled” shows nervousness.
20. B) She has experience being
treated by nervous beginners
→ Her calm supportive behavior suggests familiarity.
Passage 5 (21–25)
21. C) Dehydration is a fluid
imbalance with mild to severe symptoms...
→ Best overall summary.
22. B) They do not feel thirst as
strongly
→ Explicitly stated.
23. C) Rapid heartbeat
→ Severe symptom listed.
24. C) Decreases
→ “Diminishes” = decreases.
25. B) Thirst may be absent in
some populations
→ Older adults may not feel thirst.
Passage 6 (26–30)
26. C) Early evidence for
antiseptic techniques was rejected due to existing beliefs
→ Central idea.
27. B) It contradicted the miasma
theory of disease
→ Key reason for rejection.
28. C) Their work helped validate
Semmelweis’s findings
→ Germ theory supports him.
29. B) Critical of the medical
establishment
→ Shows rejection despite evidence.
30. B) Medical students performed
autopsies
→ Direct factual detail.
Passage 7 (31–35)
31. B) To provide step-by-step
instructions for manual blood pressure measurement
→ It is a procedure.
32. B) Position the stethoscope
diaphragm
→ Done before inflating cuff.
33. B) The first clear tapping
sound
→ Systolic = first Korotkoff sound.
34. B) The patient has a
mastectomy on that arm
→ Contraindication (safety issue).
35. B) Tightly but comfortably
→ “Snugly” = firm but not painful.
Passage 8 (36–40)
36. B) Healthcare facilities
should require flu vaccination for staff
→ Main argument.
37. B) Stating patient safety
outweighs autonomy
→ Counterargument addressed.
38. B) Healthcare workers rarely
transmit flu to patients
→ Weakens need for mandate.
39. B) Unvaccinated workers can
be silent carriers
→ Asymptomatic transmission.
40. C) Persuasive and urgent
→ Strong advocacy tone.
Passage 9 (41–45)
41. B) Potassium imbalance can
affect heart rhythm
→ Direct statement.
42. C) Exercise
→ Not listed in passage.
43. C) Confusion and seizures
→ Hyponatremia symptoms.
44. B) Kidneys play a role in
electrolyte regulation
→ Implied from kidney disease mention.
45. C) Essential
→ “Vital” = essential.
Passage 10 (46–50)
46. D) All three vital signs
→ HR, BP, temp all increase steadily.
47. A) 0800
→ Closest to 98.6°F.
48. A) The patient’s condition
appears to be worsening
→ Increasing vitals indicate deterioration.
49. B) 22 bpm increase
→ 110 − 88 = 22.
50. B) The patient’s age and
medical history
→ Needed for clinical interpretation.
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