Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS) - Version 7
With Answer Key
Missouri Western State University – School of Nursing
Field Student Entry
Full Legal Name (Last, First, Middle) _________________________________
Preferred Name _________________________________
MWSU Student ID (if assigned) _________________________________
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
This examination consists of 170 total items. While the actual TEAS includes 20 unscored pretest items,
this practice exam contains 150 scored items only. You have a total of 209 minutes to complete all
sections, with each content area timed separately.
Recommended
Content Area Number of Scored Items Time Limit
Pace
39 scored items (45 total items 55
Reading ~1.2 min/question
including 6 unscored) minutes
34 scored items (38 total items 57
Mathematics ~1.5 min/question
including 4 unscored) minutes
44 scored items (50 total items 60
Science ~1.2 min/question
including 6 unscored) minutes
English & Language 33 scored items (37 total items 37
~1 min/question
Usage including 4 unscored) minutes
, Recommended
Content Area Number of Scored Items Time Limit
Pace
209
TOTAL 150 scored items
minutes
Scoring Note: There is no penalty for guessing, so be sure to answer every questioN
SECTION I: READING (39 scored items)
Time Limit: 55 minutes
The Reading section assesses three main sub-content areas: Key Ideas and Details (15 items), Craft and
Structure (9 items), and Integration of Knowledge and Ideas (15 items). Question types include multiple
choice, multiple select, and hot spot.
Passage 1 (Questions 1–5)
The following passage discusses a common medical phenomenon.
Surgical Site Infections: Prevention and Management
Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a significant cause of postoperative morbidity despite advances in
sterile technique. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that SSIs occur in
approximately 2–5% of patients undergoing inpatient surgical procedures. These infections not only
prolong hospitalization by an average of 7–11 days but also increase healthcare costs substantially.
Several risk factors predispose patients to SSI development. Patient-related factors include advanced
age, obesity, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and immunosuppression. Procedure-related factors encompass
prolonged operative time, inadequate antibiotic prophylaxis, and poor surgical technique. The most
common pathogens isolated from SSIs are Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant strains),
coagulase-negative staphylococci, and enterococci.
Prevention strategies focus on modifiable risk factors. Preoperative measures include smoking cessation
programs, optimization of blood glucose levels, and administration of appropriate prophylactic
antibiotics within 60 minutes of incision. Intraoperative strategies involve meticulous hemostasis, gentle
tissue handling, and maintenance of normothermia. Postoperative wound care emphasizes prompt
recognition of infection signs: erythema, warmth, purulent drainage, and fever.
Treatment of established SSIs requires source control through surgical debridement and appropriate
antimicrobial therapy based on culture results. Superficial incisional infections often respond to oral
antibiotics and wound care, whereas deep infections typically necessitate intravenous antibiotics and
operative intervention.
1. Which of the following best states the central idea of the passage?
A. Surgical site infections are rare complications that require minimal treatment.
B. Surgical site infections pose significant risks, but prevention and treatment strategies are well-
established.
C. Only patient-related factors contribute to the development of surgical site infections.
D. Surgical debridement is the only effective treatment for all surgical site infections.
,2. Based on information in the passage, which patient would be at HIGHEST risk for developing a surgical
site infection?
A. A 25-year-old athlete undergoing a 30-minute procedure
B. A 70-year-old with diabetes and obesity undergoing a 4-hour surgery
C. A 40-year-old nonsmoker undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy
D. A 55-year-old with well-controlled hypertension undergoing cataract surgery
3. The word "prophylactic" as used in paragraph 3 most nearly means:
A. Diagnostic
B. Curative
C. Preventative
D. Experimental
4. Which of the following conclusions is best supported by the passage?
A. All surgical site infections can be prevented with proper sterile technique.
B. Deep incisional infections are generally more serious than superficial infections.
C. Antibiotics should never be administered after surgery is complete.
D. Surgical site infections rarely increase hospital length of stay.
5. Which of the following would be the most appropriate title for this passage?
A. "The History of Surgical Sterilization Techniques"
B. "Understanding, Preventing, and Treating Surgical Site Infections"
C. "How Bacteria Cause Postoperative Complications"
D. "A Comparison of Surgical Antiseptic Agents"
Passage 2 (Questions 6–10)
Read the following excerpt from a patient education brochure.
Understanding Your Blood Pressure Numbers
When you receive a blood pressure reading, you will see two numbers, such as 120/80 mm Hg. The top
number, systolic pressure, measures the force your heart exerts on artery walls each time it beats. The
bottom number, diastolic pressure, measures the force your heart exerts on artery walls while resting
between beats. Both numbers are essential for determining your cardiovascular health status.
According to the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines updated in
2017, blood pressure categories are as follows: Normal blood pressure is defined as systolic less than
120 mm Hg AND diastolic less than 80 mm Hg. Elevated blood pressure is systolic 120–129 mm Hg AND
diastolic less than 80 mm Hg. Hypertension Stage 1 is systolic 130–139 mm Hg OR diastolic 80–89 mm
Hg. Hypertension Stage 2 is systolic at least 140 mm Hg OR diastolic at least 90 mm Hg. A hypertensive
crisis (requiring emergency medical attention) is systolic over 180 mm Hg and/or diastolic over 120 mm
Hg.
Single elevated readings do not necessarily indicate hypertension, as blood pressure naturally fluctuates
throughout the day in response to activity, stress, and other factors. A diagnosis of hypertension
typically requires two or more elevated readings taken on separate occasions.
6. According to the passage, which blood pressure reading would be classified as Hypertension Stage 2?
, A. 118/76 mm Hg
B. 132/78 mm Hg
C. 142/88 mm Hg
D. 150/95 mm Hg
7. The author's primary purpose in writing this passage is to:
A. Persuade readers to take blood pressure medication.
B. Entertain readers with interesting medical facts.
C. Inform readers about how to interpret blood pressure readings.
D. Argue against current hypertension guidelines.
8. Based on the passage, why might a single elevated blood pressure reading not be cause for
immediate concern?
A. Blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day.
B. Blood pressure monitors are often inaccurate.
C. Hypertension is not a serious medical condition.
D. Only diastolic pressure matters for diagnosis.
9. Which of the following statements contains a fact rather than an opinion?
A. The ACC/AHA guidelines provide the most useful blood pressure categories.
B. Hypertensive crisis is the most dangerous blood pressure category.
C. Normal blood pressure is defined as systolic less than 120 mm Hg and diastolic less than 80 mm Hg.
D. Patients should monitor their blood pressure at home regularly.
10. A patient's blood pressure reading is 125/82 mm Hg. According to the passage, this would be
classified as:
A. Normal
B. Elevated
C. Hypertension Stage 1
D. Hypertension Stage 2
Passage 3 (Questions 11–15)
The following graph displays data from a hospital quality improvement study.
Hand Hygiene Compliance by Shift (January–March 2025)
Shift Baseline (%) Month 1 (%) Month 2 (%) Month 3 (%)
Day Shift (7 a.m.–3 p.m.) 68 74 82 88
Evening Shift (3 p.m.–11 p.m.) 62 70 78 85
Night Shift (11 p.m.–7 a.m.) 55 61 69 76
11. Which shift showed the GREATEST overall improvement from baseline to Month 3?
With Answer Key
Missouri Western State University – School of Nursing
Field Student Entry
Full Legal Name (Last, First, Middle) _________________________________
Preferred Name _________________________________
MWSU Student ID (if assigned) _________________________________
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
This examination consists of 170 total items. While the actual TEAS includes 20 unscored pretest items,
this practice exam contains 150 scored items only. You have a total of 209 minutes to complete all
sections, with each content area timed separately.
Recommended
Content Area Number of Scored Items Time Limit
Pace
39 scored items (45 total items 55
Reading ~1.2 min/question
including 6 unscored) minutes
34 scored items (38 total items 57
Mathematics ~1.5 min/question
including 4 unscored) minutes
44 scored items (50 total items 60
Science ~1.2 min/question
including 6 unscored) minutes
English & Language 33 scored items (37 total items 37
~1 min/question
Usage including 4 unscored) minutes
, Recommended
Content Area Number of Scored Items Time Limit
Pace
209
TOTAL 150 scored items
minutes
Scoring Note: There is no penalty for guessing, so be sure to answer every questioN
SECTION I: READING (39 scored items)
Time Limit: 55 minutes
The Reading section assesses three main sub-content areas: Key Ideas and Details (15 items), Craft and
Structure (9 items), and Integration of Knowledge and Ideas (15 items). Question types include multiple
choice, multiple select, and hot spot.
Passage 1 (Questions 1–5)
The following passage discusses a common medical phenomenon.
Surgical Site Infections: Prevention and Management
Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a significant cause of postoperative morbidity despite advances in
sterile technique. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that SSIs occur in
approximately 2–5% of patients undergoing inpatient surgical procedures. These infections not only
prolong hospitalization by an average of 7–11 days but also increase healthcare costs substantially.
Several risk factors predispose patients to SSI development. Patient-related factors include advanced
age, obesity, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and immunosuppression. Procedure-related factors encompass
prolonged operative time, inadequate antibiotic prophylaxis, and poor surgical technique. The most
common pathogens isolated from SSIs are Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant strains),
coagulase-negative staphylococci, and enterococci.
Prevention strategies focus on modifiable risk factors. Preoperative measures include smoking cessation
programs, optimization of blood glucose levels, and administration of appropriate prophylactic
antibiotics within 60 minutes of incision. Intraoperative strategies involve meticulous hemostasis, gentle
tissue handling, and maintenance of normothermia. Postoperative wound care emphasizes prompt
recognition of infection signs: erythema, warmth, purulent drainage, and fever.
Treatment of established SSIs requires source control through surgical debridement and appropriate
antimicrobial therapy based on culture results. Superficial incisional infections often respond to oral
antibiotics and wound care, whereas deep infections typically necessitate intravenous antibiotics and
operative intervention.
1. Which of the following best states the central idea of the passage?
A. Surgical site infections are rare complications that require minimal treatment.
B. Surgical site infections pose significant risks, but prevention and treatment strategies are well-
established.
C. Only patient-related factors contribute to the development of surgical site infections.
D. Surgical debridement is the only effective treatment for all surgical site infections.
,2. Based on information in the passage, which patient would be at HIGHEST risk for developing a surgical
site infection?
A. A 25-year-old athlete undergoing a 30-minute procedure
B. A 70-year-old with diabetes and obesity undergoing a 4-hour surgery
C. A 40-year-old nonsmoker undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy
D. A 55-year-old with well-controlled hypertension undergoing cataract surgery
3. The word "prophylactic" as used in paragraph 3 most nearly means:
A. Diagnostic
B. Curative
C. Preventative
D. Experimental
4. Which of the following conclusions is best supported by the passage?
A. All surgical site infections can be prevented with proper sterile technique.
B. Deep incisional infections are generally more serious than superficial infections.
C. Antibiotics should never be administered after surgery is complete.
D. Surgical site infections rarely increase hospital length of stay.
5. Which of the following would be the most appropriate title for this passage?
A. "The History of Surgical Sterilization Techniques"
B. "Understanding, Preventing, and Treating Surgical Site Infections"
C. "How Bacteria Cause Postoperative Complications"
D. "A Comparison of Surgical Antiseptic Agents"
Passage 2 (Questions 6–10)
Read the following excerpt from a patient education brochure.
Understanding Your Blood Pressure Numbers
When you receive a blood pressure reading, you will see two numbers, such as 120/80 mm Hg. The top
number, systolic pressure, measures the force your heart exerts on artery walls each time it beats. The
bottom number, diastolic pressure, measures the force your heart exerts on artery walls while resting
between beats. Both numbers are essential for determining your cardiovascular health status.
According to the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines updated in
2017, blood pressure categories are as follows: Normal blood pressure is defined as systolic less than
120 mm Hg AND diastolic less than 80 mm Hg. Elevated blood pressure is systolic 120–129 mm Hg AND
diastolic less than 80 mm Hg. Hypertension Stage 1 is systolic 130–139 mm Hg OR diastolic 80–89 mm
Hg. Hypertension Stage 2 is systolic at least 140 mm Hg OR diastolic at least 90 mm Hg. A hypertensive
crisis (requiring emergency medical attention) is systolic over 180 mm Hg and/or diastolic over 120 mm
Hg.
Single elevated readings do not necessarily indicate hypertension, as blood pressure naturally fluctuates
throughout the day in response to activity, stress, and other factors. A diagnosis of hypertension
typically requires two or more elevated readings taken on separate occasions.
6. According to the passage, which blood pressure reading would be classified as Hypertension Stage 2?
, A. 118/76 mm Hg
B. 132/78 mm Hg
C. 142/88 mm Hg
D. 150/95 mm Hg
7. The author's primary purpose in writing this passage is to:
A. Persuade readers to take blood pressure medication.
B. Entertain readers with interesting medical facts.
C. Inform readers about how to interpret blood pressure readings.
D. Argue against current hypertension guidelines.
8. Based on the passage, why might a single elevated blood pressure reading not be cause for
immediate concern?
A. Blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day.
B. Blood pressure monitors are often inaccurate.
C. Hypertension is not a serious medical condition.
D. Only diastolic pressure matters for diagnosis.
9. Which of the following statements contains a fact rather than an opinion?
A. The ACC/AHA guidelines provide the most useful blood pressure categories.
B. Hypertensive crisis is the most dangerous blood pressure category.
C. Normal blood pressure is defined as systolic less than 120 mm Hg and diastolic less than 80 mm Hg.
D. Patients should monitor their blood pressure at home regularly.
10. A patient's blood pressure reading is 125/82 mm Hg. According to the passage, this would be
classified as:
A. Normal
B. Elevated
C. Hypertension Stage 1
D. Hypertension Stage 2
Passage 3 (Questions 11–15)
The following graph displays data from a hospital quality improvement study.
Hand Hygiene Compliance by Shift (January–March 2025)
Shift Baseline (%) Month 1 (%) Month 2 (%) Month 3 (%)
Day Shift (7 a.m.–3 p.m.) 68 74 82 88
Evening Shift (3 p.m.–11 p.m.) 62 70 78 85
Night Shift (11 p.m.–7 a.m.) 55 61 69 76
11. Which shift showed the GREATEST overall improvement from baseline to Month 3?
