ATI TEAS: Unit 1 Practice Exam
Questions and Answers —
Comprehensive Practice Questions with
Detailed Rationales
Table of Contents
Section Topic Questions
I Reading — Key Ideas and Details 1–15
II Reading — Craft and Structure 16–30
III Reading — Integration of Knowledge and Ideas 31–40
IV Mathematics — Numbers and Algebra 41–65
V Mathematics — Measurement and Data 66–80
VI Science — Human Anatomy and Physiology 81–105
VII Science — Life and Physical Sciences 106–120
VIII Science — Scientific Reasoning 121–130
IX English and Language Usage — Conventions of Standard English 131–140
,Section Topic Questions
X English and Language Usage — Knowledge of Language & Vocabulary 141–150
SECTION I: READING — Key Ideas and Details
Questions 1–15
1. A nurse is reading a patient's medical chart and encounters the following sentence: "The
patient presents with acute onset of dyspnea, tachypnea, and productive cough with purulent
sputum." Which of the following is the most accurate interpretation of this documentation?
A. The patient has chronic breathing difficulties with clear mucus production
B. The patient has sudden shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and cough with infected mucus
C. The patient has mild breathing issues that developed gradually over several weeks
D. The patient has difficulty swallowing accompanied by chest pain and fever
CorreCt Answer: B
Rationale: "Acute onset" indicates a sudden development. "Dyspnea" means shortness of
breath, "tachypnea" means rapid breathing, and "purulent sputum" indicates infected (pus-
containing) mucus. Option B accurately captures all these elements. Options A and C incorrectly
describe the condition as chronic or gradual, and option D misinterprets the symptoms entirely.
2. Read the following passage: "The human heart is a remarkable organ. Weighing
approximately 250–350 grams, it beats about 100,000 times per day, pumping roughly 2,000
gallons of blood through the body. The heart consists of four chambers: two atria and two
ventricles. The right side of the heart pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs, while the left
side pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body." What is the primary purpose of this
passage?
A. To persuade readers to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle
B. To entertain readers with interesting facts about the heart
C. To inform readers about the basic structure and function of the heart
D. To analyze the emotional significance of the heart in literature
, CorreCt Answer: C
Rationale: The passage presents factual information about the heart's weight, function, and
structure without attempting to persuade, entertain, or analyze literary themes. The objective
tone and presentation of anatomical and physiological facts indicate an informative purpose.
3. Which of the following is the main idea of a passage that describes the steps of the
scientific method, provides examples of each step, and concludes with a discussion of why the
scientific method is important for advancing medical knowledge?
A. The scientific method is difficult to apply in clinical settings
B. The scientific method consists of sequential steps and is valuable for medical progress
C. Medical knowledge has advanced significantly over the past century
D. Scientists should always follow the same research protocols
CorreCt Answer: B
Rationale: The main idea encompasses both the description of the scientific method's steps
and its significance for medical advancement. Option B captures both elements. Options A and
D introduce unsupported claims, and option C is too broad and does not address the scientific
method directly.
4. A researcher is studying the effects of a new medication on blood pressure. The study
includes 500 participants, half of whom receive the medication and half of whom receive a
placebo. After 12 weeks, the medication group shows an average reduction in systolic blood
pressure of 12 mmHg compared to 3 mmHg in the placebo group. Which of the following is the
most logical conclusion?
A. The medication is effective at reducing blood pressure in all patients
B. The medication appears to lower blood pressure more effectively than a placebo
C. The placebo is equally as effective as the medication
D. The study results are invalid due to the sample size
CorreCt Answer: B
Rationale: The data show a greater reduction in the medication group (12 mmHg) than in the
placebo group (3 mmHg), suggesting effectiveness. However, option A overgeneralizes by
claiming effectiveness in "all patients," and option C is contradicted by the data. Option D is
incorrect because 500 participants is a substantial sample size.
, 5. Which of the following sentences best summarizes the key points of a passage about the
role of carbohydrates in the human diet?
A. Carbohydrates are found in bread, pasta, and fruits
B. Carbohydrates provide energy, but excessive consumption can lead to health issues
C. All carbohydrates are harmful and should be avoided
D. Carbohydrates are only necessary for athletes
CorreCt Answer: B
Rationale: A good summary captures both the beneficial role (energy provision) and potential
drawbacks (excessive consumption leading to health issues) of carbohydrates. Option A only
lists sources, option C is an extreme overgeneralization, and option D is inaccurate.
6. A patient education brochure states: "Take this medication with food to reduce stomach
upset. Do not crush or chew the tablet. Swallow whole with a full glass of water. Skip the dose
only if it has been less than 4 hours since your last dose." What is the intended meaning of "skip
the dose only if it has been less than 4 hours since your last dose"?
A. Take the medication only if 4 hours have passed since the last dose
B. Do not take the medication if it has been less than 4 hours since the last dose
C. Take the medication regardless of when the last dose was taken
D. Wait exactly 4 hours before taking each dose
CorreCt Answer: B
Rationale: The phrase instructs patients to skip the dose only under the specific condition that
fewer than 4 hours have elapsed since the last dose. Option B correctly interprets this
conditional instruction. Options A, C, and D misrepresent the meaning.
7. Which of the following is a supporting detail rather than the main idea of a passage
about the importance of hand hygiene in healthcare settings?
A. Proper hand hygiene is essential for preventing healthcare-associated infections
B. Healthcare workers should wash their hands before and after patient contact
C. Hand hygiene reduces the transmission of pathogens in hospitals
D. The CDC provides guidelines for hand hygiene in healthcare settings
Questions and Answers —
Comprehensive Practice Questions with
Detailed Rationales
Table of Contents
Section Topic Questions
I Reading — Key Ideas and Details 1–15
II Reading — Craft and Structure 16–30
III Reading — Integration of Knowledge and Ideas 31–40
IV Mathematics — Numbers and Algebra 41–65
V Mathematics — Measurement and Data 66–80
VI Science — Human Anatomy and Physiology 81–105
VII Science — Life and Physical Sciences 106–120
VIII Science — Scientific Reasoning 121–130
IX English and Language Usage — Conventions of Standard English 131–140
,Section Topic Questions
X English and Language Usage — Knowledge of Language & Vocabulary 141–150
SECTION I: READING — Key Ideas and Details
Questions 1–15
1. A nurse is reading a patient's medical chart and encounters the following sentence: "The
patient presents with acute onset of dyspnea, tachypnea, and productive cough with purulent
sputum." Which of the following is the most accurate interpretation of this documentation?
A. The patient has chronic breathing difficulties with clear mucus production
B. The patient has sudden shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and cough with infected mucus
C. The patient has mild breathing issues that developed gradually over several weeks
D. The patient has difficulty swallowing accompanied by chest pain and fever
CorreCt Answer: B
Rationale: "Acute onset" indicates a sudden development. "Dyspnea" means shortness of
breath, "tachypnea" means rapid breathing, and "purulent sputum" indicates infected (pus-
containing) mucus. Option B accurately captures all these elements. Options A and C incorrectly
describe the condition as chronic or gradual, and option D misinterprets the symptoms entirely.
2. Read the following passage: "The human heart is a remarkable organ. Weighing
approximately 250–350 grams, it beats about 100,000 times per day, pumping roughly 2,000
gallons of blood through the body. The heart consists of four chambers: two atria and two
ventricles. The right side of the heart pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs, while the left
side pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body." What is the primary purpose of this
passage?
A. To persuade readers to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle
B. To entertain readers with interesting facts about the heart
C. To inform readers about the basic structure and function of the heart
D. To analyze the emotional significance of the heart in literature
, CorreCt Answer: C
Rationale: The passage presents factual information about the heart's weight, function, and
structure without attempting to persuade, entertain, or analyze literary themes. The objective
tone and presentation of anatomical and physiological facts indicate an informative purpose.
3. Which of the following is the main idea of a passage that describes the steps of the
scientific method, provides examples of each step, and concludes with a discussion of why the
scientific method is important for advancing medical knowledge?
A. The scientific method is difficult to apply in clinical settings
B. The scientific method consists of sequential steps and is valuable for medical progress
C. Medical knowledge has advanced significantly over the past century
D. Scientists should always follow the same research protocols
CorreCt Answer: B
Rationale: The main idea encompasses both the description of the scientific method's steps
and its significance for medical advancement. Option B captures both elements. Options A and
D introduce unsupported claims, and option C is too broad and does not address the scientific
method directly.
4. A researcher is studying the effects of a new medication on blood pressure. The study
includes 500 participants, half of whom receive the medication and half of whom receive a
placebo. After 12 weeks, the medication group shows an average reduction in systolic blood
pressure of 12 mmHg compared to 3 mmHg in the placebo group. Which of the following is the
most logical conclusion?
A. The medication is effective at reducing blood pressure in all patients
B. The medication appears to lower blood pressure more effectively than a placebo
C. The placebo is equally as effective as the medication
D. The study results are invalid due to the sample size
CorreCt Answer: B
Rationale: The data show a greater reduction in the medication group (12 mmHg) than in the
placebo group (3 mmHg), suggesting effectiveness. However, option A overgeneralizes by
claiming effectiveness in "all patients," and option C is contradicted by the data. Option D is
incorrect because 500 participants is a substantial sample size.
, 5. Which of the following sentences best summarizes the key points of a passage about the
role of carbohydrates in the human diet?
A. Carbohydrates are found in bread, pasta, and fruits
B. Carbohydrates provide energy, but excessive consumption can lead to health issues
C. All carbohydrates are harmful and should be avoided
D. Carbohydrates are only necessary for athletes
CorreCt Answer: B
Rationale: A good summary captures both the beneficial role (energy provision) and potential
drawbacks (excessive consumption leading to health issues) of carbohydrates. Option A only
lists sources, option C is an extreme overgeneralization, and option D is inaccurate.
6. A patient education brochure states: "Take this medication with food to reduce stomach
upset. Do not crush or chew the tablet. Swallow whole with a full glass of water. Skip the dose
only if it has been less than 4 hours since your last dose." What is the intended meaning of "skip
the dose only if it has been less than 4 hours since your last dose"?
A. Take the medication only if 4 hours have passed since the last dose
B. Do not take the medication if it has been less than 4 hours since the last dose
C. Take the medication regardless of when the last dose was taken
D. Wait exactly 4 hours before taking each dose
CorreCt Answer: B
Rationale: The phrase instructs patients to skip the dose only under the specific condition that
fewer than 4 hours have elapsed since the last dose. Option B correctly interprets this
conditional instruction. Options A, C, and D misrepresent the meaning.
7. Which of the following is a supporting detail rather than the main idea of a passage
about the importance of hand hygiene in healthcare settings?
A. Proper hand hygiene is essential for preventing healthcare-associated infections
B. Healthcare workers should wash their hands before and after patient contact
C. Hand hygiene reduces the transmission of pathogens in hospitals
D. The CDC provides guidelines for hand hygiene in healthcare settings
