Guide to Nursing School Entrance Exam Questions
Aspiring nursing students often face a range of questions during their entrance exams. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the key areas and sample questions that are likely to appear. By familiarizing yourself with these topics, you can better prepare for your exam and increase your chances of success.
Math
The math section of nursing school entrance exams covers fundamental arithmetic and intermediate-level skills. This includes basic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as well as more complex topics like fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, and proportions. Additionally, you will need to be familiar with algebra, simple equations, and expressions. Measurement conversions, both within and between systems, are also tested. Word problems that require critical thinking are a significant part of this section.
Example Question
Example: If a patient needs 250 mL of medication every 8 hours, how much medication is needed in 24 hours?
Reading Comprehension
The reading comprehension section assesses your ability to understand and analyze written material. You will need to identify the main idea and supporting details, draw conclusions, and make inferences. Additionally, you should be able to understand the meaning of vocabulary in context. These skills are crucial as you will be reading medical scenarios and answering related questions.
Example Question
Example: Read the following passage about a medical scenario and answer the following questions:
What is the main purpose of the passage? What does the word 'contraindicated' mean in this context?English Language Usage
This section evaluates your grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary skills. It includes topics such as sentence structure, subject-verb agreement, and identifying errors within sentences. You will also need to demonstrate a good grasp of vocabulary and spelling.
Example Question
Example: Choose the correct sentence:
The nurse's responsibilities include monitoring patients vital signs. The nurse's responsibilities include monitoring patients’ vital signs.Science
The science section tests your knowledge in areas relevant to healthcare. This includes basic principles in biology (cell structure, genetics, human anatomy and physiology), chemistry (basic concepts like the periodic table, chemical equations, and solutions), and anatomy and physiology (body systems, their functions, and common disorders). General science topics such as scientific reasoning and basic physics are also included.
Example Question
Example: Which organ is responsible for filtering waste from the blood?
Liver Kidney Pancreas HeartCritical Thinking
Critical thinking is an essential component of the exam, focusing on problem-solving and decision-making skills. This includes prioritizing tasks, analyzing patient scenarios, and applying logical reasoning. For instance, if a patient with diabetes reports feeling dizzy and sweaty, what should the nurse do first?
Example Question
Example: A patient with diabetes reports feeling dizzy and sweaty. What should the nurse do first?
Check the patient's blood sugar level Notify the physician Offer the patient a glass of water Administer insulinHealth and Social Awareness (Optional)
Some exams include questions related to health care ethics, professionalism, current issues in health care, and social determinants of health. These topics are crucial for modern health care practitioners.
Example Question
Example: What is the most important consideration when communicating with a patient from a different cultural background?
Speaking slowly and loudly Using medical jargon Respecting cultural differences Providing written materials onlyCommon Nursing School Entrance Exams
Several widely used exams for nursing school entrance are:
HESI Admission Assessment A2 Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Examination (NLN PAX)Tips for Preparation
To excel in your nursing school entrance exam, consider the following tips:
Practice Tests: Familiarize yourself with the format and timing of the test. Study Guides: Use guides specific to the HESI, TEAS, or NLN PAX exams. Review Core Subjects: Focus on math, science, and reading comprehension. Time Management: Practice completing questions within the allotted time.