Master the Nursing School & Allied Health Exams

Master the

Nursing School

&

Allied Health

Entrance Exams

19th Edition

Marion F. Gooding, RN, Ph.D.

Professor of Nursing

North Carolina Central University

Durham, North Carolina

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Mattie Moss, Ed.D.

Mathematics

Duana A. Dreyer, Ph.D.

Anatomy and Physiology

Charles R. George, Ph.D.

Biology

Doris E. Wilson, B.A.

Language Arts

James M. Schooler, Ph.D.

Chemistry

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E-ISBN-13: 978-0-7689-3701-5

E-ISBN-10: 0-7689-3701-9

Nineteenth Edition

Publishing Updates

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Contents

Before You Begin

How This Book is Organized

Special Study Features

You Are Well On Your Way To Success

Find Us on Facebook

Give Us Your Feedback

Top 10 Strategies To Raise Your Score

Part I: Information About Nursing and

Allied Health Programs and Entrance Examinations

About the Nursing Profession

Getting on the Path to a Career in the Nursing and Allied Health Professions

Selecting a Nursing Program

Selecting an Allied Health Program

Financial Aid Resources

About the Examinations

How to Apply to Take an Entrance Examination

Administration of the Examinations

Reducing Test Anxiety

Part II: Diagnosing Strengths and

Weaknesses

Diagnostic Test

Registered Nursing School

Answer Explanations

Allied Health School

Answer Explanations

Practical/Vocational Nursing School

Answer Explanations

Part III: Practice for Registered Nursing School

Entrance Examinations

Unit 1: Verbal Ability

What Is Verbal Ability?

Measuring Verbal Ability

Extending Your Vocabulary

Etymology—Key to Word Recognition

Know Your Roots (or Stems)

Prefixes and Suffixes

Increased Word Power from Beginning to End

Synonyms

Synonyms Test

Answer Explanations

Antonyms

Antonyms Test

Answer Explanations

Skill with Verbal Analogies

Analogy Relationships

Answer Explanations

Verbal Analogies Test

Answer Explanations

Let’s Put You to the Test

Final Verbal Ability Examination

Answer Explanations

Unit 2: Mathematics

Tips for Studying Mathematics

Mathematics Review

Test 1

Test 2

Test 3

Test 4

Quantitative Comparisons Test 5

Quantitative Comparisons Test 6

Answer Explanations

Final Mathematics Examination

Answer Explanations

Unit 3: Science

Characteristics of Organisms

Basic Principles of Life Sciences

Anatomy and Physiology

Humans and Their Environment

Science Glossary

Chemistry and Physics Test 1

Chemistry and Physics Test 2

Human Anatomy and Physiology Test 3

Human Anatomy and Physiology Test 4

Biology Test 5

General Science Test 6

Answer Explanations

Final Science Examination

Answer Explanations

Unit 4: Reading Comprehension

Techniques

Reading Comprehension Test 1

Reading Comprehension Test 2

Reading Comprehension Test 3

Reading Comprehension Test 4

Reading Comprehension Test 5

Reading Comprehension Test 6

Answer Explanations

Part IV: Practice for Allied Health School

Entrance Examinations

Unit 5: Verbal Ability

Synonyms Test 1

Antonyms Test 2

Answer Explanations

Unit 6: Quantitative Ability

Nonverbal Arithmetic Test 1

Problem Solving Test 2

Algebra Test 3

Quantitative Comparisons Test 4

Answer Explanations

Unit 7: Science

Cells, Structure, and Function Test 1

Biology Test 2

Biology Test 3

Human Anatomy and Physiology Test 4

Chemistry Test 5

Chemistry and Physical Science Test 6

Answer Explanations

Unit 8: Reading Comprehension

Reading Passage 1

Reading Passage 2

Reading Passage 3

Reading Passage 4

Answer Explanations

Part V: Practice for Practical/Vocational

Nursing School Entrance Examinations

Unit 9: Verbal Ability

Antonyms Test 1

Antonyms Test 2

Synonyms Test 3

Synonyms Test 4

Spelling Usage Test 5

Answer Explanations

Unit 10: Arithmetic and Mathematics

Review of Basic Operations

Decimals, Ratios and Proportions, and Percent Decimals

Ratios and Proportions

Arithmetic Test 1

Arithmetic Test 2

Answer Explanations

Final Arithmetic and Mathematics Test

Answer Explanations

Unit 11: Health and Science

Understanding Body Structure and Function

The Principles of Nutrition

Factors Affecting Health

Health Glossary

Test 1

Test 2

Test 3

Test 4

Answer Explanations

Unit 12: Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension Test 1

Reading Comprehension Test 2

Reading Comprehension Test 3

Reading Comprehension Test 4

Reading Comprehension Test 5

Answer Explanations

Before You Begin

Now that you’ve decided on a career in nursing or in one of the allied healthcare fields, you’ll need to take an entrance exam for the coursework and degree or certificate that you want. Peterson’s Master the Nursing School and Allied Health Entrance Examinations can help you prepare for your test. This book provides review and practice in a variety of subjects and skills that you will need to do well on whichever test you are required to take.

How This Book Is Organized

Peterson’s Master the Nursing School and Allied Health Entrance Examinations is divided into five parts to facilitate your study and review for whichever test you will be taking.

• Part I provides an overview of the different tests and how to apply to take the one that fits your career interests. You’ll also find an overview of the tests and potential question types.

• Part II offers a diagnostic test to help you identity your strengths and those areas where you will need to spend more time preparing. The test is divided into three parts, one for those planning to test for registered nursing school, one for those planning to test for allied healthcare, and one for those planning to test for entrance to practical/vocational nursing school. For your ease in identifying the areas that you need to spend more time on while preparing for your test, the topic of each content area question is noted at the end of each answer explanation.

• Part III focuses on the types of information and questions typically found on nursing school entrance exams. Review and practice exercises prepare you to answer questions testing your verbal ability, mathematics, science, and reading comprehension skills.

• Part IV offers practice for allied health school entrance exams. Questions are provided in the areas of verbal ability, quantitative ability, science knowledge, and reading comprehension. The content review provided in Part III is appropriate for Part IV as well.

• Part V tackles review and practice for the practical nursing and vocational nursing school entrance exams. Here you’ll find review material and practice exercise for verbal skills, arithmetic and mathematics, health and science, and reading comprehension.

• The special word power review provides lists of common roots, prefixes, and suffixes that will help all test-takers with the verbal sections of their tests (See pages 71–76).

Special Study Features

Peterson’s Master the Nursing School and Allied Health Entrance Examinations has several features that will help you get the most from your study time.

Overview

Review units begin with a listing of the major topics in that chapter followed by an introduction that explains what you will be reviewing in the chapter.

Bonus Information

You will find three types of notes in the margin of the Peterson’s Master the Nursing School and Allied Health Entrance Examinations to alert you to important information about the test.

Note

Margin notes marked Note highlight information about the test structure itself.

Tip

A note marked Tip points out valuable advice for taking the Nursing School & Allied Health Exams.

Alert

An Alert identifies pitfalls in the testing format or question types that can cause mistakes in selecting answers.

You Are Well On Your Way To Success

You have made the decision to apply to nursing school and have taken a very important step in that process. Peterson’s Master the Nusring School & Allied Health Entrance Exams will help you score high on the exam and prepare you for everything you’ll need to know on the day of your exam. Good Luck!

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Top 10 Strategies To Raise Your Score

Many people become anxious about taking a test, especially a standardized test or a computer-based test. To help you deal with your anxiety, first, realize that anxiety can be productive. Anxiety can be energizing if you direct the energy toward your goals and away from negative thinking such as I hate tests. I never do well on tests. Remember that admissions tests are only one thing that committees look at in determining to whom to offer admission. One way to lower your anxiety level is to prepare for the test you will be taking. Practicing ahead of time will boost your confidence. The following are ten strategies to help you feel confident and do well on your entrance exam.

1. Use the Diagnostic Test as a tool. Taking the test and studying answers will help you identify the content that you need to spend the most time reviewing. The answer explanations include the topics and specific content for the math and science questions, so you will have a quick-and-easy way to decide which topics to spend more time on.

2. Schedule your study time. Between now and the time you take your exam, set aside time each day except Sunday to study. Try to give the same amount of time each day. Find a place that is conducive to studying.

3. Budget your time on the topics. Don’t move too quickly through the material, but don’t get bogged down and spend too much time on one or two topics. Be sure that you are comfortable with each topic before you move on to the next one, but avoid spending too much time early in your schedule on just a couple of topics and then having to rush through the end of your review.

4. Memorize basic math rules. Be sure that you know basic rules so that you have a firm grasp of what the basic rules are and how to apply them. This will help reduce your stress level.

5. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. Practice may not get you a perfect score, but it will help you score better. Take the Diagnostic Test, and complete each set of exercises in each unit.

6. Establish a pacing schedule for taking each subtest. Before you take the Diagnostic Test, work out what you think will be a reasonable pacing plan so that you can answer every question. Then set the timer and take the test. After you finish the test, see if your plan allowed you to answer all the questions without having to rush at the end. Make adjustments as needed and time yourself as you work through each set of practice tests.

Before the Test

7. Find the location of the test center. If you aren’t familiar with the location of the test site, take a trial run to find it and find out how long it takes to get there. If you’re driving, locate a parking lot or garage. This may seem like overkill, but who wants to arrive at the testing site with five minutes to spare and out of breath because you got lost on the way or spent 20 minutes trying to find a parking lot that turned out to be eight blocks away?

8. Organize what you need for the test. The night before the test, lay out on your bureau, the table by the door, or wherever you will see them, the forms of identification that you are going to need, your admission ticket, and anything else you may need. The confirmation you received reserving your seat will tell what you need and what you may not bring. If it doesn’t, check the Web site for the test. Organizing ahead of time may seem unnecessary, but you don’t want to waste time the day of the test by rooting around for a utility bill or a library card to prove you are who you say you are (**No calculators allowed on any of these tests…***)

During the Test

9. Use the features that are given to you. If you are taking a computer-based test, follow along as the monitor explains the functions that are available for your use. Take any tutorial that is offered and be sure that you understand the program before you begin the test.

10. Use these four general strategies as you work through the test.

• Use your pacing plan.

• Skip and return to questions that you aren’t sure about.

• Eliminate answer choices that you know are incorrect.

• Use educated guessing to rule out answers you aren’t sure about.

Part I

Information About Nursing and Allied Health Programs and Entrance Examinations

About the Nursing Profession

About the Nursing Profession

Overview

· Getting on the path to a career in the nursing and allied health professions

· Selecting a nursing program

· Selecting an allied health program

· Financial aid resources

· About the examinations

· How to apply to take an entrance examination

· Administration of the examinations

· Reducing Test Anxiety

Nursing and allied healthcare are in-demand careers as the 78.2 million baby boomers age. By the end of the first decade of this century, there were some 2.6 million registered nurses, and the projected growth is much faster than average. Between 2008 and 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 1 million job openings for registered nurses. The demand for licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses is also projected to be high. In 2008, there were 754,000 LPNs and LVNs, and the projected growth for this career is also much faster than average. Between 2008 and 2018, there will be an estimated 391,300 job openings. Generally, allied health professionals are either technicians, that is, assistants, or therapists or technologists. In all, there are some 200 different allied health careers in such varied jobs as cardiovascular technologist, radiologic technician, chemotherapy technician, and respiratory therapist. Job openings for allied healthcare professionals are also expected to have faster than average growth between now and 2018.

Getting on the Path to a Career in the Nursing and Allied Health Professions

As you can see from this section, the nursing and allied health fields have many opportunities. For careers in allied health, the path to a fulfilling career is less defined than the nursing career because of the multiplicity of choices available. According to the Web site explorehealthcareers.org, there are 5 million allied health care providers in the U.S. who work in more than 80 different professions and represent approximately 60% of all health care providers.

The type of training and degree or certificate required for an allied health career varies by career. The best strategy to determine the program you will need to realize your career ambitions is to talk to a career counselor, attend career fairs, and search the Web for information about potential careers in your area of interest. Look particularly for professional organizations and associations for healthcare providers. Check whether your specialty will require licensing. Once you have narrowed your choice down to a particular type of job or jobs, begin to search college, community college, and vocational school Web sites, depending on your potential career choice, for information on career preparation and coursework.

For those interested in a career in nursing, there are four kinds of programs that provide preparation for a nursing career:

1. The practical-nurse programs are usually offered in vocational schools, hospitals, and community colleges. The programs vary from nine to eighteen months. The courses include the basic sciences and medical-surgical, pediatric, and obstetrical nursing. Some mental health concepts are included. The major focus is on technical skills. A practical nurse works under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN).

2. The associate-degree nurse is a graduate of a two-year college program that is designed with a balance between clinical nursing courses (medical, surgical, psychiatric, obstetrical, and pediatric nursing) and general education courses (biological and physical sciences, behavioral sciences, humanities, and electives) to provide a background for making important judgments about patient care. The graduate is prepared for technical expertise in the assessment, planning, and delivery of direct patient care in the hospital setting.

3. The graduate of the hospital-based diploma program functions on the nursing team in the same manner as the associate-degree nurse. Most diploma programs are twenty-four to thirty months in length, and the non-nursing courses may be offered through a college.

4. The baccalaureate nursing program is four years in length and is offered in senior colleges and universities. The required courses in the biological, physical, and behavioral sciences are both basic and advanced. These general education requirements, along with courses that provide a broad liberal arts background, are taken during the first two years. The major clinical courses are offered in the third and fourth years and include the five clinical areas previously identified, with an emphasis on community health nursing and the role of the professional nurse as manager. Most nursing programs offering the professional baccalaureate degree admit graduates from the diploma and associate-degree programs with varying degrees of advanced standing.

The graduates of all four programs take a licensing examination. At the present time, there are two kinds of licenses: the practical-nurse license and the registered-nurse license for graduates of the diploma, associate-degree, and baccalaureate-degree programs.

A nurse may continue studies to receive a master’s degree and a doctorate with a major in clinical specialties, teaching, administration, or research, depending on his or her career choice. There is a great demand for nurses in hospitals, schools, clinics, public health agencies, and many other settings throughout the world. Nurses may become anesthetists, enter the military, or become writers, consultants, or private practitioners. Nursing provides a foundation for many career opportunities and, more importantly, a personally and financially satisfying vocation.

Regardless of which kind of nursing program you choose to enter, you will have opportunities to provide an important service. You may enter nursing at one level and expand your skills through practice and additional education. Advancement within the nursing profession comes about in several ways. A practical nurse may decide to become a registered nurse, an upward move. A registered nurse may decide to move from the hospital setting into community-based care, a lateral move that expands the types of services a nurse can provide. A registered nurse who does not have a baccalaureate degree may decide to earn one in order to step up to a management position.

Selecting a Nursing Program

The first factor you should consider when selecting a nursing program is your career goal. Do you plan to work in a hospital or as a member of the health team? Is your ultimate goal to function as a manager or an administrator? Are you primarily interested in teaching? Do you want to specialize in a specific clinical area? Are you planning to work in a community setting, providing services to families? Is your ultimate goal to become an entrepreneur?

The rapidly moving trend in nursing today is to license two levels of nursing for entry into the professional services. The assistant level will be represented by graduates of the associate-degree nursing programs; the professional level, by graduates of the baccalaureate nursing programs. Baccalaureate education in nursing forms the foundation for graduate education in nursing, where specialization as a clinical practitioner, administrator, and teacher occurs. Other types of graduates (practical nurse and diploma) will achieve these credentials through career mobility programs.

A second factor to consider is cost. The demands of full-time study and the length of the program may necessitate resigning from your current job.

A third factor is your qualification for admission. As the levels of performance increase, so do the academic requirements.

Once you have matched your career goals with a program, you should use the following guidelines to finalize your program choice.

• Is the program approved by the state regulating body?

• Is the program accredited by a voluntary agency?

• What is the program’s reputation in terms of graduate performance?

• How does the social and academic environment meet your needs?

Selecting an Allied Health Program

Occupations related to allied health are rapidly expanding. The criteria for selecting a program are similar to those for nursing:

• If a license is required to practice, be certain that the program is approved by the regulating body.

• Check to see if the program is accredited by the appropriate voluntary agency.

• Find out how well the graduates are performing on the licensing examination.

• Consider how well the program meets your short- and long-term career goals.

Financial Aid Resources

Federal financial aid has not kept pace with the increasing cost of post-secondary education. Therefore, it is important to be familiar with the sources of funding, the eligibility requirements, and the application procedures. It is also important to apply as early as possible to a variety of programs.

To initiate the application process, get the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA) from your local high school counseling office, the school to which you are seeking admission, or online from the Department of Education. The online FAFSA can be accessed, completed, and submitted at www.fafsa.ed.gov. If you opt to use the paper copy of the FAFSA, the form must be completed and mailed to the address on the form. In a few days (if you applied online) or in approximately six weeks (if you applied using the paper copy), a report is sent back that identifies whether or not you are eligible for financial aid. The schools you identified when filling out the FAFSA receive similar reports so that the amount of aid for which you are eligible and the amount you will have to pay out-of-pocket can be determined.

The amount of money a recipient can receive is dependent upon the need analysis derived from the financial aid form and the financial aid program in which the nursing school, college, or university is participating. The school usually prepares a financial aid package that includes a combination of financial sources to make up the difference between the amount the student and his or her family can contribute and the total costs of the nursing program.

Some financial aid funding sources are loans, which must be paid back at a low interest rate over a prolonged period of time. Other funding sources are grants and scholarships, which do not have to be paid back. The obligation for debt payment requires serious thought on the part of the student, since a default on a loan can affect his or her credit rating.

When shopping for financial aid, check the accreditation status of the nursing program and the institution’s eligibility for aid. Most accredited nursing programs are eligible for federal funding, but some institutions have limited federal sources due to high default rates.

Federal Sources

Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who have not previously earned a degree. The grant does not have to be repaid and may be supplemented by other funds. Eligibility is based on need, which is calculated by a formula. The amounts of the awards vary yearly and depend on program funding. The maximum award for 2011–2012 was $5,550 per year. You do not have to be a full-time student; however, the amount you receive as a part-time student will be proportionate to your attendance.

Academic Competitiveness Grants (ACG) can only be awarded to citizens of the United States who receive a Pell Grant in the same year and are enrolled full-time in degree- or certificate-granting programs. The ACG can only be received in the first academic year ($750) and the second academic year ($1,300). Eligibility is based on having completed a course of rigorous academic study in high school.

Stafford Loans

Stafford loans are of two types: Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Direct Subsidized Loans are awarded on the basis of need and do not accrue interest before the repayment period begins as long as you are at least a half-time student or during periods of deferent. Direct Unsubsidized Loans are not based on need and accrue interest from the time of disbursement. Dependent undergraduate students may borrow $5,500 for the first year, $6,500 for the second year, and $7,500 for the third year and beyond. Independent students and dependent students whose parents are unable to obtain PLUS Loans may borrow $9,500, $10,500, and $12,500 for years 1, 2, 3, and beyond respectively.

PLUS Loans

PLUS loans enable parents with stable credit histories to borrow for the education expenses of each dependent child who is an undergraduate student enrolled at least half-time. The annual maximum is equal to the cost of attendance minus any additional financial aid the student receives.

Consolidation Loans

These loans are designed to help students and parents simplify loan repayment by consolidating several types of federal loans into one loan with one repayment schedule. Student loans cannot be consolidated until they enter repayment.

Campus-Based Programs (Administered by Financial Aid Office)

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) are for undergraduates with exceptional financial need; students who received Federal Pell Grants are given priority in awarding these grants. Students can receive between $100 to $4,000 per year depending on student need, the funding at the school, and the school’s financial aid policies.

Federal Work Study provides a work-study program for undergraduate and graduate students in financial need. Students are able to earn money through community service and work related to their course of study.

The Federal Perkins Loans are low-interest loans for both undergraduate and graduate students with exceptional financial need. The school is the lender, and the loan must be repaid to the school, but the loan is made with funding from the federal government. Loans may be granted in the amount of $5,500 for each year of undergraduate study, up to a total of $27,500, and $8,000 for each year of graduate study to a total of $60,000.

For additional information on federal loans and other aid, call 1-800-FED-AID or download Funding Your Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid online at http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/student_guide/2008-2009/english/index.htm.

Other Sources of Financial Aid

Peterson’s Scholarships, Grants, & Prizes is a helpful source for information on foundations, religious organizations, fraternities and sororities, and civic groups that provide scholarships and/or loans for educational purposes. In addition, the military offers scholarships through its ROTC Program and through the G. I.Bill for former members of the Armed Services. You should also seek out resources from the organizations related to your field of interest.

About the Examinations

Registered nursing programs, practical/vocational nursing programs, and allied health programs all require different entrance examinations. The following listing provides contact information for applying for each test and a description of each exam.

Registered Nursing Entrance Exams

For registered nursing programs, you may be required to take the Pre-Admission Examination-RN (PAX-RN), the PSB-Nursing School Aptitude Examination (RN), the Nurse Entrance Test (NET), or the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). All the exams evaluate the academic ability of applicants in key areas of the basic nursing curriculum.

For information about the Pre-Admission Examination (PAX-RN), contact:

National League for Nursing

61 Broadway

33rd Floor

New York, NY 10006

212-363-5555

www.nln.org

• The Pre-Admission Examination-RN is computer-based.

• The test has three sections and lasts 3 hours.

• Calculators may not be used.

The exam has the following three multiple-choice tests:

NOTE: Experimental items are also included but do not affect your test score.

For more information about the PSB-Registered Nursing School Aptitude Examination (RN), contact:

Psychological Services Bureau, Inc,

977 Seminole Trail

PMB 317

Charlottesville, VA 22901

www.psbtests.com

• The PSB-Registered Nursing School Aptitude Examination is computer-based or paper-and-pencil, depending on the test site.

• The test contains 360 questions.

• Calculators may not be used, but scratch paper is available.

The PSB-Nursing School Aptitude Examination (RN) contains the following five tests:

For more information about the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) for entrance into practical/vocational nursing programs, contact:

Assessment Technologies, Inc. (ATI)

7500 W. 160th Street

Stilwell, KS 66085

800-667-7531

www.atitesting.com

• TEAS is a computer-based test.

• The test contains 170 multiple-choice questions.

• Calculators may not be used.

TEAS covers the following four general areas:

1. Math: whole numbers, metric conversion, fractions and decimals, algebraic equations, percentages, and ratio/proportion

2. Reading: paragraph comprehension, passage comprehension, and inferences/conclusions

3. English: punctuation, grammar, sentence structure, contextual words, and spelling

4. Science: science reasoning, science knowledge, biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, basic physical principles, and general science

Allied Health School Entrance Exams

Allied health program entrance exams measure academic ability and scientific knowledge. You may be required to take the PSB-Health Occupations Aptitude Examination or the Test of Essential Academic Skills.

For more information about the PSB-Health Occupations Aptitude Examination, contact:

Psychological Services Bureau, Inc.

977 Seminole Trail

PMB 317

Charlottesville, VA 22901

www.psbtests.com

• The PSB-Health Occupations Aptitude Exam is computer-based or paper-and-pencil, depending on the test site.

• The test contains 380 questions.

• Calculators may not be used, but scratch paper is available.

The exam has the following five tests:

Practical/Vocational Nursing Entrance Exams

The entrance exams for practical/vocational nursing programs assess knowledge of areas essential to the basic practical/vocational nursing curriculum. You may be required to take either the Pre-Admissions Examination-PN or the PSB-Aptitude for Practical Nursing Examination.

For more information about the Pre-Admission Examination-PN (PAX-PN), contact:

National League for Nursing

61 Broadway, 33rd Floor

New York, NY 10006

212-363-5555

www.nln.org

• PAX-PN is computer-based test, but may also be taken as a paper-and-pencil test.

• The test contains multiple-choice questions.

• Calculators may not be used.

PAX-PN covers the following three areas:

Practical Nursing Entrance Exams

The Pre-Admission Examination-PN (PAX-PN) has the same test format as the registered nursing exam; however, its contents are at a level appropriate for applicants to practical/vocational programs. The test format is as follows:

Note: Exams contain experimental items (not included in the examinees’ scores) for purposes of future test development.

For more information about the PSB-Aptitude for Practical Nursing Examination, contact:

Psychological Services Bureau, Inc.

977 Seminole Trail PMB 317

Charlottesville, VA 22901

The PSB-Aptitude for Practical Nursing Examination contains five tests and three subtests, and takes about two hours and fifteen minutes to complete. The test format is as follows:

How to Apply to Take an Entrance Examination

Different institutions have different requirements and arrangements for testing. Admissions information for schools typically lists the exam that you need to take and contact information for the test-maker or test administrator if the latter is different. Typically, you will need to register online to take the entrance exam. Once at the site, you will be able to find the location of testing centers and testing windows. Register as soon as possible, because testing centers fill up on a first-come, first-served basis. Follow the registration instructions carefully and be sure to download the confirmation e-mail and admission ticket.

The site will also provide specific information about the format and makeup of the exam. Be sure to download this information as well.

Administration of the Examinations

The entrance exams are administered by qualified persons at a testing center. Pay careful attention to the information on the testing center’s Web site or in your confirmation e-mail about what you may or may not bring to the test site and what you may or may not have in the exam room with you. None of the tests, for example, allow the use of calculators, so there is no reason to bring one.

Specific instructions for taking the exam will be given by the proctor overseeing the exam administration. If there is a tutorial for the computer-based test, take it so you become familiar with the functions that the program has available to you. All tests are timed. Depending on the length of the test, you may or may not have a break. The proctor will tell you when to begin and when to stop.

Some of the computer-based exams provide a score report immediately. Others will have a report available within 24 to 48 hours. Information available from the test-maker will describe the process of reporting scores to the institutions you are applying to.

Answering Test Questions

Studying the more than 1,400 test questions in this book, which are similar to the questions included in the entrance examinations, enables you to review material you already know, gain new knowledge, and become familiar with the format of timed tests.

After completing the overview of a section, answer the sample test questions. Like the ones on the real exams, the questions in this book are multiple choice. You are not penalized for incorrect answers in these exams, so use educated guessing if you do not know the answer or aren’t sure. A good strategy to use is to go through the entire test, answering the questions you know, and then go back and make educated guesses for the questions you don’t know. Here’s how to make an educated guess:

• Carefully read the question (the stem). Look for the clues or the main ideas in the stem that will lead you to the correct answer.

• Go through the entire examination, answering all the questions that you feel sure about. This will give you an overall idea of what the test is about and lessen the time pressure. You may even run across related information that will help you to answer the questions you don’t know.

• Now go back to those items you didn’t answer and use the test-taking techniques. First, look for the key word(s) or clue(s) in the stem. Keeping that in mind, try to eliminate the choices that do not relate to the clue. Look at the remaining choices to identify similarities and differences to the stem or clue. Compare the differences with the clue to see if you can eliminate another choice. Select the remaining choice.

Example:

Which of the following observations may be an indication of high blood pressure?

(A) Flushed skin

(B) Pale skin

(C) Cold skin

(D) Weak pulse

What is the clue?

Answer: high pressure

Can I eliminate any choices?

Answer:Yes. There is a direct relationship between pressure and force; therefore, choice (D) cannot be the correct answer.

What are the similarities and differences among choices (A), (B), and (C)?

Answer: They all relate to changes in skin characteristics. However, choices (B) and (C) are similar. As a matter of fact, if choice (B) were correct, choice (C) would also be correct.

The correct answer, then, is choice (A).

Now, let’s assume that the following question is also on the test.

Why do some people with high blood pressure have flushed skin?

(A) The pulse weakens and blood pools in the skin.

(B) The skin temperature lowers and the skin blood vessels dilate.

(C) The increased pressure increases the volume of blood to the arteries.

(D) The increased pressure forces the arteries to dilate.

Based on your experience with the previous item, you would immediately eliminate choices (A) and (B). Looking at choices (C) and (D), you might think that both would cause reddened skin. However, you would either eliminate choice (D) because it contradicts the relationship between pressure and volume, or you would select choice (C) because it supports the relationship between pressure and volume.

PLEASE PRACTICE THIS TECHNIQUE WITH THE SAMPLE ITEMS!

A summary of the seven steps for preparing to take a nursing school entrance examination follows:

1. Study the concepts and principles presented in each section so that you will have a good base of knowledge.

2. Study one section at a time over a period of time—whatever is reasonable for your learning style. Do not cram!

3. Take the tests related to each section immediately after studying the explanatory materials.

4. Follow all directions for each test carefully.

5. Utilize the guidelines for test-taking as presented in this section.

6. Check your answers in order to diagnose your strengths and weaknesses.

7. Seek additional information from reliable resources in the areas in which you are weak.

Reducing Test Anxiety

Anxiety results from a threat to our well-being that might be real or perceived. This threat makes us uncomfortable and affects our feelings of self-esteem. We then change our behavior in an attempt to seek relief.

Many people become anxious about taking a test because they anticipate that someone is going to make a judgment about them based on their test performance. Is your self-esteem strong enough for you to think, I can pass this test! Or, do you lack confidence in yourself and assume I am going to fail.

What can you do to prevent this kind of negative thinking? First, you must realize that anxiety can be both productive and destructive. Anxiety can be energizing if you direct the energy toward your goals and away from the imagined threats. For example, you may have the idea that the admission test will determine your entire future. If you don’t pass the test, you imagine that you won’t be admitted to the program of your choice. The fact is that admission tests are used along with many other kinds of information to determine your eligibility for entering a program. Therefore, this is not a real threat. On the other hand, if you have made no effort to prepare for this test, then your chances for admission might be threatened.

The secret to success is confidence. You can gain that confidence by completing the practice tests in this book with a score of 80 percent or above in all areas. This should assure you that you can perform well on the admission test.

There are several things that you can do to relieve anxiety.

Set up a time-frame for studying this book. Schedule a few pages per day to avoid a last-minute rush.

Sharing your anxiety helps to reduce it. Talk to a friend. Explore the ’what if’ situations and the related options for achieving your career goals.

Provide an outlet for yourself—perhaps exercise or some other physical activity that you enjoy.

Think back to how you have handled stress and anxiety in your past experiences. Draw on those experiences.

Positive thinking is a must. Imagine yourself receiving the results of your test enclosed in a letter of congratulations that you share with your family and friends. Make plans for the next step toward achieving your career goals. Imagine the pleasurable feeling and comfort that comes from a job well done. You’ll do just fine!

Part II

Diagnosing Strengths and Weaknesses

Diagnostic Test

The following Diagnostic Test is divided into three parts: one each for Registered Nursing, Allied Health, and Practical/Vocational Nursing. Each part is divided further into four sections: Verbal Ability or Verbal Skills, depending on the exam; Mathematics, Quantitative Ability, or Arithmetic and Mathematics, again depending on the exam; Science; and Reading Comprehension. The question types are similar to what you will find on each exam.

After each Part, you will find an Answer Key and Answer Explanations for that Part. At the end of each explanation, you will find the topic or theme assessed in that question. This information will help you identify areas that you should spend more time on as you study and prepare for your exam.

Each Part begins with directions and a time limit. Set a timer for that amount of time and see how you do answering all the questions in that amount of time. Knowing how long it takes you will help you determine a pacing plan for each section of the actual exam.

Choose the Part of the Diagnostic Test that matches the nursing career that you are pursuing and complete it to see your strengths and those areas that you need to improve on.

Registered Nursing School

Verbal Ability

10 Questions • 5 Minutes

Directions: In each of the sentences below, one word is italicized. Following each sentence are four words or phrases. For each sentence, choose the word or phrase that most nearly corresponds in meaning with the italicized word.

1. The adverse publicity about the mayor’s decision caused him to reverse it.

(A) affirmative

(B) unfavorable

(C) anxious

(D) conspicuous

2. The patient’s florid complexion was a sign of a high fever.

(A) flamboyant

(B) challenging

(C) flushed

(D) impressive

3. She was so happy at being accepted into school that she broke into an impromptu dance by the mailbox.

(A) accidental

(B) incongruous

(C) spontaneous

(D) funny

Directions: In each of the following questions, select the word opposite in meaning to the word printed in capital letters.

4. BLAMELESS

(A) culpable

(B) honest

(C) irreproachable

(D) upright

5. MINISTER TO

(A) official

(B) delegate to

(C) ignore

(D) tend to

6. FIERCE

(A) tame

(B) vehement

(C) aggressive

(D) intense

7. ADMONISH

(A) admission

(B) rebuke

(C) censure

(D) compliment

Directions: In the following questions, determine the relationship between the first pair of capitalized words and then decide which of the answer choices shares a similar relationship with the third capitalized word.

8. LOYAL : TRAITOROUS :: BENEVOLENT :

(A) ungenerous

(B) disloyal

(C) advantageous

(D) congratulatory

9. SURGEON : OPERATING ROOM :: ACTOR :

(A) dressing room

(B) theater

(C) stage

(D) audition

10. MASON : BRICKLAYING :: CARPENTER :

(A) building

(B) hammer

(C) laying pipe

(D) wiring

Mathematics

10 Questions • 10 Minutes

Directions: Each problem requires logical reasoning and thinking in addition to simple computations to find the solution. Read each questions carefully and choose the correct answer from the four choices that follow.

1. Sally receives a 15% commission on all the pharmaceuticals she sells. In the month of July, she sold $14,500 worth of pharmaceuticals. What was the value of her commission?

(A) $2,000

(B) $2,175

(C) $2,375

(D) $2,565

2. 3 + 5(0.4 − 0.1) (4)² =

(A) 18

(B) 21

(C) 22

(D) 27

3. 18 is what percent of 72?

(A) 25%

(B) 18%

(C) 5%

(D) 4%

4. Dr. Sarah Johnson bought an old house and wants to fix it up. The first project she wants to do is paint the walls of the family room. If the room is 8 feet high, 13 feet wide, and 18 feet long, how much paint would she need to do two coats, if the paint covers 300 square feet per gallon?

(A) 2.2

(B) 3

(C) 3.3

(D) 4

5. Jack Anderson recently financed the purchase of a new house. He bought the house for $132,000. The mortgage is for 80%. What is the amount of his mortgage?

(A) $132,000

(B) $80,000

(C) $16,400

(D) $105,600

6. Which of the following is true about two perpendicular lines?

(A) They never cross.

(B) The angles created by their crossing are acute.

(C) The angles created by their crossing are obtuse.

(D) The angles created by their crossing are right angles.

7. A triangle has an area of 196. What is its height, if the base is 16?

(A) 6.125

(B) 12.25

(C) 24.5

(D) 49

8. 516 sets of scrubs at $3,512 per hundred will cost

(A) $18,121.92

(B) $21,154.74

(C) $10,342.84

(D) $32,749.02

Directions: For questions 9 and 10, two quantities are given: one in Column A and one in Column B. Compare the two quantities to determine the correct answer. Your options (A) through (D) are shown with each question.

9.

(A) if quantity A is greater.

(B) if quantity B is greater.

(C) if the two quantities are equal.

(D) if the relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

10.

(A) if quantity A is greater.

(B) if quantity B is greater.

(C) if the two quantities are equal.

(D) if the relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Science

10 Questions • 10 Minutes

Directions: Read each question carefully and consider all possible answers. There is only one best answer for each question.

1. The cellular organelle in which cellular respiration takes place is the

(A) ribosomes.

(B) endoplasmic reticulum.

(C) mitochondria.

(D) Golgi apparatus.

2. The fusion of two gametes of different size and structure is called

(A) isogamy.

(B) ansiogamy.

(C) conjugation.

(D) oogamy.

3. Which process of human cellular metabolism releases carbon dioxide during the reaction?

(A) Krebs cycle

(B) Glycolysis

(C) Oxidative phosphorylation

(D) Photosynthesis

4. Which type of nucleic acid matches a specific amino acid to its codon?

(A) mRNA

(B) rRNA

(C) tRNA

(D) DNA

5. Which two ions play a role in the transmission of sensory information to the brain?

(A) Na+ and Ca²+

(B) Na+ and K+

(C) K+ and Ca²+

(D) H+ and K+

6. Which structure of the respiratory system is encircled by rings of cartilage to ensure that air can always pass through?

(A) Bronchioles

(B) Pharynx

(C) Diaphragm

(D) Trachea

7. Blood is classified into a specific type by its

(A) erythrocyte antigens.

(B) plasma antigens.

(C) plasma antibodies.

(D) platelet antibodies.

8. Metabolic processes in the body are regulated by hormones produced in the

(A) pineal gland.

(B) pituitary gland.

(C) thyroid gland.

(D) adrenal glands.

9. During muscle contraction, the depolarization of muscle causes the release of calcium ions from

(A) neurotransmitters.

(B) the sacroplasmic reticulum.

(C) the endoplasmic reticulum.

(D) the actin filaments.

10. In a simple food chain, humans are classified as

(A) parasites.

(B) producers.

(C) consumers.

(D) decomposers.

Reading Comprehension

10 Questions • 20 Minutes

Directions: Carefully read the following paragraphs and then answer the accompanying questions, basing your answer on what is stated in the paragraphs. There is only one best answer for each question.

Some Therapies for Asthma Sufferers

A

There are a number of treatments available for asthma sufferers, but some are more effective for certain types of use than others. For example, short-acting best agonists (bronchodilators) and oral and intravenous corticosteroids are best for rapid relief. They are not for long-term use. However, they can be beneficial for those who have exercise-induced asthma if used before commencing exercise.

B

Inhaled corticosteroids provide long-term control of asthma symptoms. Sometimes, combining medications with both a beta-2 agonist and an inhaled steroid is useful for long-term control. Those who have allergy-induced asthma may be prescribed a course of shots for desensitization, that is, a course of specific immunotherapy related to the allergen.

C

Controversial therapies include the use of leukotriene modifiers. These prevent symptoms for up to 24 hours. However, there are a number of recorded side effects. Patients taking this class of drugs have experienced hallucinations, agitations, aggressive behavior, and even thoughts of suicide. Among unproven methods for relief of asthma are breathing techniques, including so-called yoga breathing, and the ingestion of herbal remedies such as gingko.

1. Oral and intravenous corticosteroids are best for

(A) long-term control of asthma symptoms.

(B) preventing symptoms up to 24 hours.

(C) rapid relief of symptoms.

(D) desensitizing those who have allergy-induced asthma.

2. Which statement is supported by paragraph C?

(A) Techniques such as yoga breathing are controversial.

(B) Leutokriene modifiers combine several medications to be most effective.

(C) Ginkgo is prescribed for controlling asthma symptoms in the short term.

(D) Doctors prescribing leukotriene modifiers should monitor their patients closely.

Obesity in Children

A

Obesity is a problem that affects children as well as adults. Since the 1970s, childhood obesity has been on the rise among U.S. children. Like their parents, obese children face a series of health problems. These include hypertension, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes, as well as discrimination from less overweight peers. The latter can lead to depression and poor self-esteem. Some children may be able to overcome their weight as adults, but the evidence belies this for most obese children. An obese child has a 70 percent chance of being obese as an adult.

B

It’s never too late to help children eat healthful meals and snacks, but parents have to be willing to eat healthfully themselves. That means following the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Plate to ensure that they and their children have the right amount of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy while reducing the amount of oils, sugar, and fats in their diet. Cooking oils are major ingredients in foods such as cookies, cakes, chips, and donuts. Other foods have what dieticians call empty calories because they have few or no nutrients. These foods include sodas and energy, sports, and fruit drinks; cheese, pizza; ice cream; sausage; hot dogs; bacon; and ribs. Cheese, pizza, ice cream, and ribs may seem less appetizing when you think of them as solid fat. The added sugar in ice cream also adds to its being unhealthful.

C

One way to get around the problem with some of these foods is to buy low-fat or sugar-free versions. For example, you can buy low-fat hot dogs and low-fat cheese as well as plain water and sugar-free sodas. Other foods to look for are unsweetened applesauce, cereals, and gelatin; extra lean ground meat; and fat-free milk. Drinking plain water is also a good antidote to the empty calories in sodas, flavored waters, and sports drinks.

D

But it’s not just parents who need to help children maintain a healthy weight. Schools have to be willing to forego some of their revenue from allowing companies to stock school vending machines with candy bars and sugary drinks, including flavored waters high in sugar content. Owners of stores near schools that sell snacks to students need to be willing to substitute healthful snacks for bags of potato chips, candy bars, and popsicles.

E

Schools have another responsibility, but ultimately it can come down to taxpayers. It’s important that children and adolescents get at least 60 minutes or more of physical activity daily according to the FDA. This moderate to vigorous activity should include muscle strengthening and bone strengthening. Much of this is done, or could be done, outside of school, but an active physical education program in schools is also an important component. However, when faced with budget deficits and increased pressure on passing state academic tests, districts choose to cut physical education programs to the detriment of their students, especially urban students with no place to play after school.

3. Which of the following would be a better title for this passage?

(A) Helping Children Maintain Healthy Weight

(B) Schools Have a Responsibility in the Childhood Obesity Trend

(C) Stores That Sell Snacks Need to Change

(D) Parents Need Education on How to Fight Obesity

4. The word belie in paragraph A means

(A) contradicts.

(B) proves.

(C) interprets.

(D) expresses.

5. According to the passage, parents can buy a healthful alternative to which of the following foods?

(A) Donuts

(B) Hot dogs

(C) Pizza

(D) Cookies

6. Empty-calorie foods are foods that

(A) are good to eat because they fill a person up without adding weight.

(B) leave a person hungry after eating them.

(C) have little or no nutritional value.

(D) have a lot of air in them.

7. What kind of activities should children and adolescents have daily?

(A) A physical education program

(B) Running and jumping

(C) Vigorous exercise

(D) Bone-strengthening and muscle-strengthening activities

Making the Decision to Move

A

Are you going to be the caregiver for your parents or for other older relatives like a beloved aunt? Where do they live now? How old are they? Have they or you given any thought to having them move close to you? How feasible will it be to take time off and fly or even drive several hours if the person falls and breaks a hip or has a heart attack? How long can you take off from work to be with the person? Will you need to come home and then go back when the person is ready to come home from the hospital or from rehab? These are questions facing many adult children today whose family member or members they will be caring for in later years.

B

And later for some of these adult children is right around the corner—or even now. According to the 2010 Census, there were more than 40 million Americans 65 and older. This is 13 percent of the total population. By 2050, the percentage is expected to grow to 21 percent. Of the more than 40 million 65 and older, less than half—43 percent or 17 million—are men. The trend line for the percentage as well as real number of Americans 65 and older has moved steadily upward since 1900. The other notable fact between 2000 and 2010 is that the population of those 65 years and over grew at a faster rate than the total population. While women over 65 still outnumber men in that age group, the number of males over 65 increased faster than the number of women.

C

All increase in population also means more people needing care. There are various solutions to the problem. One is for the family member or members to move close to the potential caregiver while still young enough to do it on their own and still able to get around, make new friends, and experience what their new locales offer in the way of entertainment, hobbies, and life-long learning. Another is to stay where the older person currently lives, but to move into a community with step-up care, that is, a community that provides a continuum of care from totally independent housing to assisted living to nursing facilities. In this way, the potential caregiver is relieved of worry about the person while also being relieved of day-to-day direct care responsibilities.

8. What does the word feasible mean in paragraph A?

(A) Possible

(B) Impractical

(C) Unworkable

(D) Capable

9. In 2010, what was the percentage of the total U.S. population 65 and older?

(A) 40

(B) 43

(C) 13

(D) 21

10. What can a new locale offer older persons who move on their own?

(A) Day-to-day direct care

(B) Proximity to their families

(C) A nursing home

(D) New friends and experiences

Answer Explanations

Verbal Ability

1. The correct answer is (B). Adverse means unfavorable. Choice (A) is