Study Resources
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Algebra is the branch of mathematics that uses symbols (like letters) to represent numbers in formulas and equations. It helps us find unknown values and understand relationships between different quantities.
Scientific reasoning is a cornerstone skill assessed in the TEAS exam. It encompasses the ability to apply the principles of the scientific method to analyze data, draw conclusions, and solve problems based on scientific evidence. Let’s delve into the key components of scientific reasoning to better prepare for the TEAS exam.
The customary system in the U.S. includes units like feet, pounds, and fluid ounces, but science and medicine rely on the metric system, using liters, grams, and meters. Understanding both systems and their conversions is essential for accurate measurements in healthcare and scientific applications.
To succeed in the HESI A2 Anatomy & Physiology section, especially regarding the Lymphatic and Immune System, you should focus on understanding the structure and function of both systems. This includes learning about lymphatic fluid, vessels, ducts, and organs, as well as the cells of the immune system and their functions.
Which pronouns to use in various grammatical situations. How to correctly identify and use different types of pronouns Common mistakes with pronoun-antecedent agreement
In nursing and on the HESI A2, problem-solving and decision-making are not just helpful—they're essential.
Biological classification (taxonomy) is the process of organizing living organisms into groups based on shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships. Scientists use this system to understand the diversity of life and how different organisms relate to each other. This system also allows healthcare professionals to use precise names when talking about pathogens, helping ensure accuracy in patient care and safety.
This guide breaks down all 12 verb tenses with simple explanations, examples, and tips to help you avoid common mistakes. It’s designed to build your confidence for HESI A2 Grammar questions by showing exactly when and how to use each tense correctly.
Simple machines are basic mechanical devices that reduce the amount of force needed to do work. They work by either changing the direction of the force applied or increasing the distance over which the force is applied, making tasks easier. In physics, understanding how these machines work helps explain fundamental concepts like force, work, and energy.
This guide explains the key glands, hormones, and functions of the endocrine system in a student-friendly way. It’s designed to help you understand how hormones regulate body processes and prepare you for common A&P test questions.
This guide breaks down subject-verb agreement in a clear, student-friendly way for the HESI A2 Grammar section. It covers rules, tricky examples, and practice questions to help you master the topic confidently.
The TEAS 7 Reading section’s Integration of Knowledge and Ideas tests your ability to analyze and connect with texts. You’ll predict content, question claims, make inferences, and relate ideas to your knowledge. Expect questions on arguments, evidence, and themes.
Effective writing requires a diverse vocabulary that enhances clarity and precision. Choosing vivid, accurate words eliminates ambiguity and ensures the message is well understood. Tailoring writing based on audience and purpose means adjusting word choice and structure to match expectations. A strong writing framework guides this process, ensuring organization and coherence.
This topic covers how to confidently work with numbers in their three most common forms: Whole Numbers – Numbers without fractions or decimals (e.g., 10, 75). Decimals – Numbers that include a decimal point (e.g., 3.14, 0.5). Fractions – Numbers expressed as parts of a whole (e.g., ½, 3/4). We’ll break these down, build conceptual clarity, and integrate practical nursing examples along the way.
Prioritization of care refers to deciding which patient or task requires immediate attention. It’s more than listing tasks—it involves analyzing clinical cues, predicting outcomes, and allocating resources wisely. This topic draws heavily on decision-making, problem-solving, and awareness of biases, as framed by the elements of thought
Solutions are homogeneous mixtures of two or more substances. In chemistry and medicine, precise knowledge of how much solute is present in a specific volume of solvent is critical for safety, efficacy, and accuracy—especially in drug administration.
Effective writing ensures that valuable information is clearly communicated. Even the most insightful content can lose its impact if it is poorly structured or contains errors in grammar and usage. Knowledge of language involves understanding how different words, phrases, and sentence structures affect meaning and clarity. It helps in choosing appropriate language for different contexts, whether professional, academic, or casual.
Evolution is the central concept that unifies all of biology. It explains how living organisms change over time and how diverse life forms have arisen from common ancestors. Understanding evolution provides the foundation for grasping other biological topics, from genetics to ecology to human anatomy.
Electricity and magnetism form one of the most essential domains in physics, with direct applications in medical equipment, diagnostics, and daily nursing practice. Understanding the behavior of electric charges, current, voltage, resistance, and magnetic fields helps explain how devices such as ECG machines, defibrillators, MRI scanners, and IV pumps operate. This section offers a beginner-friendly foundation in core topics including charge, current, voltage, Ohm’s Law, electric circuits, and magnetism basics.
Craft and structure describe how a writer organizes and presents ideas. They use techniques like tone, word choice, and structure to guide the reader. Studying these elements helps determine the message’s accuracy—whether it’s fact or opinion, biased or objective, and how effectively the author communicates their point.
The human body is made up of organ systems—groups of organs that work together to perform specific functions. These systems are interconnected and rely on homeostasis, the body's ability to maintain internal stability. Below, we explore each major system and how it contributes to health.
What You’ll Learn The structure and roles of DNA and RNA The steps of protein synthesis (transcription and translation) The difference between mitosis and meiosis, and why it matters How Mendel’s laws explain inheritance patterns How to use Punnett squares to predict genetic outcomes Why It’s Important In nursing and healthcare: Understanding DNA helps explain genetic disorders, drug responses, and disease mechanisms. Mitosis and meiosis explain cancer growth and inherited conditions. Protein synthesis connects to how the body makes enzymes and hormones. Mendelian genetics helps predict the likelihood of passing on genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia.
In nursing, clear and logical thinking is essential for accurate clinical judgment and patient safety. Misinterpreting patient information, blindly following flawed protocols, or misjudging evidence due to bias can lead to harmful outcomes. The HESI A2 exam tests your ability to critically evaluate arguments—so mastering this topic improves both exam performance and professional practice.
What You’ll Learn How to evaluate the strength and credibility of arguments and evidence How to distinguish between valid reasoning and flawed reasoning How to assess the reliability of sources and assumptions How to apply evaluation in clinical decision-making and exam scenarios Why It’s Important In nursing and healthcare: Clinical decisions often rely on evaluating patient data, interpreting evidence-based research, and questioning assumptions. Poor reasoning can lead to misdiagnosis, errors in treatment, or failure to detect risks. On the HESI A2, critical thinking sections assess your ability to evaluate evidence logically and ethically.
In nursing and health sciences, assumptions can influence how you interpret symptoms, evaluate patient reports, and make clinical decisions. Misinterpreting or ignoring assumptions can lead to: Poor patient outcomes Faulty diagnoses or treatments Ineffective teamwork or communication
Matter exists in different forms depending on energy and molecular interaction. In biology and medicine, gases (like oxygen and carbon dioxide), fluids (blood, plasma), and solids (bone, cells) behave differently. Understanding these behaviors helps predict changes in body systems.
A chemical reaction is a process in which substances (reactants) are transformed into new substances (products). In biological systems, reactions happen constantly—breaking down nutrients, producing energy, synthesizing DNA, and more.
Atoms form bonds to achieve stability. These bonds—ionic, covalent, and metallic—differ in how electrons are used. Lewis structures visually represent these interactions and help predict the shape and behavior of molecules, which is key in biological systems.
The periodic table is a foundational tool in both chemistry and biology. In nursing, knowing the trends helps in: Understanding how drugs interact at the atomic level. Recognizing how electrolytes like sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), and calcium (Ca²⁺) behave in the body. Explaining patient symptoms due to mineral or electrolyte imbalance. The periodic table organizes all known elements based on atomic number and recurring chemical properties. Elements in the same group behave similarly in reactions due to similar electron configurations.
Momentum isn’t just for car crashes. It’s about how mass and velocity combine to create motion, and how that motion is transferred or resisted during impacts. In healthcare, momentum helps us understand the impact of a fall, how equipment stops, or how patients move during transfers.
Work, energy, and power are foundational concepts in physics and everyday healthcare. Whether it’s lifting a patient, adjusting bed height, or understanding how fast a machine delivers care, these principles describe how physical effort is applied, stored, or transferred. This topic explains how forces do work, how energy is stored or converted, and how power measures the rate of doing work.
This section introduces the foundational skills of logical reasoning and inference, essential for analyzing information, drawing conclusions, and making informed decisions.Logical reasoning involves evaluating arguments and identifying relationships between ideas. Inference is the process of drawing conclusions based on evidence and reasoning. Together, these skills enable individuals to process information critically and make reasoned judgments.
Forces are the hidden agents behind every movement — whether it’s a caregiver lifting a patient, a nurse applying CPR, or a wheelchair being pushed down a hallway. In physics, force is more than just muscle. It has direction, size, and measurable effects. In clinical practice, understanding how forces interact helps prevent falls, reduce strain injuries, and promote safe patient handling.
This comprehensive study guide dives into the essential topic of cell structure and function—a cornerstone of HESI A2 Biology and a crucial foundation for success in nursing school and beyond. Designed for students with or without a biology background, it breaks down complex cellular concepts into easy-to-understand explanations, clear examples, and practical applications in nursing and healthcare.
Understanding clauses and phrases helps you recognize complete thoughts versus incomplete ones. This skill is key to writing clear, grammatically correct sentences on the HESI.
Understanding how a passage is organized helps you follow the author’s message clearly and answer questions faster. It’s like seeing the map before taking the road—no more guessing, just confident reading!
Mastering word origins builds confidence and boosts accuracy on the HESI A2 Vocabulary section.
The urinary system filters waste from the blood and maintains the body's fluid, electrolyte, and pH balance through the production of urine. It includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra — all working together to keep your internal environment clean and stable.
The muscular system enables movement, posture, and essential body functions through three muscle types: skeletal, cardiac, and smooth. It relies on coordinated contraction and energy from ATP to function effectively.
Introduction Motion is at the heart of physics. It describes how objects move, change position, and respond to forces — whether it's a patient walking down a hallway or an ambulance accelerating to a scene. Kinematics is the part of physics that focuses on describing how things move, not necessarily why they move. To grasp this topic, we must understand quantities like distance, displacement, speed, velocity, and acceleration, and learn how to calculate or represent them using formulas and motion graphs.
In physics, everything begins with measurement. Whether tracking motion, applying force, or understanding energy, nothing can be described, calculated, or communicated correctly without using the right units. Units give meaning to numbers and allow for accurate comparisons, calculations, and scientific discussion.
Understanding the Nature of Reasoning Reasoning is the heart of all thought. It’s how we figure things out, solve problems, make decisions, and justify our conclusions. Every time you think through an issue, weigh information, or evaluate options, you're reasoning. But not all reasoning works the same way. In logic and critical thinking, the two most essential types of reasoning are deductive and inductive. Both are used to support arguments, make judgments, and guide actions—but they operate in different ways and demand different standards of evaluation.
Chemistry is the foundation of many medical processes. As a nurse, you will need to understand how drugs interact with the body, manage pH levels in patients, convert units for medication dosages, and recognize chemical reactions in medical treatments. Whether administering IV fluids, monitoring electrolytes, or understanding oxygen transport, chemistry is always at play in healthcare.
Biology is a fundamental part of the HESI A2 exam, covering cells, genetics, metabolism, microbiology, and human biology. This study guide gives in-depth explanations, definitions, and examples to master every topic. Introduction to Biology What is Biology? Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and environmental interactions. It is a vast field that spans multiple levels of organization, from molecular biology (DNA, proteins) to cell biology (organelles, cellular processes), human anatomy and physiology, genetics, ecology, and evolutionary biology. Biologists explore how organisms maintain homeostasis, reproduce, adapt, and interact with their surroundings, helping us understand everything from disease mechanisms to biodiversity and conservation.
Unlock the power of clear, evidence-based thinking with this detailed study guide! Logical reasoning and inference are the core of safe, effective nursing care—and mastering them is key to success on the HESI A2 exam. In this guide, you’ll learn how to: ✅ Spot logical connections between patient symptoms and clinical decisions ✅ Differentiate facts from assumptions—and avoid dangerous thinking traps ✅ Apply deductive and inductive reasoning to real-life patient scenarios ✅ Recognize biases and logical fallacies that can sabotage your decision-making ✅ Use these critical thinking skills to prioritize care, identify complications early, and protect patient safety Whether you’re a beginner or just brushing up before test day, this guide breaks down complex concepts into simple, practical explanations—no confusing jargon, just what you need to make safe decisions and ace your exam!
Understanding the difference between facts and opinions is critical when interpreting reading passages. Facts are statements that can be proven true or false, based on evidence or data, while opinions are subjective beliefs or feelings that cannot be universally proven.
Data interpretation in reading comprehension focuses on understanding how numbers, statistics, or trends presented in a passage affect the overall meaning or message of the text. You'll need to understand how data is used in context and draw logical conclusions based on that information.
In reading comprehension, themes are the underlying messages or central ideas explored in a text, and moral lessons are the insights or teachings the author wants to convey through the characters' actions and the story's events. Understanding these elements is crucial for correctly answering questions about a passage on the HESI A2.
In the Vocabulary section, data interpretation means understanding how a word is used in a specific context. The same word can have different meanings in different situations. These questions assess your ability to infer, define, or apply the correct meaning using context clues.
Multiple-meaning words (also called homonyms or polysemous words) are words that have more than one definition. On the HESI A2, you'll be asked to choose the correct meaning of a word depending on how it is used in a sentence.
Idioms and figurative language involve expressions whose meanings are not always clear from the literal definition of the words. On the HESI A2, you may be asked to identify the meaning of such phrases based on context.
Decimals and percentages appear throughout the HESI A2 math section. You must understand how to convert between decimals, fractions, and percentages, and perform calculations involving these values accurately and efficiently.
Fractions, ratios, and proportions are essential components of the HESI A2 math section. You'll need to understand how to simplify, compare, and operate with these values to solve real-world problems, including dosage calculations and unit comparisons.
Measurement conversions are a key component of the HESI A2 math section. You are expected to understand and convert between various units of measurement within both the metric and U.S. customary systems, and sometimes between the two.
About half of the TEAS 7 math questions focus on basic number concepts, including the four basic operations and their application in word problems. These questions involve positive and negative whole numbers, fractions, percentages, and decimals.
This lesson focuses on the ability to understand and work with written information. You’ll learn how to summarize multi-paragraph texts, make inferences and draw conclusions, follow written directions, find specific details in a passage, analyze charts and graphs, and understand the order of events.
This lesson focuses on the basic rules of writing in English, including using correct grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.
The respiratory system delivers oxygen, removes carbon dioxide, and maintains pH balance. This guide covers key structures, breathing mechanics, and common disorders of the respiratory system.
This lesson explains how genetic information is stored in DNA, how it’s transcribed into mRNA, and how that mRNA is translated into proteins. You'll learn the structure of DNA and RNA and the roles of mRNA, tRNA, and ribosomes in the process of protein synthesis.
This lesson focuses on the anatomy of the nervous system, including its functions and divisions. It also explores the parts of a neuron, neural conduction, and synaptic transmission.
Get ready to dive into the system that keeps you alive with every breath! This guide breaks down the Respiratory System in a way that’s simple, clear, and HESI-ready. We’ll cover the Lungs, the Trachea (a.k.a. your windpipe highway), and the all-important Diaphragm—your body’s built-in breathing muscle. You’ll learn: How air travels from your nose all the way to your lungs (and back out). What the diaphragm really does during inhalation and exhalation. How oxygen and carbon dioxide get swapped in the alveoli. HESI-style terms and test tricks you’ll actually remember. With straightforward explanations, labeled diagrams, and quick memory tools, this guide helps you lock in the essentials without the overwhelm. Whether you’re skimming before an exam or digging deep, this one’s got your back (and your lungs).
Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) is one of the most important sections of the HESI A2 exam, testing your understanding of the human body's structure and function. This guide will break down key concepts, definitions, real-world nursing applications, and Exam Hive-recommended strategies to help you confidently pass.
This lesson describes the cell structure and two different types of cells. The lesson also explores the functions of various cell parts and their organization.
Mastering the parts of speech is essential for understanding sentence structure, improving grammar, and excelling in the HESI A2 exam. Each word in a sentence plays a specific role, and recognizing these roles helps in writing clearly, speaking effectively, and avoiding grammatical errors. This study guide provides a deep dive into the eight major parts of speech: nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, conjunctions, prepositions, and interjections. Each section includes detailed explanations, numerous examples, and tips to help you fully grasp these concepts.
This comprehensive study guide is designed to help you master the grammar skills needed to excel on the HESI A2 exam. It covers all essential grammar topics, including parts of speech, sentence structure, punctuation, verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, pronouns, modifiers, and common grammatical errors. With clear explanations, examples, and practice questions, this guide will strengthen your ability to identify and correct errors, improve sentence clarity, and apply proper grammar rules. Whether you're reviewing basics or tackling advanced concepts, this guide is your go-to resource for acing the grammar section of the HESI A2!
