HESI Chemistry Practice Test

The HESI Chemistry practice test is an essential resource for nursing students as they prepare for their licensure examinations and professional careers. Chemistry, a fundamental science that explores the properties and interactions of matter, is crucial in understanding the biochemical processes that underline health and disease.

HESI-Chemistry Practice Test

1 / 40

What is the metric prefix meaning one billionth?

Nano

Milli

Micro

Pico

The common metric prefixes for numbers less than 1 are as follows:

deci = tenth
centi = hundredth
milli = thousandth
micro = millionth
nano = billionth
pico = trillionth

2 / 40

What is the purpose of scientific notation?

There is no purpose.

The purpose is to handle bigger numbers more easily.

The purpose is to handle smaller numbers more easily.

The purpose is to handle both smaller and bigger numbers more easily.

Scientific notation allows us to better describe tiny and enormous numbers more easily.

3 / 40

Elements that are in the same column of the periodic table are in the same:

period.

group.

row.

classification

Elements in the same horizontal row are in the same period, and they have similar physical properties. Elements in the same vertical column are in the same group, and they react to other elements in similar ways. There are 7 periods and 18 groups.

4 / 40

An unknown element is found to contain 45 protons and an atomic mass of 64, what is its atomic number?

It cannot be determined.

19

45

64

The number of protons in an atom’s nucleus is also the atomic number of the atom. In this case, we are told that there are 45 protons present and that the atomic mass is 64; however, when looking for the atomic number, we do not need the atomic mass. Consequently, the atomic number is 45.

5 / 40

An individual has the dominant phenotype for a given trait that shows a simple dominance inheritance pattern. This individual is crossed with a homozygous recessive individual. Half of their offspring have the dominant phenotype, while the other half of their offspring have the recessive phenotype for the trait.

What is the genotype of the parent having the dominant phenotype?

Homozygous dominant

Heterozygous

Homozygous recessive

Unable to determine

Since the homozygous recessive parent could only contribute the recessive allele to its offspring, any offspring that have the recessive trait have the homozygous recessive genotype and must have received a second recessive allele from the parent with the dominant phenotype. Therefore, the parent having the dominant phenotype must have both the dominant allele (making it phenotypically dominant) and the recessive allele and therefore must be heterozygous.

6 / 40

A student is observing a chemical reaction occurring with visible bubbling. The bubbling eventually stops. The student can see that some of the original reactants are still intact inside the beaker, so he knows that not all the reactant has been used up. Therefore, the student knows he is now observing:

A failed reaction.

Equilibrium.

A decrease in temperature.

A completed reaction.

The student is now observing equilibrium, during which reactants are forming products at the same rate that products are forming reactants.

7 / 40

What is the charge on sodium in the compound NaCl ?

-1

0

+1

+2

The chemical reaction between sodium and chlorine is ionic; Sodium donates an electron to chlorine to produce sodium chloride. The donation of an electron leaves sodium with a charge of +1 and chlorine with a charge of −1.

8 / 40

What are isotopes?

Elements which have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons.

Elements with the same atomic number but different atomic mass numbers.

Elements which have a different number of protons than electrons.

Both A and B are correct.

Isotopes are the same element, with the same number of protons and electrons, but a different number of neutrons. Because there are different numbers of neutrons, the atomic masses of the elements also differ.

9 / 40

Which of the following statements about atoms is false?

Electrons do not orbit an atom’s nucleus; they exist in electron clouds surrounding the nucleus.

As each orbital of an atom is filled to capacity, electrons begin occupying a higher energy orbital.

Most of the volume of an atom is empty space.

Atoms are most stable when their outer electron shell (valence shell) is incomplete.

Atoms are most stable when they have a full outer electron orbit or shell. Incomplete orbits are more reactive.

10 / 40

A normal human body temperature in Celsius is:

32 degrees.

35 degrees.

37 degrees.

39 degrees.

The normal human temperature in Celsius ranges from 36.5 to 37.5 degrees, so 37 degrees is the best answer.

11 / 40

What is the total number of sulfur atoms represented in 3 Ca(S0₄)₃?

3

4

6

9

Sulfur is indicated by the symbol S and we are required to find the total number. Notice that the subscript 4 is only attached to the O atom so it will not be included in our calculation; however, the subscript 3 outside of the parenthesis will count. The coefficient 3 indicates that there are 3 total molecules, and each of these has 3 atoms of sulfur. Multiply: 3 x 3 = 9.

12 / 40

DNA is made up of which of the following nucleotides?

Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine, and Thymine

Uracil, Adenine, Guanine, and Thymine

Amenine, Cytosine, Galvine, Thymine

Ribose, Phosphate, Pentose, and Amine

The information in DNA is stored as four nucleotides: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). The nucleotides adenine and guanine are classified as purines, while thymine and cytosine are classified as pyrmidines. Purines contain 2 carbon nitrogen ring bases and pyrimidines contain 1 carbon nitrogen base. These nucleotides can be easily remembered with the mnemonic, ‘GCAT PuPy PuPy,’ where ‘G’ and ‘A’ match up with ‘Pu’ (purine) and ‘C’ and ‘T’ match up with ‘Py’ (pyrimidine). RNA replaces thymine with uracil (U) and can be recalled as ‘GCAU PuPy PuPy.’

13 / 40

Which of the following creates a cramping sensation during intense exercise?

Glucose.

Pyruvate

Lactate.

Protein

Lactate, also known as lactic acid, is responsible for the muscle burning or cramping feeling that accompanies intense exercise.

14 / 40

Fe + CuSO₄ → FeSO₄ + Cu is an example of what type of reaction?

Single Replacement

Combustion

Double Replacement

Decomposition

The reactants show that sulfate is bonded to copper, but the products show that the sulfate has bonded with the iron. As only the location of the sulfate has changed, this is a single replacement reaction. In order for this to be a combustion reaction, the products would need to be carbon dioxide and water. In order for it to be a double replacement reaction, there must be the replacement of two reactants; and in order for it to be decomposition, a reactant must be broken down into its constituent parts.

15 / 40

Which of the following is the atomic mass of an atom containing 31 protons 31 electrons and 37 neutrons?

62

68

70

99

To calculate the atomic mass, sum the number of protons and the number of neutrons inside of the nucleus. The electron’s size is miniscule in comparison to both the proton and the neutron and does not contribute to the mass of the atom. So, adding 31 protons with 37 neutrons results in an atomic mass of 68.

16 / 40

Given enough time, unstable nuclei will:

lose protons.

evolve

decay into a stable form.

degrade into a further unstable form.

Given enough time, unstable nuclei will decay into a stable form.

17 / 40

What does -COOH symbolize?

Hydroxyl group

Carboxyl group.

Carbonyl group

Amino group

The carboxyl group has both a carbonyl and a hydroxyl group attached to the same carbon atom.

18 / 40

Which of the following is an example of a ionic bond?

NaCl

OH−

H3O+

COO−

NaCl is an example of an ionic bond because it does not have a charge, and because the reaction involves the gain and loss of an electron.

19 / 40

Fluorine, oxygen, and nitrogen would each form what type of bond with a hydrogen atom?

Polar bond.

Covalent bond.

Hydrogen bond.

All of the above.

Fluorine, oxygen, and nitrogen are likely to form hydrogen bonds because they are each lacking electrons in their outer shell. Covalent bonds would form because hydrogen readily accepts single covalent bonds (sharing of its electron) and polar because hydrogen has a very low electronegativity compared to most elements.

20 / 40

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, where 0 is more _____ and 14 is more ______.

basic, acidic

neutral, acidic

acidic, neutral

acidic, basic

A pH of 0 is most acidic whereas a pH of 14 is most basic.

21 / 40

A chemical drain cleaner that contains sodium hydroxide would be:

acidic.

alkaline

neutral.

none of the above.

Sodium hydroxide has a pH in the range of 12-14, which is very basic, or alkaline. Alkaline drain cleaner can dissolve fats (grease) and proteins (hair).

22 / 40

List these common radiation types from weakest to strongest in terms of penetrability: Alpha, Beta, and Gamma radiation.

Alpha, Beta, Gamma

Beta, Alpha, Gamma

Gamma, Beta, Alpha

Gamma, Alpha, Beta

Radiation strength can be gauged by the types of material that the radiation can pass through. Alpha radiation has the weakest depth of penetration and can be stopped by most surfaces. Beta radiation can penetrate more deeply than alpha radiation but not as deeply as gamma radiation. One can remember this ranking by thinking in terms of alphabetical order- alpha first, so weakest, beta next, so less weak, etc.

23 / 40

How many glucose molecules are required to balance the following reaction:

__C₆H₁₂O₆ + 24O₂ → 24CO₂ + 24H₂O + Energy

4

8

16

24

For a chemical reaction to be balanced, the amount of reactants must be the same as the amount of products. Counting the number of carbon dioxide molecules on the right we find 24 total. As there are naturally 6 carbons in the glucose molecule on the left, we need 4 groups of these 6 molecules to match the 24 on the right.

24 / 40

A scientist discovers an atom of sodium in its natural state. The scientist knows that the oxidation number of this atom is most likely:

0

1

2

13

The oxidation number of most elements in their natural state is 0.

25 / 40

The process by which silver nitrate and potassium chloride yields silver chloride and potassium nitrate is an example of which type of chemical reaction?

synthesis

combustion

double displacement

single displacement

This is an example of a double displacement reaction where the compounds have switched partners.

26 / 40

Which of the following is the correct description of stoichiometry?

Stoichiometry describes the chemical reactions between the elements of a compound.

Stoichiometry is the calculation of relative quantities of reactants and products in chemical reactions.

Stoichiometry describes the color flares expected based on the participants of a chemical reaction.

Stoichiometry describes the fundamental properties of atoms universally.

Stoichiometry deals with calculations of the masses of reactants and products involved in a chemical reaction. Stoichiometry is a mathematical part of chemistry.

27 / 40

DNA features two sugar-phosphate chains that run in opposite directions, with one up and one down. This characteristic is known as:

anti-parallel.

bilateral

parallel.

bisecting.

Because the two chains run in opposite directions, they are described as anti-parallel.

28 / 40

Foods such as oils, milk, and butter contain high amounts of:

proteins.

carbohydrates.

calcium.

lipids.

These food products are all high in fats. Fats are a subgroup of lipids called triglycerides.

29 / 40

Which of the following saccharides are commonly associated with the sweet taste of fruit?

Glucose.

Fructose.

Lactose.

Galactose.

Fructose is a monosaccharide that makes fruit taste sweet. This can be easily remembered because fruit and fructose both begin with ‘fr’.

30 / 40

Which of the following subatomic particles are found inside of an atom’s nucleus?

Electrons, neutrons, protons

Neutrons, protons

Electrons, protons

Electrons

While the entirety of an atom’s nucleus contains neutrons, protons, and electrons, only the neutrons and protons are found inside of the nucleus. Electrons exist as a cloud surrounding the nucleus and thus are not found inside it.

31 / 40

A concentration of 120.9132 g of MgO in 3 L of solution will be what molality? (The atomic weight are: Magnesium: 24.305 g/mol, Oxygen: 15.9994 g/mol)

0.5 mol MgO

1.0 mol MgO

1.5 mol MgO

2.0 mol MgO

Recall that molality is the concentration of a solute in a solution relative to the amount of substance in a specified mass of the solvent. We will begin by calculating the number of moles in the 120.9132 g of MgO- notice that the atomic weights are given in g/mol, meaning that we can find the number of moles by dividing the given amount of MgO by the total atomic weight of MgO:

Now divide the number of moles by the number of liters of the solution:

32 / 40

What is the basic structure of an amino acid?

An amine group, a carboxyl group, and a functional R-group.

An amine group, a polar side chain, and a non-polar side chain.

An amide group, an alcohol group, and a functional R-group.

An amine group, and an amide group.

All amino acids share the same basic structure, but vary in the composition of their functional R-group. The amine portion is made up of 1 nitrogen and 3 hydrogen molecules and the carboxyl (or acidic) portion is made up of 1 carbon and 2 oxygen molecules.

33 / 40

The addition of a catalyst to a chemical reaction will have what effect?

Increase the energy required for the reaction to take place

Increase the time required for the reaction to take place

Increase the rate at which the reaction takes place

Reduce the amount of products in the reaction

A catalyst, by definition, is an enzyme that helps decrease the energy necessary to begin a reaction. Consequently, the addition of a catalyst to a chemical reaction will increase the rate at which the reaction takes place. A reduction in the energy required to begin the reaction means that the reaction will take place more quickly.

34 / 40

What characteristic of an element determines its specific isotope?

Number of protons.

Number of neutrons.

Number of electrons.

Number of quarks.

The number of neutrons is what gives the element its specific isotope. The number of protons determines which element it is, while the number of electrons determines if the atomic particle has a positive, negative, or neutral charge.

35 / 40

In a redox reaction, the element that is oxidized _____ an electron and the element that is reduced _____ an electron.

gains, loses

loses, gains

loses, loses

gains, gains

Remember: Oxidation is loss. Reduction is gain.

36 / 40

Which of the following correctly describes the oxidation state of the sulfur atom in sulfuric acid?

+5

+6

+7

+8

+6 describes the oxidation state of the sulfur atom in sulfuric acid. The oxidation state of the sulfur atom needs to balance with the oxidation numbers of the hydrogen (+2) and the oxygen (−8).

37 / 40

A chemical bond is determined primarily by what particles?

Neutrons

Protons

Quarks

Electrons

Recall that an atom consists of a nucleus made up of protons and neutrons bounded together surrounded by electrons. Because these electrons are outside of the nucleus, they are the first particles to experience any force when another atom moves nearby. Another way to deduce that electrons determine a chemical bond is to recall ionic and covalent bonds, which result from the donation and acceptance of electrons and the sharing of electrons, respectively.

38 / 40

Between which two molecules is a phosphodiesterase bond?

Two sugars

Two amino acids

Two ammonium molecules

PO4 and another molecule

Phosphodiesterase bonds will always be between phosphate and molecules. Sugars have glycosidic linkages and amino acids have peptide bonds.

39 / 40

In a complete combustion reaction involving adequate amounts of oxygen and a compound containing carbon and hydrogen, the products are always?

carbon monoxide and oxygen

carbon dioxide and water

heat and water

carbon dioxide and heat

The general chemical formula of a combustion reaction is as follows: CH + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O. It can be seen that the products are carbon dioxide and water. In combustion reactions, this will always be the case.

40 / 40

Polarity is based on the difference in:

electronegativity values for the elements involved in the bond.

atom number for the elements involved in the bond.

concentrations of the elements involved in the bond.

quantities of the elements involved in the bond.

Polarity of a bond is based on the differences in electronegativity values for the elements involved in the bond.

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As healthcare professionals, nurses must be equipped with a solid understanding of chemistry to provide safe and effective patient care. This essay discusses the significance of the HESI Chemistry practice test, its structure, benefits, and strategies for effective use.

The Role of Chemistry in Nursing

Chemistry is pivotal in nursing education, as it forms the basis for understanding pharmacology, biochemistry, and physiology. Nurses must comprehend how medications interact with the body, the chemical composition of various substances, and the biochemical pathways involved in metabolic processes. Knowledge of chemistry enables nurses to make informed decisions about medication administration, patient education, and the management of various health conditions.

As nursing programs increasingly emphasize the importance of standardized testing, mastering chemistry concepts becomes essential. The HESI Chemistry practice test provides an opportunity for students to reinforce their knowledge and gain confidence in their understanding of chemical principles.

Structure of the HESI Chemistry Practice Test

The HESI Chemistry practice test is designed to reflect the format and content of the actual HESI exams, which nursing students must pass to obtain their licensure. Typically, the practice test consists of multiple-choice questions that cover a broad range of topics, including:

• Atomic Structure: Understanding the components of atoms, including protons, neutrons, and electrons, and how they interact.
• Chemical Bonds: Exploring ionic and covalent bonding, molecular structures, and the properties of different compounds.
• Stoichiometry: The quantitative relationships between reactants and products in chemical reactions.
• Acids and Bases: Understanding pH, the properties of acids and bases, and their roles in biological systems.
• Thermodynamics: Basic concepts related to energy changes in chemical reactions and the laws governing these processes.

Benefits of Using the HESI Chemistry Practice Test

1. Self-Assessment: The HESI Chemistry practice test serves as a valuable self-assessment tool. By evaluating their performance, students can identify their strengths and weaknesses, allowing for targeted study efforts. This focused approach helps maximize the effectiveness of their preparation.
2. Familiarity with Test Format: Engaging with practice tests helps students become accustomed to the structure and timing of the HESI exam. This familiarity can significantly reduce anxiety and improve performance, as students feel more prepared on exam day.
3. Reinforcement of Concepts: Taking practice tests reinforces essential chemistry concepts. The process of recalling information in a test setting strengthens memory retention, making it easier for students to apply their knowledge in both exams and clinical practice.
4. Development of Critical Thinking Skills: Many questions in the HESI Chemistry practice test require students to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. This focus on critical thinking is vital in nursing, where clinical judgment and decision-making are paramount.
5. Building Confidence: Completing practice tests can boost a student’s confidence. As students become more familiar with the material and the testing format, they are likely to approach the actual exam with a more positive mindset, ultimately improving their performance.

Strategies for Effective Use of the HESI Chemistry Practice Test

• Regular Practice: Incorporating practice tests into a consistent study routine enhances retention and understanding of chemistry concepts. Regular exposure to different question types helps solidify knowledge over time.
• Review Incorrect Answers: After completing a practice test, students should thoroughly review any mistakes. Understanding why a particular answer was incorrect can provide valuable insights and prevent similar errors in the future.
• Utilize Supplementary Resources: Combining practice tests with other study materials, such as textbooks, online resources, and study groups, can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
• Simulate Test Conditions: Taking practice tests under timed conditions can help students acclimate to the pressure of actual exams. This practice fosters time management skills and reduces anxiety during the real test.

Conclusion

The HESI Chemistry practice test is an indispensable tool for nursing students seeking to master the chemical concepts that are essential for their future careers. By providing a structured approach to assessment and reinforcing key knowledge, these practice tests significantly enhance students’ preparedness for licensure examinations and clinical practice. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, a solid understanding of chemistry is increasingly critical for safe and effective patient care. By embracing the HESI Chemistry practice test as part of a comprehensive study plan, students can improve their academic performance, build confidence, and ultimately excel in their nursing education and future professional endeavors.