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NUR 283 COMP 2 – ATI Proctored Exam
Comprehensive Practice Test 180
Questions with Detailed Rationales
Graded A+ Just Released Pass
Guaranteed
This comprehensive practice exam is designed to mirror the content and
style of the NUR 283 COMP 2 ATI Proctored Exam at Galen College of
Nursing. It covers prioritization, delegation, clinical judgment,
pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-newborn, pediatrics,
and professional nursing practice .
SECTION 1: PRIORITIZATION – THE "FIRST" QUESTION (ABCs
& Maslow)
**Question 1**
The nurse is prioritizing patient care after a change-of-shift report. The
nurse should FIRST plan to see the patient who:
A) Had an ERCP 30 minutes ago and is reporting difficulty swallowing
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B) Is scheduled for discharge later today and needs final medication
teaching
C) Had a knee arthroscopy yesterday and reports pain at 4/10
D) Is NPO for an abdominal ultrasound this morning
**Verified Answer: A**
**Rationale:** According to the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation)
framework, airway is the priority. After an ERCP, the gag reflex may
still be absent due to sedation. Difficulty swallowing indicates risk of
aspiration, which is an immediate airway threat requiring immediate
bedside assessment .
**Question 2**
The nurse has received report on four clients. Which client should the
nurse assess FIRST?
A) Acute pancreatitis reporting pain on deep inspiration
B) COPD with SpO₂ of 93% on 2 L oxygen
C) Type 2 diabetes with glucose of 220 mg/dL
D) Stage II pressure injury needing a dressing change
**Verified Answer: A**
**Rationale:** Pain on deep inspiration in acute pancreatitis may
indicate pleural effusion, atelectasis, or worsening inflammation that
could progress to respiratory compromise. This is an airway/breathing
priority requiring immediate assessment .
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**Question 3**
The nurse is caring for a client who develops shortness of breath. The
nursing assistant has just obtained the client's vital signs. Which value
requires the most immediate attention?
A) Blood pressure 148/90 mm Hg
B) Respiratory rate 28 breaths/min
C) Temperature 99.9°F (37.7°C)
D) Oxygen saturation 89%
**Verified Answer: B**
**Rationale:** While all values warrant attention, the client's symptom
of shortness of breath makes the respiratory rate the most critical
assessment parameter. Tachypnea with dyspnea suggests ongoing
respiratory compromise requiring immediate intervention .
**Question 4**
The nurse has been made aware of the following client situations. The
nurse should FIRST plan to see the client who has:
A) Cervical cancer receiving internal radiation therapy whose partner
has been visiting at the bedside for the past 2 hours
B) COPD on 2 L/min oxygen with SpO₂ of 93%
C) Type 2 diabetes with glucose of 220 mg/dL before dinner
D) A stage II pressure injury needing a dressing change
**Verified Answer: A**
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**Rationale:** Visitors to clients with internal radiation must be limited
in time (usually 30 minutes/day) and distance (6 feet). The partner has
been at the bedside for 2 hours, exceeding safety limits. The nurse must
assess and enforce radiation safety precautions immediately .
**Question 5**
The nurse has received the morning laboratory results. Which value
should the nurse report to the healthcare provider FIRST?
A) Potassium 3.0 mEq/L
B) Glucose 180 mg/dL
C) Sodium 135 mEq/L
D) Hemoglobin 11 g/dL
**Verified Answer: A**
**Rationale:** Potassium of 3.0 mEq/L is critically low (normal: 3.5-
5.0) and can cause life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. This requires
immediate notification and intervention. The other values, while
abnormal, are not immediately life-threatening .
**Question 6**
A client receiving a blood transfusion reports low back pain. What
should the nurse do FIRST?
A) Slow the transfusion rate
B) Stop the transfusion and assess the client
C) Administer diphenhydramine
NUR 283 COMP 2 – ATI Proctored Exam
Comprehensive Practice Test 180
Questions with Detailed Rationales
Graded A+ Just Released Pass
Guaranteed
This comprehensive practice exam is designed to mirror the content and
style of the NUR 283 COMP 2 ATI Proctored Exam at Galen College of
Nursing. It covers prioritization, delegation, clinical judgment,
pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-newborn, pediatrics,
and professional nursing practice .
SECTION 1: PRIORITIZATION – THE "FIRST" QUESTION (ABCs
& Maslow)
**Question 1**
The nurse is prioritizing patient care after a change-of-shift report. The
nurse should FIRST plan to see the patient who:
A) Had an ERCP 30 minutes ago and is reporting difficulty swallowing
,2 | Page
B) Is scheduled for discharge later today and needs final medication
teaching
C) Had a knee arthroscopy yesterday and reports pain at 4/10
D) Is NPO for an abdominal ultrasound this morning
**Verified Answer: A**
**Rationale:** According to the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation)
framework, airway is the priority. After an ERCP, the gag reflex may
still be absent due to sedation. Difficulty swallowing indicates risk of
aspiration, which is an immediate airway threat requiring immediate
bedside assessment .
**Question 2**
The nurse has received report on four clients. Which client should the
nurse assess FIRST?
A) Acute pancreatitis reporting pain on deep inspiration
B) COPD with SpO₂ of 93% on 2 L oxygen
C) Type 2 diabetes with glucose of 220 mg/dL
D) Stage II pressure injury needing a dressing change
**Verified Answer: A**
**Rationale:** Pain on deep inspiration in acute pancreatitis may
indicate pleural effusion, atelectasis, or worsening inflammation that
could progress to respiratory compromise. This is an airway/breathing
priority requiring immediate assessment .
,3 | Page
**Question 3**
The nurse is caring for a client who develops shortness of breath. The
nursing assistant has just obtained the client's vital signs. Which value
requires the most immediate attention?
A) Blood pressure 148/90 mm Hg
B) Respiratory rate 28 breaths/min
C) Temperature 99.9°F (37.7°C)
D) Oxygen saturation 89%
**Verified Answer: B**
**Rationale:** While all values warrant attention, the client's symptom
of shortness of breath makes the respiratory rate the most critical
assessment parameter. Tachypnea with dyspnea suggests ongoing
respiratory compromise requiring immediate intervention .
**Question 4**
The nurse has been made aware of the following client situations. The
nurse should FIRST plan to see the client who has:
A) Cervical cancer receiving internal radiation therapy whose partner
has been visiting at the bedside for the past 2 hours
B) COPD on 2 L/min oxygen with SpO₂ of 93%
C) Type 2 diabetes with glucose of 220 mg/dL before dinner
D) A stage II pressure injury needing a dressing change
**Verified Answer: A**
, 4 | Page
**Rationale:** Visitors to clients with internal radiation must be limited
in time (usually 30 minutes/day) and distance (6 feet). The partner has
been at the bedside for 2 hours, exceeding safety limits. The nurse must
assess and enforce radiation safety precautions immediately .
**Question 5**
The nurse has received the morning laboratory results. Which value
should the nurse report to the healthcare provider FIRST?
A) Potassium 3.0 mEq/L
B) Glucose 180 mg/dL
C) Sodium 135 mEq/L
D) Hemoglobin 11 g/dL
**Verified Answer: A**
**Rationale:** Potassium of 3.0 mEq/L is critically low (normal: 3.5-
5.0) and can cause life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. This requires
immediate notification and intervention. The other values, while
abnormal, are not immediately life-threatening .
**Question 6**
A client receiving a blood transfusion reports low back pain. What
should the nurse do FIRST?
A) Slow the transfusion rate
B) Stop the transfusion and assess the client
C) Administer diphenhydramine
