NUR 283 Comprehensive Exam 1 | Complete
Practice Exam Questions with Verified Correct
Answers & Detailed Rationales| Latest Update
2026/2027 | Galen College of Nursing
Question 1
The nurse is caring for a client who had lumbar spinal surgery 8 hours ago. It
would be a priority for the nurse to notify the surgeon if:
A) The patient was independently log rolling on the bed
B) Has had 125 ml serosanguineous fluid in the hemovac
C) Has a moderate amount of clear drainage on the surgical dressing
D) The patient is requesting pain medication
Answer: C
Rationale: Clear drainage on the surgical dressing after spinal surgery may
indicate a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, which is a serious complication requiring
immediate notification of the surgeon.
Question 2
Sequence for "doffing" (removing) personal protective equipment (PPE):
A) Face Shield → Gown → Gloves
B) Mask → Gown → Gloves
C) Gloves → Goggles → Gown → Mask
D) Gloves → Goggles → Respirator → Gown → Mask
Answer: C
Rationale: The correct sequence for doffing PPE is: Gloves, Goggles, Gown,
Mask. Gloves are removed first as they are most contaminated, followed by
goggles, gown, and mask last.
Question 3
The nurse working in the ED has received the following prescriptions for a newly
admitted client. Which prescriptions should the nurse implement FIRST?
A) Instruct the client to perform leg exercises
B) Continue to monitor
pg. 1
,C) Use a moist ABD to cover the abdomen
D) Initiate IV sodium and potassium for a client admitted with diarrhea and
dehydration who has a serum potassium level of 2.9
Answer: D
Rationale: A serum potassium of 2.9 mEq/L is critically low (normal 3.5-5.0
mEq/L) and requires immediate intervention. Hypokalemia can cause cardiac
arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and respiratory compromise. This is a critical lab
value that must be addressed first.
Question 4
The nurse is caring for a client that develops the following cardiac rhythm. Which
assessment should the nurse perform?
A) Sinus tachycardia - check temperature
B) First-degree AV block - check blood pressure
C) Atrial fibrillation - check INR
D) PVC - check potassium
Answer: D
Rationale: Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) can be caused by
electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia. The nurse should check the
client's potassium level.
Question 5
The nurse has instructed a client who must ambulate with a cane. Which of the
following client statements indicates a correct understanding of the teaching?
A) I will place the cane on the side of the unaffected limb and walk with the
weaker leg first
B) I will place the cane on the side of the affected limb
C) I will walk with the stronger leg first
D) I will hold the cane in the hand opposite the weaker leg
Answer: A
Rationale: The cane should be placed on the side of the unaffected (stronger)
limb, and the client should advance the weaker leg first. This provides the best
support and balance.
pg. 2
, Question 6
The nurse is assessing the client who has a suspected retinal detachment of the left
eye. Which of the following client statements would be consistent with this
diagnosis?
A) I see floating dark spots in my left eye
B) I feel as if a curtain has been pulled down over my right eye
C) I have severe pain in my left eye
D) I have blurred vision in both eyes
Answer: A
Rationale: Retinal detachment typically presents with sudden onset of floaters
(dark spots), flashes of light, and a "curtain" or shadow over the visual field. The
curtain effect would be in the affected eye, not the right eye.
Question 7
Medications should be given through what?
A) PICC line
B) Peripheral line
C) Central line
D) Peripheral IV
Answer: C
Rationale: Central lines are used for administration of medications that are
hypertonic, irritants, or vesicants that would damage peripheral veins. PICC lines
are also central lines.
Question 8
The nurse is working on a crisis hotline, speaking with a client who states, "I just
took an entire bottle of amitriptyline." Which of the following responses should the
nurse INITIALLY make to the client?
A) I'm glad you called and I want to send an ambulance to help you
B) Why did you do that?
C) You shouldn't have done that
D) Let me talk to someone else
Answer: A
Rationale: The initial response should be supportive and action-oriented. The
nurse should acknowledge the client's call and take immediate action to ensure
pg. 3
Practice Exam Questions with Verified Correct
Answers & Detailed Rationales| Latest Update
2026/2027 | Galen College of Nursing
Question 1
The nurse is caring for a client who had lumbar spinal surgery 8 hours ago. It
would be a priority for the nurse to notify the surgeon if:
A) The patient was independently log rolling on the bed
B) Has had 125 ml serosanguineous fluid in the hemovac
C) Has a moderate amount of clear drainage on the surgical dressing
D) The patient is requesting pain medication
Answer: C
Rationale: Clear drainage on the surgical dressing after spinal surgery may
indicate a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, which is a serious complication requiring
immediate notification of the surgeon.
Question 2
Sequence for "doffing" (removing) personal protective equipment (PPE):
A) Face Shield → Gown → Gloves
B) Mask → Gown → Gloves
C) Gloves → Goggles → Gown → Mask
D) Gloves → Goggles → Respirator → Gown → Mask
Answer: C
Rationale: The correct sequence for doffing PPE is: Gloves, Goggles, Gown,
Mask. Gloves are removed first as they are most contaminated, followed by
goggles, gown, and mask last.
Question 3
The nurse working in the ED has received the following prescriptions for a newly
admitted client. Which prescriptions should the nurse implement FIRST?
A) Instruct the client to perform leg exercises
B) Continue to monitor
pg. 1
,C) Use a moist ABD to cover the abdomen
D) Initiate IV sodium and potassium for a client admitted with diarrhea and
dehydration who has a serum potassium level of 2.9
Answer: D
Rationale: A serum potassium of 2.9 mEq/L is critically low (normal 3.5-5.0
mEq/L) and requires immediate intervention. Hypokalemia can cause cardiac
arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and respiratory compromise. This is a critical lab
value that must be addressed first.
Question 4
The nurse is caring for a client that develops the following cardiac rhythm. Which
assessment should the nurse perform?
A) Sinus tachycardia - check temperature
B) First-degree AV block - check blood pressure
C) Atrial fibrillation - check INR
D) PVC - check potassium
Answer: D
Rationale: Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) can be caused by
electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia. The nurse should check the
client's potassium level.
Question 5
The nurse has instructed a client who must ambulate with a cane. Which of the
following client statements indicates a correct understanding of the teaching?
A) I will place the cane on the side of the unaffected limb and walk with the
weaker leg first
B) I will place the cane on the side of the affected limb
C) I will walk with the stronger leg first
D) I will hold the cane in the hand opposite the weaker leg
Answer: A
Rationale: The cane should be placed on the side of the unaffected (stronger)
limb, and the client should advance the weaker leg first. This provides the best
support and balance.
pg. 2
, Question 6
The nurse is assessing the client who has a suspected retinal detachment of the left
eye. Which of the following client statements would be consistent with this
diagnosis?
A) I see floating dark spots in my left eye
B) I feel as if a curtain has been pulled down over my right eye
C) I have severe pain in my left eye
D) I have blurred vision in both eyes
Answer: A
Rationale: Retinal detachment typically presents with sudden onset of floaters
(dark spots), flashes of light, and a "curtain" or shadow over the visual field. The
curtain effect would be in the affected eye, not the right eye.
Question 7
Medications should be given through what?
A) PICC line
B) Peripheral line
C) Central line
D) Peripheral IV
Answer: C
Rationale: Central lines are used for administration of medications that are
hypertonic, irritants, or vesicants that would damage peripheral veins. PICC lines
are also central lines.
Question 8
The nurse is working on a crisis hotline, speaking with a client who states, "I just
took an entire bottle of amitriptyline." Which of the following responses should the
nurse INITIALLY make to the client?
A) I'm glad you called and I want to send an ambulance to help you
B) Why did you do that?
C) You shouldn't have done that
D) Let me talk to someone else
Answer: A
Rationale: The initial response should be supportive and action-oriented. The
nurse should acknowledge the client's call and take immediate action to ensure
pg. 3
