VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor Form C Exam | Complete
Questions with Verified Correct Answers & Detailed
Explanations –2026/2027 Update | Graded A+
Question 1
A practical nurse is caring for a client who reports sudden shortness of breath
and chest pain. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Obtain a detailed medication history
B. Place the client in a supine position
C. Assess the client's airway, breathing, and circulation
D. Encourage the client to ambulate to improve circulation
Correct Answer: C. Assess the client's airway, breathing, and circulation
Explanation:
Sudden shortness of breath accompanied by chest pain may indicate a life-
threatening cardiopulmonary problem. The nurse should immediately assess
airway, breathing, and circulation and identify evidence of respiratory or
cardiovascular compromise. Additional assessments and interventions should
follow based on the client's condition.
Question 2
A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure. Which finding requires
immediate intervention?
A. Bilateral ankle edema
B. Weight gain of 1 kg over 24 hours
C. Crackles throughout both lung fields
D. Fatigue after walking
Correct Answer: C. Crackles throughout both lung fields
Explanation:
Crackles can indicate pulmonary congestion caused by worsening heart
failure. Extensive crackles combined with respiratory symptoms may indicate
1
,pulmonary edema, which requires prompt intervention. Peripheral edema
and rapid weight gain are also concerning but are generally less immediately
life-threatening than significant pulmonary congestion.
Question 3
A client with diabetes mellitus is experiencing diaphoresis, tremors, and
confusion. Which action should the nurse take?
A. Administer the client's scheduled insulin
B. Check the client's blood glucose level
C. Encourage the client to exercise
D. Restrict oral fluids
Correct Answer: B. Check the client's blood glucose level
Explanation:
Diaphoresis, tremors, and confusion are classic manifestations of
hypoglycemia. The nurse should promptly assess the blood glucose level. If
hypoglycemia is confirmed and the client is conscious and able to swallow, a
rapidly absorbed carbohydrate should generally be administered according to
the treatment protocol.
Question 4
A client receiving insulin becomes unconscious. Which intervention is the
priority?
A. Give oral glucose
B. Administer insulin
C. Assess airway and breathing and initiate appropriate emergency treatment
D. Encourage the client to drink juice
Correct Answer: C. Assess airway and breathing and initiate appropriate
emergency treatment
2
,Explanation:
An unconscious client cannot safely consume oral glucose because of the risk
of aspiration. The nurse should prioritize airway and breathing and
administer appropriate emergency treatment for severe hypoglycemia
according to the prescribed protocol, such as glucagon or IV dextrose when
indicated.
Question 5
A nurse is assessing a client who may have dehydration. Which finding is most
consistent with moderate dehydration?
A. Bounding pulse
B. Moist mucous membranes
C. Orthostatic hypotension
D. Increased urine output
Correct Answer: C. Orthostatic hypotension
Explanation:
Dehydration can reduce circulating blood volume, resulting in orthostatic
hypotension, tachycardia, dry mucous membranes, decreased urine output,
and poor skin turgor. Bounding pulses and increased urine output are not
typical findings.
Question 6
A client is prescribed furosemide. Which laboratory value should the nurse
monitor most closely?
A. Potassium
B. Hemoglobin
C. Platelet count
D. Calcium only
Correct Answer: A. Potassium
3
, Explanation:
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause significant potassium loss.
Hypokalemia can produce muscle weakness, dysrhythmias, and other
complications. The nurse should monitor potassium levels and observe for
manifestations of electrolyte imbalance.
Question 7
A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to an adult client. Which
assessment is most important before administration?
A. Respiratory rate
B. Apical pulse
C. Temperature
D. Bowel sounds
Correct Answer: B. Apical pulse
Explanation:
Digoxin can decrease heart rate and may cause bradycardia. The nurse should
assess the apical pulse before administration and follow prescribed
parameters for withholding the medication. Signs of digoxin toxicity can
include nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, confusion, and dysrhythmias.
Question 8
A client taking digoxin reports seeing yellow-green halos around lights. Which
response should the nurse make?
A. "This is an expected effect of the medication."
B. "Increase your fluid intake."
C. "You should report this finding because it can indicate digoxin toxicity."
D. "Take an additional dose with your next meal."
Correct Answer: C. "You should report this finding because it can
indicate digoxin toxicity."
4
Questions with Verified Correct Answers & Detailed
Explanations –2026/2027 Update | Graded A+
Question 1
A practical nurse is caring for a client who reports sudden shortness of breath
and chest pain. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Obtain a detailed medication history
B. Place the client in a supine position
C. Assess the client's airway, breathing, and circulation
D. Encourage the client to ambulate to improve circulation
Correct Answer: C. Assess the client's airway, breathing, and circulation
Explanation:
Sudden shortness of breath accompanied by chest pain may indicate a life-
threatening cardiopulmonary problem. The nurse should immediately assess
airway, breathing, and circulation and identify evidence of respiratory or
cardiovascular compromise. Additional assessments and interventions should
follow based on the client's condition.
Question 2
A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure. Which finding requires
immediate intervention?
A. Bilateral ankle edema
B. Weight gain of 1 kg over 24 hours
C. Crackles throughout both lung fields
D. Fatigue after walking
Correct Answer: C. Crackles throughout both lung fields
Explanation:
Crackles can indicate pulmonary congestion caused by worsening heart
failure. Extensive crackles combined with respiratory symptoms may indicate
1
,pulmonary edema, which requires prompt intervention. Peripheral edema
and rapid weight gain are also concerning but are generally less immediately
life-threatening than significant pulmonary congestion.
Question 3
A client with diabetes mellitus is experiencing diaphoresis, tremors, and
confusion. Which action should the nurse take?
A. Administer the client's scheduled insulin
B. Check the client's blood glucose level
C. Encourage the client to exercise
D. Restrict oral fluids
Correct Answer: B. Check the client's blood glucose level
Explanation:
Diaphoresis, tremors, and confusion are classic manifestations of
hypoglycemia. The nurse should promptly assess the blood glucose level. If
hypoglycemia is confirmed and the client is conscious and able to swallow, a
rapidly absorbed carbohydrate should generally be administered according to
the treatment protocol.
Question 4
A client receiving insulin becomes unconscious. Which intervention is the
priority?
A. Give oral glucose
B. Administer insulin
C. Assess airway and breathing and initiate appropriate emergency treatment
D. Encourage the client to drink juice
Correct Answer: C. Assess airway and breathing and initiate appropriate
emergency treatment
2
,Explanation:
An unconscious client cannot safely consume oral glucose because of the risk
of aspiration. The nurse should prioritize airway and breathing and
administer appropriate emergency treatment for severe hypoglycemia
according to the prescribed protocol, such as glucagon or IV dextrose when
indicated.
Question 5
A nurse is assessing a client who may have dehydration. Which finding is most
consistent with moderate dehydration?
A. Bounding pulse
B. Moist mucous membranes
C. Orthostatic hypotension
D. Increased urine output
Correct Answer: C. Orthostatic hypotension
Explanation:
Dehydration can reduce circulating blood volume, resulting in orthostatic
hypotension, tachycardia, dry mucous membranes, decreased urine output,
and poor skin turgor. Bounding pulses and increased urine output are not
typical findings.
Question 6
A client is prescribed furosemide. Which laboratory value should the nurse
monitor most closely?
A. Potassium
B. Hemoglobin
C. Platelet count
D. Calcium only
Correct Answer: A. Potassium
3
, Explanation:
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause significant potassium loss.
Hypokalemia can produce muscle weakness, dysrhythmias, and other
complications. The nurse should monitor potassium levels and observe for
manifestations of electrolyte imbalance.
Question 7
A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to an adult client. Which
assessment is most important before administration?
A. Respiratory rate
B. Apical pulse
C. Temperature
D. Bowel sounds
Correct Answer: B. Apical pulse
Explanation:
Digoxin can decrease heart rate and may cause bradycardia. The nurse should
assess the apical pulse before administration and follow prescribed
parameters for withholding the medication. Signs of digoxin toxicity can
include nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, confusion, and dysrhythmias.
Question 8
A client taking digoxin reports seeing yellow-green halos around lights. Which
response should the nurse make?
A. "This is an expected effect of the medication."
B. "Increase your fluid intake."
C. "You should report this finding because it can indicate digoxin toxicity."
D. "Take an additional dose with your next meal."
Correct Answer: C. "You should report this finding because it can
indicate digoxin toxicity."
4
