RN VATI COMPREHENSIVE EXAM
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS | 100% CORRECT | GRADE A+
1. A nurse is assessing a client who has a chest tube connected to a suction drainage system.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of a leak in the
system?
A. Occasional bubbling in the water-seal chamber during coughing
B. Fluctuation of the water level in the water-seal chamber with respiration
C. Constant bubbling in the suction control chamber
D. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air
leak in the system or from the client’s thoracic cavity. Fluctuation (tidaling) is normal, and
bubbling in the suction control chamber is expected if suction is applied.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate IV for preeclampsia. Which
of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?
A. Urinary output of 40 mL/hr
B. Blood pressure of 150/95 mmHg
,C. Deep tendon reflexes 2+
D. Respiratory rate of 10/min
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A respiratory rate of less than 12/min is a sign of magnesium
toxicity. The nurse should stop the infusion and notify the provider. Urinary output should
be at least 30 mL/hr, and 2+ reflexes are normal.
3. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has been taking lithium
carbonate for bipolar disorder. Which of the following lithium levels should the nurse identify
as being within the therapeutic range?
A. 0.2 mEq/L
B. 1.8 mEq/L
C. 0.9 mEq/L
D. 2.5 mEq/L
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The therapeutic range for lithium carbonate is typically 0.6 to
1.2 mEq/L. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L indicate toxicity, and levels below 0.6 are
subtherapeutic.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for digoxin 0.25 mg PO daily. Which of
the following findings should the nurse identify as a manifestation of digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypertension
B. Photophobia
C. Increased appetite
D. Visual disturbances such as yellow halos
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Manifestations of digoxin toxicity include visual disturbances
(yellow/green halos), nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and bradycardia.
5. A nurse is preparing to administer a unit of packed RBCs to a client. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take first?
A. Verify the client’s identity using two identifiers
B. Obtain the client’s vital signs
C. Prime the IV tubing with 0.9% sodium chloride
D. Confirm the blood type with a second nurse
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: While all actions are necessary, obtaining baseline vital signs is
the first step to establish a baseline for monitoring potential transfusion reactions.
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS | 100% CORRECT | GRADE A+
1. A nurse is assessing a client who has a chest tube connected to a suction drainage system.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of a leak in the
system?
A. Occasional bubbling in the water-seal chamber during coughing
B. Fluctuation of the water level in the water-seal chamber with respiration
C. Constant bubbling in the suction control chamber
D. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air
leak in the system or from the client’s thoracic cavity. Fluctuation (tidaling) is normal, and
bubbling in the suction control chamber is expected if suction is applied.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate IV for preeclampsia. Which
of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?
A. Urinary output of 40 mL/hr
B. Blood pressure of 150/95 mmHg
,C. Deep tendon reflexes 2+
D. Respiratory rate of 10/min
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A respiratory rate of less than 12/min is a sign of magnesium
toxicity. The nurse should stop the infusion and notify the provider. Urinary output should
be at least 30 mL/hr, and 2+ reflexes are normal.
3. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has been taking lithium
carbonate for bipolar disorder. Which of the following lithium levels should the nurse identify
as being within the therapeutic range?
A. 0.2 mEq/L
B. 1.8 mEq/L
C. 0.9 mEq/L
D. 2.5 mEq/L
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The therapeutic range for lithium carbonate is typically 0.6 to
1.2 mEq/L. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L indicate toxicity, and levels below 0.6 are
subtherapeutic.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for digoxin 0.25 mg PO daily. Which of
the following findings should the nurse identify as a manifestation of digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypertension
B. Photophobia
C. Increased appetite
D. Visual disturbances such as yellow halos
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Manifestations of digoxin toxicity include visual disturbances
(yellow/green halos), nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and bradycardia.
5. A nurse is preparing to administer a unit of packed RBCs to a client. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take first?
A. Verify the client’s identity using two identifiers
B. Obtain the client’s vital signs
C. Prime the IV tubing with 0.9% sodium chloride
D. Confirm the blood type with a second nurse
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: While all actions are necessary, obtaining baseline vital signs is
the first step to establish a baseline for monitoring potential transfusion reactions.
