RN VATI COMPREHENSIVE FINAL
EXAM STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS | 100% CORRECT |
GRADE A+
1. A nurse is caring for a client with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Which of
the following laboratory results is the most significant indicator of a potential flare-up?
A. Increased serum creatinine
B. Decreased C-reactive protein (CRP)
C. Increased red blood cell count
D. Decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Increased serum creatinine indicates renal involvement (lupus
nephritis), which is a serious complication and indicator of disease activity in SLE. ESR and
CRP usually increase during flares, not decrease.
2. A nurse in the emergency department is triaging clients following a mass casualty event.
Which client should receive a red tag?
A. A client with a sucking chest wound and respiratory distress
B. A client with an open fracture of the radius and a pulse of 110/min
,C. A client who is unconscious with a massive head injury and agonal gasps
D. A client with a 2-inch laceration to the forehead and stable vitals
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Red tags are for immediate threats to life that are treatable. A
sucking chest wound requires immediate intervention. Agonal gasps/massive head injury
would be black-tagged (expectant).
3. A nurse is administering a nitroprusside infusion to a client in a hypertensive crisis. Which
of the following is a priority nursing action?
A. Monitor serum glucose levels every 4 hours
B. Protect the medication bag from light
C. Maintain the client in a high-Fowler’s position
D. Assess for signs of thiocyanate toxicity
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Nitroprusside is light-sensitive and decomposes rapidly, turning
into cyanide-like compounds if exposed. Protecting it from light is essential for safety and
efficacy.
4. A nurse is preparing to administer magnesium sulfate IV to a client with preeclampsia.
Which finding should lead the nurse to withhold the medication?
A. Deep tendon reflexes of 2+
, B. Blood pressure of 150/95 mmHg
C. Urine output of 20 mL/hr
D. Respiratory rate of 16/min
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Magnesium is excreted by the kidneys. Low urine output (<30
mL/hr) can lead to toxic accumulation. Other signs of toxicity include absent DTRs and
respiratory depression.
5. A client is diagnosed with Pheochromocytoma. Which of the following assessments is the
nurse’s priority?
A. Weight loss and diaphoresis
B. Blood pressure monitoring
C. Glucose tolerance testing
D. Abdominal palpation for mass
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Pheochromocytoma causes excessive catecholamine release,
leading to severe hypertension. Blood pressure control is the priority. Abdominal palpation
should be avoided as it can trigger a hypertensive crisis.
EXAM STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS | 100% CORRECT |
GRADE A+
1. A nurse is caring for a client with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Which of
the following laboratory results is the most significant indicator of a potential flare-up?
A. Increased serum creatinine
B. Decreased C-reactive protein (CRP)
C. Increased red blood cell count
D. Decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Increased serum creatinine indicates renal involvement (lupus
nephritis), which is a serious complication and indicator of disease activity in SLE. ESR and
CRP usually increase during flares, not decrease.
2. A nurse in the emergency department is triaging clients following a mass casualty event.
Which client should receive a red tag?
A. A client with a sucking chest wound and respiratory distress
B. A client with an open fracture of the radius and a pulse of 110/min
,C. A client who is unconscious with a massive head injury and agonal gasps
D. A client with a 2-inch laceration to the forehead and stable vitals
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Red tags are for immediate threats to life that are treatable. A
sucking chest wound requires immediate intervention. Agonal gasps/massive head injury
would be black-tagged (expectant).
3. A nurse is administering a nitroprusside infusion to a client in a hypertensive crisis. Which
of the following is a priority nursing action?
A. Monitor serum glucose levels every 4 hours
B. Protect the medication bag from light
C. Maintain the client in a high-Fowler’s position
D. Assess for signs of thiocyanate toxicity
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Nitroprusside is light-sensitive and decomposes rapidly, turning
into cyanide-like compounds if exposed. Protecting it from light is essential for safety and
efficacy.
4. A nurse is preparing to administer magnesium sulfate IV to a client with preeclampsia.
Which finding should lead the nurse to withhold the medication?
A. Deep tendon reflexes of 2+
, B. Blood pressure of 150/95 mmHg
C. Urine output of 20 mL/hr
D. Respiratory rate of 16/min
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Magnesium is excreted by the kidneys. Low urine output (<30
mL/hr) can lead to toxic accumulation. Other signs of toxicity include absent DTRs and
respiratory depression.
5. A client is diagnosed with Pheochromocytoma. Which of the following assessments is the
nurse’s priority?
A. Weight loss and diaphoresis
B. Blood pressure monitoring
C. Glucose tolerance testing
D. Abdominal palpation for mass
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Pheochromocytoma causes excessive catecholamine release,
leading to severe hypertension. Blood pressure control is the priority. Abdominal palpation
should be avoided as it can trigger a hypertensive crisis.
