VATI Assessment Review Notes 2026
Ace your green-light milestone with this premium study guide engineered for the Virtual
ATI Comprehensive Assessment. This comprehensive resource delivers high-yield
review notes across medical-surgical, pharmacology, maternal-newborn, pediatrics, and
psychiatric nursing care. Equipped with critical clinical judgment breakdowns, it is
specifically designed to maximize your NCLEX readiness and guarantee a passing
score.
Question 1
A patient is admitted with acetaminophen overdose. Which medication is the antidote?
A) Naloxone
B) N-acetylcysteine
C) Flumazenil
D) Vitamin K
*Correct Answer: B) N-acetylcysteine *
Rationale: N-acetylcysteine replenishes glutathione and is the antidote for acetaminophen
overdose, preventing hepatotoxicity.
Question 2
A patient on warfarin has an INR of 9.0 and is actively bleeding. Which agent is indicated
for immediate reversal?
A) Vitamin K only
B) Fresh frozen plasma or prothrombin complex concentrate
C) Protamine sulfate
D) Platelets
*Correct Answer: B) Fresh frozen plasma or prothrombin complex concentrate *
,Rationale: For life-threatening bleeding with warfarin, immediate reversal requires factor
replacement (PCC or FFP) along with IV vitamin K.
Question 3
A patient on heparin has a critically elevated aPTT and is bleeding. Which medication is
the antidote?
A) Vitamin K
B) Protamine sulfate
C) Naloxone
D) Flumazenil
*Correct Answer: B) Protamine sulfate *
Rationale: Protamine sulfate neutralizes heparin by binding to it and forming an inactive
complex.
Question 4
A patient with opioid-induced respiratory depression is given naloxone. Which finding
indicates the need for a repeat dose?
A) Increased alertness
B) Respiratory rate of 6 breaths/min
C) Pupil dilation
D) Blood pressure 120/80 mm Hg
*Correct Answer: B) Respiratory rate of 6 breaths/min *
Rationale: Naloxone has a short half-life; if respiratory depression recurs, additional doses
are needed.
,Question 5
A patient with a benzodiazepine overdose has respiratory depression. Which medication
is the antidote?
A) Naloxone
B) Flumazenil
C) N-acetylcysteine
D) Atropine
*Correct Answer: B) Flumazenil *
Rationale: Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist used to reverse
benzodiazepine overdose, but it should be used cautiously in patients with seizure
disorders.
Question 6
A patient's lab results show a potassium level of 6.9 mEq/L with peaked T waves. Which
medication should be administered first?
A) Insulin with glucose
B) IV calcium gluconate
C) Sodium bicarbonate
D) Kayexalate
*Correct Answer: B) IV calcium gluconate *
Rationale: IV calcium stabilizes the myocardium immediately, preventing fatal
dysrhythmias, while other measures shift or remove potassium.
Question 7
A patient with a sodium level of 118 mEq/L is seizing. What is the priority intervention?
A) Administer hypertonic (3%) saline
B) Restrict fluids
C) Administer hypotonic saline
D) Administer a diuretic
, *Correct Answer: A) Administer hypertonic (3%) saline *
Rationale: Severe symptomatic hyponatremia with seizures requires urgent hypertonic
saline to raise sodium and reduce cerebral edema.
Question 8
A patient with a calcium level of 13.5 mg/dL has confusion and polyuria. Which
intervention is anticipated?
A) IV calcium gluconate
B) IV normal saline and furosemide
C) Oral calcium supplements
D) Vitamin D
*Correct Answer: B) IV normal saline and furosemide *
Rationale: Hypercalcemia is treated with IV fluids to promote renal excretion and a loop
diuretic to enhance calcium loss.
Question 9
A patient with a magnesium level of 1.0 mg/dL is at risk for which complication?
A) Seizures and dysrhythmias
B) Hypertension
C) Hyperreflexia
D) Polyuria
*Correct Answer: A) Seizures and dysrhythmias *
Rationale: Hypomagnesemia increases neuromuscular irritability and can cause seizures
and cardiac dysrhythmias.