VATI RN GREENLIGHT EXAM EXAM with
Questions and Answers/Plus a Rationale
Updated 2026 A+/Instant Download PDF
EXAM COVERAGE
1. Management of Care
2. Safety and Infection Control
3. Health Promotion and Maintenance
4. Psychosocial Integrity
5. Basic Care and Comfort
6. Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
7. Reduction of Risk Potential
8. Physiological Adaptation
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 days postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty. The
nurse notes the client’s calf is swollen, warm, and tender to the touch. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A. Elevate the affected extremity above the level of the heart.
B. Administer a PRN analgesic as ordered for pain.
C. Apply a warm moist compress to the area.
D. Maintain bed rest and notify the provider.
CORRECT ANSWER : D
, Rationale: The client is exhibiting classic signs of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Maintaining
bed rest prevents the potential for dislodging the thrombus and causing a pulmonary embolism,
making notification of the provider the priority intervention. Elevating the limb, applying heat,
or administering analgesics are secondary to ensuring client safety and preventing embolization.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who has hyperkalemia and is receiving an infusion of regular
insulin in 50% dextrose. Which of the following is the priority assessment to perform during this
infusion?
A. Monitoring the hourly urine output.
B. Monitoring the client’s blood glucose level.
C. Assessing for signs of fluid overload.
D. Monitoring the client’s potassium level.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: While potassium levels are the underlying concern, the administration of insulin and
dextrose carries a high risk for hypoglycemia. Monitoring blood glucose is the immediate safety
priority during the infusion to prevent life-threatening neuroglycopenia. While monitoring
potassium and fluid status is necessary, hypoglycemia is the most acute risk requiring frequent
assessment.
3. A nurse is triaging clients in the emergency department. Which of the following clients should
the nurse see first?
A. A client reporting a migraine with photophobia.
B. A client with a stable closed fracture of the radius.
C. A client with a sudden onset of chest pain and diaphoresis.
D. A client with a superficial laceration requiring sutures.
CORRECT ANSWER : C
Rationale: According to triage protocols, life-threatening conditions take precedence over stable
or non-urgent conditions. The client with chest pain and diaphoresis may be experiencing an
acute myocardial infarction, which is a medical emergency. The other clients present with
conditions that are not immediately life-threatening.
4. A nurse is planning care for a client who has bipolar disorder and is in a manic phase. Which of
the following interventions should the nurse include?
, A. Encourage the client to participate in group activities.
B. Provide the client with high-calorie, finger foods.
C. Decrease the frequency of the client’s nutrition and fluid intake.
D. Allow the client to lead the community meeting.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Manic clients are often too active to sit for meals and burn excessive calories; high-
calorie finger foods allow them to maintain nutrition while moving. Group activities or leading
meetings may overstimulate the client and increase agitation. The nurse must ensure adequate,
not decreased, intake of fluids and nutrition.
5. A nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of a client's use of a peak flow meter. Which of the
following actions by the client indicates proper understanding?
A. The client exhales slowly over several seconds.
B. The client blows a fast, hard blast into the mouthpiece.
C. The client takes several deep breaths before the reading.
D. The client ensures the marker is at the highest level before blowing.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Peak flow monitoring measures the speed of air being forced out of the lungs;
therefore, a fast, hard blast is necessary for an accurate result. Exhaling slowly or taking
multiple breaths will result in an inaccurate, low reading. The marker must be at zero, not the
highest level, before the test is performed.
6. A nurse is preparing to administer morphine sulfate to a client. Which of the following findings
is the priority to report to the provider?
A. A respiratory rate of 14/min.
B. A blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg.
C. A respiratory rate of 8/min.
D. A pulse rate of 72/min.
CORRECT ANSWER : C
, Rationale: Respiratory depression is the most serious adverse effect of morphine sulfate. A
respiratory rate of 8/min is dangerously low and requires immediate intervention, including
withholding the medication and notifying the provider. A rate of 14/min, 110/70 blood pressure,
and 72 pulse are within acceptable or stable ranges.
7. A nurse is caring for a client who has increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which of the
following positions should the nurse maintain?
A. Trendelenburg position.
B. Head of the bed elevated 30 degrees.
C. Prone position with the head turned to the side.
D. Flat, supine position.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees promotes venous drainage from the brain,
which helps to decrease ICP. The Trendelenburg and flat positions increase ICP by preventing
venous return. The prone position is contraindicated as it can cause airway obstruction and
increase pressure.
8. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for warfarin.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I will increase my intake of dark green leafy vegetables."
B. "I will use a soft-bristled toothbrush for oral hygiene."
C. "I can take aspirin if I develop a headache."
D. "I will stop taking the medication if I see bruising."
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Warfarin increases bleeding risk; using a soft-bristled toothbrush minimizes gum
trauma and bleeding. Increasing leafy greens increases Vitamin K intake, which counteracts
warfarin. Aspirin increases bleeding risk and should be avoided. The client should never stop
warfarin without provider consultation.
9. A nurse is assessing a client who has a chest tube. The nurse notes that the water in the water-
seal chamber does not fluctuate with the client's respirations. Which of the following should the
nurse suspect?
A. The system is working correctly.
Questions and Answers/Plus a Rationale
Updated 2026 A+/Instant Download PDF
EXAM COVERAGE
1. Management of Care
2. Safety and Infection Control
3. Health Promotion and Maintenance
4. Psychosocial Integrity
5. Basic Care and Comfort
6. Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
7. Reduction of Risk Potential
8. Physiological Adaptation
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 days postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty. The
nurse notes the client’s calf is swollen, warm, and tender to the touch. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A. Elevate the affected extremity above the level of the heart.
B. Administer a PRN analgesic as ordered for pain.
C. Apply a warm moist compress to the area.
D. Maintain bed rest and notify the provider.
CORRECT ANSWER : D
, Rationale: The client is exhibiting classic signs of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Maintaining
bed rest prevents the potential for dislodging the thrombus and causing a pulmonary embolism,
making notification of the provider the priority intervention. Elevating the limb, applying heat,
or administering analgesics are secondary to ensuring client safety and preventing embolization.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who has hyperkalemia and is receiving an infusion of regular
insulin in 50% dextrose. Which of the following is the priority assessment to perform during this
infusion?
A. Monitoring the hourly urine output.
B. Monitoring the client’s blood glucose level.
C. Assessing for signs of fluid overload.
D. Monitoring the client’s potassium level.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: While potassium levels are the underlying concern, the administration of insulin and
dextrose carries a high risk for hypoglycemia. Monitoring blood glucose is the immediate safety
priority during the infusion to prevent life-threatening neuroglycopenia. While monitoring
potassium and fluid status is necessary, hypoglycemia is the most acute risk requiring frequent
assessment.
3. A nurse is triaging clients in the emergency department. Which of the following clients should
the nurse see first?
A. A client reporting a migraine with photophobia.
B. A client with a stable closed fracture of the radius.
C. A client with a sudden onset of chest pain and diaphoresis.
D. A client with a superficial laceration requiring sutures.
CORRECT ANSWER : C
Rationale: According to triage protocols, life-threatening conditions take precedence over stable
or non-urgent conditions. The client with chest pain and diaphoresis may be experiencing an
acute myocardial infarction, which is a medical emergency. The other clients present with
conditions that are not immediately life-threatening.
4. A nurse is planning care for a client who has bipolar disorder and is in a manic phase. Which of
the following interventions should the nurse include?
, A. Encourage the client to participate in group activities.
B. Provide the client with high-calorie, finger foods.
C. Decrease the frequency of the client’s nutrition and fluid intake.
D. Allow the client to lead the community meeting.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Manic clients are often too active to sit for meals and burn excessive calories; high-
calorie finger foods allow them to maintain nutrition while moving. Group activities or leading
meetings may overstimulate the client and increase agitation. The nurse must ensure adequate,
not decreased, intake of fluids and nutrition.
5. A nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of a client's use of a peak flow meter. Which of the
following actions by the client indicates proper understanding?
A. The client exhales slowly over several seconds.
B. The client blows a fast, hard blast into the mouthpiece.
C. The client takes several deep breaths before the reading.
D. The client ensures the marker is at the highest level before blowing.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Peak flow monitoring measures the speed of air being forced out of the lungs;
therefore, a fast, hard blast is necessary for an accurate result. Exhaling slowly or taking
multiple breaths will result in an inaccurate, low reading. The marker must be at zero, not the
highest level, before the test is performed.
6. A nurse is preparing to administer morphine sulfate to a client. Which of the following findings
is the priority to report to the provider?
A. A respiratory rate of 14/min.
B. A blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg.
C. A respiratory rate of 8/min.
D. A pulse rate of 72/min.
CORRECT ANSWER : C
, Rationale: Respiratory depression is the most serious adverse effect of morphine sulfate. A
respiratory rate of 8/min is dangerously low and requires immediate intervention, including
withholding the medication and notifying the provider. A rate of 14/min, 110/70 blood pressure,
and 72 pulse are within acceptable or stable ranges.
7. A nurse is caring for a client who has increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which of the
following positions should the nurse maintain?
A. Trendelenburg position.
B. Head of the bed elevated 30 degrees.
C. Prone position with the head turned to the side.
D. Flat, supine position.
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees promotes venous drainage from the brain,
which helps to decrease ICP. The Trendelenburg and flat positions increase ICP by preventing
venous return. The prone position is contraindicated as it can cause airway obstruction and
increase pressure.
8. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for warfarin.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I will increase my intake of dark green leafy vegetables."
B. "I will use a soft-bristled toothbrush for oral hygiene."
C. "I can take aspirin if I develop a headache."
D. "I will stop taking the medication if I see bruising."
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Warfarin increases bleeding risk; using a soft-bristled toothbrush minimizes gum
trauma and bleeding. Increasing leafy greens increases Vitamin K intake, which counteracts
warfarin. Aspirin increases bleeding risk and should be avoided. The client should never stop
warfarin without provider consultation.
9. A nurse is assessing a client who has a chest tube. The nurse notes that the water in the water-
seal chamber does not fluctuate with the client's respirations. Which of the following should the
nurse suspect?
A. The system is working correctly.
