RN VATI EXAM SCRIPT FINAL PAPER 2026
FULL SOLUTION VIEW AHEAD
◉ A nurse is analyzing the ABG results of a client who is in
respiratory acidosis. Which of the following mechanisms should the
nurse identify as responsible for this acid-base imbalance?
Breakdown of fatty acids
Retention of carbon dioxide
Hyperventilation in response to hypoxia
Ingestion of large amounts of bicarbonate.
Answer: Retention of carbon dioxide
Respiratory acidosis results from the retention of carbon dioxide.
Retention of carbon dioxide can result from respiratory depression,
inadequate chest expansion, airway obstruction, or decreased
alveolar capillary diffusion.
◉ A nurse is caring for a client who is 3 hr postoperative and
exhibiting signs of hypovolemia. Which. Of the following findings
should the nurse identify as a manifestation of hypovolemia?
Distended neck veins
Rapid pulse rate
,Urine output 45 mL/hr
Decreased respiratory rate.
Answer: Rapid pulse rate
A client who has hypovolemia has a rapid, weak pulse rate to
compensate for the decrease in blood volume in an attempt to
increase blood pressure.
◉ A nurse is providing teaching for a client who has constipation-
predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C). Which of the
following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
"Take a dose of loperamide each morning."
"Increase your fluid intake to 1,000 milliliters per day."
"Take psyllium in the evening."
"Consume a diet that is low in protein.".
Answer: "Take psyllium in the evening."
A client who has IBS-C should take a bulk-forming laxative, such as
psyllium, to increase the bulk of the stool, reduce constipation, and
promote regular bowel movements.
◉ A nurse is caring for a client who is intubated and receiving
mechanical ventilation for heroin toxicity. Which of the following
assessments is the nurse's priority?
WBC count
,Intake and output
ABGs
Blood glucose level.
Answer: ABGs
When using the airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC) approach to
client care, the nurse's priority assessment is to monitor the client's
ABGs, including respiratory status.
◉ A nurse is caring for a client who has an NG tube to suction and is
receiving IV fluids to maintain fluid volume balance. Which of the
following findings should indicate to the nurse that this therapy is
effective?
Decreased NG tube drainage
Potassium 3.3 mEq/L
Increased heart rate
Hematocrit 46%.
Answer: Hematocrit 46%
An increase in hematocrit can indicate hemoconcentration and
hypovolemia. This hematocrit is within the expected reference range
of 42 to 52% for a male and 37 to 47% for a female and is an
indication that fluid replacement therapy is effective.
, ◉ A nurse is assessing a client who has a new diagnosis of diabetes
mellitus. The nurse should identify that which of the following
findings is a manifestation of hyperglycemia?
Increased thirst
Decreased urine output
Dry skin
Tremors.
Answer: Increased thirst
The nurse should teach the client that increased thirst, or polydipsia,
is a manifestation of hyperglycemia, which can lead to dehydration.
Other manifestations of hyperglycemia include an increase in
appetite, or polyphagia, an increase in urine production, or polyuria,
and fatigue.
◉ A nurse is providing teaching for a client who is scheduled for a
bronchoscopy. Which of the following statements should the nurse
include in the teaching?
"You will not be able to eat or drink after the procedure until you are
able to cough."
"You will drink a contrast solution 30 minutes prior to the
procedure."
"The purpose of this procedure is to remove excess fluid from your
lungs."
"You will need to lie on your back for 4 to 6 hours following the
procedure.".
FULL SOLUTION VIEW AHEAD
◉ A nurse is analyzing the ABG results of a client who is in
respiratory acidosis. Which of the following mechanisms should the
nurse identify as responsible for this acid-base imbalance?
Breakdown of fatty acids
Retention of carbon dioxide
Hyperventilation in response to hypoxia
Ingestion of large amounts of bicarbonate.
Answer: Retention of carbon dioxide
Respiratory acidosis results from the retention of carbon dioxide.
Retention of carbon dioxide can result from respiratory depression,
inadequate chest expansion, airway obstruction, or decreased
alveolar capillary diffusion.
◉ A nurse is caring for a client who is 3 hr postoperative and
exhibiting signs of hypovolemia. Which. Of the following findings
should the nurse identify as a manifestation of hypovolemia?
Distended neck veins
Rapid pulse rate
,Urine output 45 mL/hr
Decreased respiratory rate.
Answer: Rapid pulse rate
A client who has hypovolemia has a rapid, weak pulse rate to
compensate for the decrease in blood volume in an attempt to
increase blood pressure.
◉ A nurse is providing teaching for a client who has constipation-
predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C). Which of the
following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
"Take a dose of loperamide each morning."
"Increase your fluid intake to 1,000 milliliters per day."
"Take psyllium in the evening."
"Consume a diet that is low in protein.".
Answer: "Take psyllium in the evening."
A client who has IBS-C should take a bulk-forming laxative, such as
psyllium, to increase the bulk of the stool, reduce constipation, and
promote regular bowel movements.
◉ A nurse is caring for a client who is intubated and receiving
mechanical ventilation for heroin toxicity. Which of the following
assessments is the nurse's priority?
WBC count
,Intake and output
ABGs
Blood glucose level.
Answer: ABGs
When using the airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC) approach to
client care, the nurse's priority assessment is to monitor the client's
ABGs, including respiratory status.
◉ A nurse is caring for a client who has an NG tube to suction and is
receiving IV fluids to maintain fluid volume balance. Which of the
following findings should indicate to the nurse that this therapy is
effective?
Decreased NG tube drainage
Potassium 3.3 mEq/L
Increased heart rate
Hematocrit 46%.
Answer: Hematocrit 46%
An increase in hematocrit can indicate hemoconcentration and
hypovolemia. This hematocrit is within the expected reference range
of 42 to 52% for a male and 37 to 47% for a female and is an
indication that fluid replacement therapy is effective.
, ◉ A nurse is assessing a client who has a new diagnosis of diabetes
mellitus. The nurse should identify that which of the following
findings is a manifestation of hyperglycemia?
Increased thirst
Decreased urine output
Dry skin
Tremors.
Answer: Increased thirst
The nurse should teach the client that increased thirst, or polydipsia,
is a manifestation of hyperglycemia, which can lead to dehydration.
Other manifestations of hyperglycemia include an increase in
appetite, or polyphagia, an increase in urine production, or polyuria,
and fatigue.
◉ A nurse is providing teaching for a client who is scheduled for a
bronchoscopy. Which of the following statements should the nurse
include in the teaching?
"You will not be able to eat or drink after the procedure until you are
able to cough."
"You will drink a contrast solution 30 minutes prior to the
procedure."
"The purpose of this procedure is to remove excess fluid from your
lungs."
"You will need to lie on your back for 4 to 6 hours following the
procedure.".
