Basic Nursing Skills Vital Signs & Patient Monitoring 3

Question 1

Normal adult oral temperature is approximately:

Accepted Answer

37.0°C (98.6°F)

Answer

Normal adult oral temperature is approximately 37.0°C (98.6°F), though 36.1–37.2°C is an accepted range.

Question 2

Fever in an adult is defined as a temperature above:

Accepted Answer

38.0°C (100.4°F)

Answer

A fever in adults is generally defined as an oral temperature above 38.0°C (100.4°F).

Question 3

The apical pulse is assessed by placing the stethoscope at which location?

Accepted Answer

Fifth intercostal space, midclavicular line

Answer

The apical pulse is auscultated at the 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line (point of maximal impulse).

Question 4

Which nursing action is performed when monitoring for orthostatic hypotension?

Accepted Answer

Take BP lying, sitting, and standing

Answer

Orthostatic hypotension is assessed by measuring blood pressure in lying, sitting, and standing positions and noting a drop of ≥20 mmHg systolic.

Question 5

What is tachypnea?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory rate above 20 breaths/min

Answer

Tachypnea is an abnormally rapid respiratory rate, defined as more than 20 breaths per minute in an adult.

Basic Nursing Skills Practice Test