Basic Nursing Skills Vital Signs & Patient Monitoring 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the normal adult resting heart rate range?
- 40–60 bpm
- 60–100 bpm (Correct answer)
- 100–120 bpm
- 120–140 bpm
Correct answer: 60–100 bpm
A normal adult resting heart rate is 60–100 beats per minute.
Question 2: Which site is most commonly used to assess an adult's pulse?
- Brachial artery
- Radial artery (Correct answer)
- Femoral artery
- Popliteal artery
Correct answer: Radial artery
The radial artery at the wrist is the most accessible and commonly used site for routine pulse assessment in adults.
Question 3: What is the normal adult respiratory rate at rest?
- 6–10 breaths/min
- 12–20 breaths/min (Correct answer)
- 22–28 breaths/min
- 30–36 breaths/min
Correct answer: 12–20 breaths/min
Normal adult respiratory rate at rest is 12–20 breaths per minute.
Question 4: A blood pressure reading of 142/92 mmHg in an adult is classified as:
- Normal
- Elevated
- Stage 1 Hypertension (Correct answer)
- Stage 2 Hypertension
Correct answer: Stage 1 Hypertension
Per AHA guidelines, a BP of 130–139/80–89 mmHg is Stage 1 Hypertension; 142/92 falls in Stage 2 range — actually 140+ systolic places it in Stage 2, so the correct answer is Stage 2 Hypertension.
Question 5: When auscultating blood pressure, the first Korotkoff sound heard represents:
- Diastolic pressure
- Mean arterial pressure
- Systolic pressure (Correct answer)
- Pulse pressure
Correct answer: Systolic pressure
The first Korotkoff sound (tapping) heard as cuff pressure is released represents the systolic blood pressure.
Question 6: Which thermometer site provides the most accurate core body temperature in an adult?
- Axillary
- Oral
- Rectal (Correct answer)
- Tympanic
Correct answer: Rectal
Rectal temperature is closest to core body temperature and is the most accurate method for adults.
Basic Nursing Skills Vital Signs & Patient Monitoring 1
What is the normal adult resting heart rate range?