Vital Signs and Basic Assessment Flashcards

A resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute in an adult is termed:

Answer: Tachycardia

Tachycardia is defined as a heart rate exceeding 100 bpm at rest and may indicate fever, dehydration, pain, cardiac conditions, or other underlying problems.

A blood pressure of 180/120 mmHg is classified as a hypertensive crisis. What is the priority action?

Answer: Notify the nurse or provider immediately for urgent evaluation

A reading of 180/120 mmHg or higher is a hypertensive crisis requiring immediate clinical evaluation to prevent end-organ damage.

An adult patient has a temperature of 104°F (40°C). What is the most appropriate priority action?

Answer: Notify the nurse or physician and initiate cooling measures as ordered

A temperature of 104°F indicates high-grade fever requiring prompt notification and active cooling measures to prevent febrile seizures or organ damage.

A respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute in a resting adult is classified as:

Answer: Tachypnea

Tachypnea is defined as a respiratory rate above 20 breaths per minute at rest; it may indicate respiratory distress, fever, anxiety, or metabolic acidosis.

Hypotension in adults is generally defined as a systolic blood pressure below:

Answer: 90 mmHg

Hypotension is typically defined as systolic BP below 90 mmHg, though clinical context and the patient's baseline must also be considered.

A pulse oximetry reading of 88% in a patient breathing room air indicates:

Answer: Significant hypoxemia requiring immediate intervention

An SpO₂ of 88% represents significant hypoxemia; supplemental oxygen and immediate clinical assessment are required to prevent respiratory failure.

An adult heart rate of 48 beats per minute at rest, without symptoms, is classified as:

Answer: Bradycardia

Bradycardia is a heart rate below 60 bpm; while it can be normal in well-trained athletes, it always warrants documentation and clinical correlation.