CKE Vital Signs and Basic Assessment 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the normal resting heart rate range for a healthy adult?
- 40–60 beats per minute
- 60–100 beats per minute (Correct answer)
- 100–120 beats per minute
- 50–80 beats per minute
Correct answer: 60–100 beats per minute
A normal adult resting heart rate falls between 60 and 100 beats per minute; values outside this range indicate bradycardia or tachycardia.
Question 2: According to current guidelines, a blood pressure reading is classified as normal when systolic is:
- Less than 120 mmHg and diastolic less than 80 mmHg (Correct answer)
- 120–129 mmHg with diastolic less than 80 mmHg
- 130–139 mmHg and diastolic 80–89 mmHg
- Less than 140 mmHg and diastolic less than 90 mmHg
Correct answer: Less than 120 mmHg and diastolic less than 80 mmHg
The American Heart Association classifies normal blood pressure as systolic below 120 mmHg and diastolic below 80 mmHg.
Question 3: What is the normal respiratory rate range for a resting adult?
- 8–12 breaths per minute
- 12–20 breaths per minute (Correct answer)
- 20–28 breaths per minute
- 10–14 breaths per minute
Correct answer: 12–20 breaths per minute
A normal adult respiratory rate at rest is 12–20 breaths per minute; rates outside this range suggest bradypnea or tachypnea.
Question 4: Which temperature-taking route provides the most accurate measurement of core body temperature?
- Oral
- Axillary
- Rectal (Correct answer)
- Tympanic
Correct answer: Rectal
Rectal temperature measurement is the most accurate reflection of core body temperature because the rectal vault is well-insulated and closely approximates internal temperature.
Question 5: What does the diastolic number in a blood pressure reading represent?
- The pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts
- The pressure in the arteries between heartbeats when the heart is at rest (Correct answer)
- The average of the peak and resting pressures
- The pressure in the venous system returning to the heart
Correct answer: The pressure in the arteries between heartbeats when the heart is at rest
Diastolic pressure is the pressure remaining in the arteries when the heart muscle relaxes between beats.
Question 6: A normal pulse oximetry (SpO₂) reading for a healthy adult at sea level is:
- 85–90%
- 90–94%
- 95–100% (Correct answer)
- 80–95%
Correct answer: 95–100%
A SpO₂ of 95–100% indicates adequate oxygen saturation; readings below 95% warrant further clinical evaluation.
Question 7: Pain is frequently called the 'fifth vital sign.' Which scale is most widely used for adults to self-report pain intensity?
- FLACC behavioral scale
- Numeric Rating Scale (0–10) (Correct answer)
- FACES pain scale
- COMFORT behavioral scale
Correct answer: Numeric Rating Scale (0–10)
The Numeric Rating Scale (0–10) is the most commonly used self-report tool for adults because it is simple, quick, and easily communicated.
CKE Vital Signs and Basic Assessment 1
What is the normal resting heart rate range for a healthy adult?