CMT Vital Signs and Physical 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
- 120–140 beats per minute
Correct answer: 60–100 beats per minute
A normal adult resting heart rate is 60–100 beats per minute.
Question 2: Which site is most commonly used to assess pulse in an unresponsive adult?
- Radial artery
- Brachial artery
- Carotid artery (Correct answer)
- Femoral artery
Correct answer: Carotid artery
The carotid artery is used for pulse assessment in unresponsive adults because it is centrally located and easy to palpate.
Question 3: A blood pressure reading of 142/92 mmHg is classified as:
- Normal
- Elevated
- Stage 1 hypertension (Correct answer)
- Stage 2 hypertension
Correct answer: Stage 1 hypertension
According to AHA guidelines, a systolic of 130–139 or diastolic of 80–89 mmHg is Stage 1 hypertension; 142/92 falls in Stage 1.
Question 4: What is the normal respiratory rate for a resting adult?
- 6–10 breaths/min
- 12–20 breaths/min (Correct answer)
- 22–28 breaths/min
- 30–36 breaths/min
Correct answer: 12–20 breaths/min
A normal adult respiratory rate at rest is 12–20 breaths per minute.
Question 5: Which thermometer site provides the most accurate core body temperature?
- Axillary
- Oral
- Tympanic
- Rectal (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Rectal
Rectal temperature is the most accurate indicator of core body temperature.
Question 6: When measuring blood pressure, the cuff should be placed approximately how far above the antecubital fossa?
- 1 inch (2.5 cm) (Correct answer)
- 3 inches (7.5 cm)
- 5 inches (12.5 cm)
- At the antecubital fossa
Correct answer: 1 inch (2.5 cm)
Standard protocol places the BP cuff approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the antecubital fossa for accurate readings.
CMT Vital Signs and Physical Assessment 1
What is the normal resting heart rate range for a healthy adult?