CNA CNA Vital Signs and Measurements 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the normal respiratory rate for a healthy adult at rest?
- 6–10 breaths per minute
- 12–20 breaths per minute (Correct answer)
- 22–28 breaths per minute
- 30–40 breaths per minute
Correct answer: 12–20 breaths per minute
A normal adult respiratory rate at rest is 12–20 breaths per minute.
Question 2: When taking an axillary (underarm) temperature, how does it compare to an oral temperature?
- It is 1°F higher than oral
- It is 1°F lower than oral (Correct answer)
- It is the same as oral
- It is 2°F higher than oral
Correct answer: It is 1°F lower than oral
Axillary temperatures are typically about 1°F lower than oral temperatures, making them less accurate for detecting fever.
Question 3: A CNA notices a resident's pulse is irregular. What should the CNA do?
- Ignore it if the rate is within normal range
- Report the irregularity to the nurse regardless of rate (Correct answer)
- Retake the pulse three times and average the results
- Ask the resident if they feel anything unusual, then document nothing
Correct answer: Report the irregularity to the nurse regardless of rate
Any pulse irregularity must be reported to the nurse because it can indicate a cardiac arrhythmia requiring further evaluation.
Question 4: What does SpO2 measure and what is a normal value for a healthy adult?
- Blood glucose; normal is 70–110 mg/dL
- Blood oxygen saturation; normal is 95%–100% (Correct answer)
- Hemoglobin level; normal is 12–17 g/dL
- Respiratory rate; normal is 12–20 breaths/min
Correct answer: Blood oxygen saturation; normal is 95%–100%
SpO2 measures the percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen, with 95%–100% considered normal for a healthy adult.
Question 5: When weighing a resident who can stand, which of the following is most important for accuracy?
- Weigh the resident after a meal
- Weigh the resident at the same time of day, in similar clothing, on the same scale (Correct answer)
- Have the resident hold onto the scale's handrails during measurement
- Estimate weight visually if the resident is uncomfortable
Correct answer: Weigh the resident at the same time of day, in similar clothing, on the same scale
Consistency in timing, clothing, and equipment ensures weight measurements are comparable over time.
Question 6: Which of the following is the correct way to record a blood pressure reading of 120 over 80?
- 120 + 80
- 120 / 80 (Correct answer)
- 80 / 120
- 120 × 80
Correct answer: 120 / 80
Blood pressure is recorded as systolic over diastolic, written as 120/80 mmHg.
CNA CNA Vital Signs and Measurements 2
What is the normal respiratory rate for a healthy adult at rest?