CNA CNA Vital Signs and Measurements 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the normal resting heart rate range for an adult?
- 40–59 beats per minute
- 60–100 beats per minute (Correct answer)
- 101–120 beats per minute
- 121–140 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 by CNAs to measure a resident's pulse?
- Apical site
- Radial site (Correct answer)
- Femoral site
- Carotid site
Correct answer: Radial site
The radial pulse, located at the wrist, is the most common site used by CNAs for routine pulse measurement.
Question 3: What is the normal oral temperature range for an adult in Fahrenheit?
- 96.0°F – 97.4°F
- 97.6°F – 99.6°F (Correct answer)
- 100.0°F – 101.0°F
- 101.5°F – 102.5°F
Correct answer: 97.6°F – 99.6°F
Normal adult oral temperature ranges from 97.6°F to 99.6°F, with 98.6°F considered average.
Question 4: When measuring a resident's blood pressure, what does the diastolic number represent?
- The pressure when the heart is contracting
- The pressure when the heart is at rest between beats (Correct answer)
- The total volume of blood pumped per minute
- The oxygen saturation level in the blood
Correct answer: The pressure when the heart is at rest between beats
The diastolic reading is the lower number and represents arterial pressure while the heart is relaxing between beats.
Question 5: A resident's blood pressure is 148/92 mmHg. How should the CNA report this finding?
- This is normal; no action needed
- Document it and notify the nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Have the resident drink water and recheck in 1 hour without reporting
- Administer the resident's blood pressure medication
Correct answer: Document it and notify the nurse immediately
A blood pressure of 148/92 mmHg is elevated and must be reported to the nurse promptly so appropriate action can be taken.
Question 6: What is the correct method for counting respirations in a resident?
- Ask the resident to breathe deeply while counting
- Count chest rises for one full minute without informing the resident (Correct answer)
- Count only exhalations for 30 seconds and multiply by 2
- Count breaths for 15 seconds and multiply by 6
Correct answer: Count chest rises for one full minute without informing the resident
Respirations should be counted without the resident's awareness for a full minute, as awareness can alter breathing patterns.
CNA CNA Vital Signs and Measurements 1
What is the normal resting heart rate range for an adult?