Vital Signs and Measurements Flashcards
37 cards from real CNA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 20 Vital Signs and Measurements flashcards as text
What is the normal resting heart rate range for an adult?
Answer: 60–100 beats per minute
A normal adult resting heart rate is 60–100 beats per minute. Values outside this range may indicate bradycardia or tachycardia and should be reported.
Which site is most commonly used by CNAs to measure pulse?
Answer: Radial
The radial pulse at the wrist is the most common site used by CNAs because it is easy to access and requires no special equipment.
Normal adult blood pressure is considered to be:
Answer: 120/80 mmHg
120/80 mmHg is considered normal adult blood pressure. The top number (systolic) represents pressure when the heart beats; the bottom (diastolic) when it rests.
A resident's blood pressure is 150/95 mmHg. How should the CNA respond?
Answer: Report the finding to the nurse immediately
A blood pressure of 150/95 mmHg exceeds normal limits and must be reported to the nurse promptly so that appropriate follow-up can occur.
What is the normal adult respiratory rate range?
Answer: 12–20 breaths per minute
Normal adult respirations are 12–20 breaths per minute. Rates above or below this range should be reported to the nurse.
When counting respirations, the CNA should:
Answer: Count while pretending to still take the pulse
Counting respirations while appearing to still take the pulse prevents the resident from consciously altering their breathing pattern, ensuring accuracy.
What is the normal oral temperature for an adult?
Answer: 98.6°F (37.0°C)
Normal oral temperature is approximately 98.6°F (37.0°C). Temperatures above 100.4°F generally indicate fever and should be reported.
A rectal temperature reading compared to an oral temperature is typically:
Answer: 0.5–1°F higher
Rectal temperatures are approximately 0.5–1°F higher than oral temperatures because the rectum is a closed, more insulated body cavity.
Which of the following is NOT an appropriate site for thermometer placement by a CNA?
Answer: Rectal
Rectal temperature measurement is considered an invasive procedure and is generally outside the CNA's scope of practice in most states; it requires specific facility policy authorization.
An axillary temperature is taken:
Answer: Under the arm in the armpit
Axillary temperature is measured by placing the thermometer under the arm in the axilla (armpit). It is the least invasive method but is also the least accurate.
When measuring blood pressure, the cuff should be placed:
Answer: About 1 inch above the antecubital space
The blood pressure cuff should be placed about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the antecubital fossa (inner elbow crease) to allow correct positioning of the stethoscope over the brachial artery.
Pulse oximetry measures:
Answer: Oxygen saturation in the blood
Pulse oximetry measures the percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen (SpO2). Normal values are typically 95–100%.
A normal SpO2 reading for a healthy adult is:
Answer: 95–100%
Normal oxygen saturation (SpO2) for a healthy adult is 95–100%. Values below 90% are considered dangerously low and require immediate reporting.
Which of the following would cause an inaccurate pulse oximetry reading?
Answer: The resident has dark nail polish on the finger
Dark nail polish, artificial nails, or poor circulation can interfere with the light sensor in a pulse oximeter, causing falsely low or inaccurate readings.
What does a pulse deficit indicate?
Answer: The radial rate is lower than the apical rate
A pulse deficit occurs when the radial pulse is lower than the apical pulse, indicating that not every heartbeat generates enough force to be felt at the wrist. This should be reported.
How long should a CNA count an irregular pulse?
Answer: A full 60 seconds
An irregular pulse should be counted for a full 60 seconds to ensure accuracy, as shorter counting periods may magnify errors when the rate is inconsistent.
Which factor can temporarily INCREASE blood pressure?
Answer: Pain or anxiety
Pain, anxiety, stress, and physical exertion can all temporarily raise blood pressure. The CNA should allow the resident to rest before retaking the reading if these factors are present.
When taking a blood pressure on a resident who recently exercised, the CNA should:
Answer: Wait at least 5–10 minutes for the resident to rest first
Exercise temporarily elevates blood pressure. Waiting 5–10 minutes allows the cardiovascular system to return toward baseline, producing a more accurate resting measurement.
Which of the following best describes systolic blood pressure?
Answer: Pressure in arteries when the heart contracts
Systolic pressure is the higher number and represents the force exerted on arterial walls when the heart contracts and pumps blood out.
A resident's temperature is 104°F. What should the CNA do?
Answer: Report the reading to the nurse immediately
A temperature of 104°F (40°C) is dangerously high and must be reported to the nurse immediately, as it can indicate serious infection or heat stroke requiring prompt intervention.