Vital Signs and Measurements Flashcards
7 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 7 Vital Signs and Measurements flashcards as text
A resident's blood pressure reads 158/96 mmHg. What is the diastolic pressure?
Answer: 96 mmHg
The diastolic pressure is the second (lower) number, which represents pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.
Which site is MOST appropriate for measuring temperature in an unconscious patient?
Answer: Rectal
Rectal temperature is preferred for unconscious patients because oral measurement requires cooperation and a closed mouth.
When taking a radial pulse, you count 36 beats in 30 seconds. What do you document?
Answer: 72 beats per minute
Multiply the 30-second count by 2 to convert to beats per minute: 36 × 2 = 72 bpm.
A CNA is measuring a resident's respirations. The resident asks what is being done. What should the CNA do?
Answer: Say you are checking the pulse to avoid altering breathing rate
Patients who know their respirations are being counted may consciously alter their breathing, so CNAs often count respirations after pulse assessment without telling the patient.
Normal oxygen saturation (SpO2) for a healthy adult is:
Answer: 95–100%
Normal SpO2 is 95–100%; readings below 90% are generally considered hypoxic and require prompt reporting.
Which of the following MOST accurately describes a bounding pulse?
Answer: A pulse that is strong and forceful
A bounding pulse is described as strong and forceful, often felt easily even with light finger pressure.
A resident's axillary temperature is 98.0°F. What is the equivalent oral temperature estimate?
Answer: 99.0°F
Axillary temperature is approximately 1°F lower than oral, so adding 1°F gives an estimated oral equivalent of 99.0°F.