CNA CNA Vital Signs and Measurements 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident's blood pressure reading is 158/96 mmHg. How should the CNA document this?
- Record it and report it to the nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Retake it in 24 hours before reporting
- Administer antihypertensive medication
- Assume it is a cuff error and ignore it
Correct answer: Record it and report it to the nurse immediately
A BP of 158/96 is elevated and must be documented and reported to the nurse promptly.
Question 2: When counting a resident's respirations, the CNA should do which of the following?
- Tell the resident to breathe normally while you count
- Count for 30 seconds and multiply by 2 if regular (Correct answer)
- Count only the exhales for a full minute
- Count while the resident is speaking
Correct answer: Count for 30 seconds and multiply by 2 if regular
Respirations can be counted for 30 seconds and doubled if the rhythm is regular, but a full minute is used for irregular breathing.
Question 3: Which pulse site is most commonly used by CNAs for routine vital sign measurement?
- Apical
- Femoral
- Radial (Correct answer)
- Carotid
Correct answer: Radial
The radial pulse at the wrist is the most common site used by CNAs for routine pulse measurement.
Question 4: A resident's axillary temperature reads 99.6°F. What is the equivalent oral temperature approximation?
- 98.6°F
- 100.6°F (Correct answer)
- 99.6°F
- 101.6°F
Correct answer: 100.6°F
Axillary temperature runs approximately 1°F lower than oral, so 99.6°F axillary equals roughly 100.6°F oral.
Question 5: What is the correct cuff placement for measuring blood pressure on the arm?
- 1–2 inches above the antecubital space (Correct answer)
- Directly over the antecubital space
- On the forearm just below the elbow
- At the wrist level
Correct answer: 1–2 inches above the antecubital space
The blood pressure cuff should be placed 1–2 inches above the antecubital fossa (inner elbow crease).
Question 6: Which of the following residents has the HIGHEST risk of inaccurate pulse oximetry readings?
- A resident who had breakfast 30 minutes ago
- A resident with cold hands and poor circulation (Correct answer)
- A resident who is sleeping
- A resident who recently used the bathroom
Correct answer: A resident with cold hands and poor circulation
Cold extremities and poor peripheral circulation reduce blood flow to the finger, causing inaccurate SpO2 readings.
Question 7: A resident's pulse is described as 'bounding.' What does this term mean?
- The pulse is slow and difficult to feel
- The pulse is strong and forceful (Correct answer)
- The pulse rhythm is irregular
- The pulse rate is above 100 bpm
Correct answer: The pulse is strong and forceful
A bounding pulse is one that feels very strong and forceful against the fingertips.
CNA CNA Vital Signs and Measurements 4
A resident's blood pressure reading is 158/96 mmHg.
How should the CNA document this?