CNA Vital Signs and Measurements

Question 1

What is the normal resting heart rate range for an adult?

Accepted Answer

60–100 beats per minute

Answer

40–60 beats per minute

Answer

100–120 beats per minute

Answer

120–140 beats per minute

Question 2

Which site is most commonly used by CNAs to measure pulse?

Accepted Answer

Radial

Answer

Apical

Answer

Carotid

Answer

Femoral

Question 3

Normal adult blood pressure is considered to be:

Accepted Answer

120/80 mmHg

Answer

90/60 mmHg

Answer

140/90 mmHg

Answer

160/100 mmHg

Question 4

A resident's blood pressure is 150/95 mmHg. How should the CNA respond?

Accepted Answer

Report the finding to the nurse immediately

Answer

Recheck in one hour and document only if still elevated

Answer

Administer an antihypertensive medication

Answer

Ask the resident to exercise to lower it

Question 5

What is the normal adult respiratory rate range?

Accepted Answer

12–20 breaths per minute

Answer

4–8 breaths per minute

Answer

24–30 breaths per minute

Answer

30–40 breaths per minute

Question 6

When counting respirations, the CNA should:

Accepted Answer

Count while pretending to still take the pulse

Answer

Tell the resident to breathe normally while counting

Answer

Ask the resident to count with the CNA

Answer

Count only exhalations for 30 seconds and double the result

Question 7

What is the normal oral temperature for an adult?

Accepted Answer

98.6°F (37.0°C)

Answer

96.8°F (36.0°C)

Answer

100.4°F (38.0°C)

Answer

102.2°F (39.0°C)

Question 8

A rectal temperature reading compared to an oral temperature is typically:

Accepted Answer

0.5–1°F higher

Answer

0.5–1°F lower

Answer

The same

Answer

2–3°F higher

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT an appropriate site for thermometer placement by a CNA?

Accepted Answer

Rectal

Answer

Oral

Answer

Axillary

Answer

Tympanic

Question 10

An axillary temperature is taken:

Accepted Answer

Under the arm in the armpit

Answer

In the mouth under the tongue

Answer

In the ear canal

Answer

On the forehead