CNA Vital Signs and Measurements 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident's blood pressure reads 158/96 mmHg. What is the diastolic pressure?
- 158 mmHg
- 96 mmHg (Correct answer)
- 62 mmHg
- 127 mmHg
Correct answer: 96 mmHg
The diastolic pressure is the second (lower) number, which represents pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.
Question 2: Which site is MOST appropriate for measuring temperature in an unconscious patient?
- Oral
- Axillary
- Rectal (Correct answer)
- Temporal
Correct answer: Rectal
Rectal temperature is preferred for unconscious patients because oral measurement requires cooperation and a closed mouth.
Question 3: When taking a radial pulse, you count 36 beats in 30 seconds. What do you document?
- 36 beats per minute
- 54 beats per minute
- 72 beats per minute (Correct answer)
- 90 beats per minute
Correct answer: 72 beats per minute
Multiply the 30-second count by 2 to convert to beats per minute: 36 × 2 = 72 bpm.
Question 4: A CNA is measuring a resident's respirations. The resident asks what is being done. What should the CNA do?
- Tell the resident you are counting their breaths
- Say you are checking the pulse to avoid altering breathing rate (Correct answer)
- Ask the resident to breathe normally and count aloud
- Stop and resume after the resident falls asleep
Correct 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.
Question 5: Normal oxygen saturation (SpO2) for a healthy adult is:
- 85–90%
- 90–93%
- 95–100% (Correct answer)
- 100% only
Correct answer: 95–100%
Normal SpO2 is 95–100%; readings below 90% are generally considered hypoxic and require prompt reporting.
Question 6: Which of the following MOST accurately describes a bounding pulse?
- A pulse that is fast and irregular
- A pulse that is strong and forceful (Correct answer)
- A pulse that is slow and weak
- A pulse that alternates in strength
Correct 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.
Question 7: A resident's axillary temperature is 98.0°F. What is the equivalent oral temperature estimate?
- 97.0°F
- 98.0°F
- 99.0°F (Correct answer)
- 100.0°F
Correct 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.
CNA Vital Signs and Measurements 2
A resident's blood pressure reads 158/96 mmHg.
What is the diastolic pressure?