CNA Vital Signs Measurement 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A pulse rate greater than 100 beats per minute in an adult is called:
- Bradycardia
- Tachycardia (Correct answer)
- Hypertension
- Dysrhythmia
Correct answer: Tachycardia
Tachycardia is defined as a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute and must be reported to the nurse promptly.
Question 2: A respiratory rate below 12 breaths per minute is called:
- Tachypnea
- Apnea
- Bradypnea (Correct answer)
- Dyspnea
Correct answer: Bradypnea
Bradypnea is an abnormally slow respiratory rate below 12 breaths per minute, which can indicate neurological or metabolic problems.
Question 3: A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is classified as:
- Normal
- Elevated
- Stage 1 Hypertension
- Stage 2 Hypertension (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Stage 2 Hypertension
According to current guidelines, a blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher meets the criteria for Stage 2 Hypertension and requires prompt reporting.
Question 4: When assessing a patient's respiratory rate, how long should the CNA count breaths?
- 15 seconds, then multiply by 4
- 30 seconds, then multiply by 2 (Correct answer)
- 10 seconds, then multiply by 6
- 5 seconds, then multiply by 12
Correct answer: 30 seconds, then multiply by 2
Counting respirations for 30 seconds and multiplying by 2 is the standard technique; a full 60 seconds is used if the rate is irregular.
Question 5: The apical pulse is best assessed at which location on the chest?
- Second intercostal space, right sternal border
- Fourth intercostal space, right midclavicular line
- Fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line (Correct answer)
- Third intercostal space, left sternal border
Correct answer: Fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line
The apical pulse is heard at the apex of the heart, located at the fifth intercostal space along the left midclavicular line.
Question 6: A normal pulse oximetry (SpO2) reading for a healthy adult is:
- 85% to 90%
- 90% to 94%
- 95% to 100% (Correct answer)
- 80% to 85%
Correct answer: 95% to 100%
A normal SpO2 reading is 95% to 100%; readings below 90% indicate hypoxia and must be reported immediately.
Question 7: A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is classified as:
- Hypothermia
- Subnormal temperature
- Low-grade fever
- Fever (pyrexia) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Fever (pyrexia)
A body temperature at or above 100.4°F (38°C) is defined as fever (pyrexia) and signals that the body is responding to infection or illness.
CNA Vital Signs Measurement 2
A pulse rate greater than 100 beats per minute in an adult is called: