CNA Vital Signs Measurement 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient's blood pressure reads 158/96 mmHg. Which category does this fall under according to AHA guidelines?
- Elevated
- Stage 1 hypertension
- Stage 2 hypertension (Correct answer)
- Hypertensive crisis
Correct answer: Stage 2 hypertension
Stage 2 hypertension is defined as systolic ≥140 mmHg or diastolic ≥90 mmHg.
Question 2: When measuring an oral temperature, how long should the thermometer remain under the patient's tongue?
- 30 seconds
- 1 minute
- 2–3 minutes (Correct answer)
- 5 minutes
Correct answer: 2–3 minutes
An oral thermometer should remain in place for 2–3 minutes to obtain an accurate reading.
Question 3: A CNA is measuring a patient's pulse and notices it is irregular. What is the best action?
- Record the highest rate felt during 15 seconds
- Count for a full 60 seconds and report the irregularity (Correct answer)
- Count for 30 seconds and multiply by 2
- Skip pulse measurement and notify the nurse immediately
Correct answer: Count for a full 60 seconds and report the irregularity
An irregular pulse should be counted for a full 60 seconds and reported to the nurse for further evaluation.
Question 4: Which site is CONTRAINDICATED for temperature measurement in a patient who is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula?
- Axillary
- Tympanic
- Rectal
- Oral (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Oral
Oral temperature is contraindicated in patients receiving oxygen via nasal cannula because mouth breathing affects accuracy.
Question 5: Normal SpO2 (oxygen saturation) for a healthy adult is typically:
- 85–90%
- 90–94%
- 95–100% (Correct answer)
- 100% only
Correct answer: 95–100%
A normal pulse oximetry reading for a healthy adult is 95–100%.
Question 6: A patient's respiratory rate is 24 breaths per minute. How should the CNA document this finding?
- Within normal limits
- Bradypnea
- Tachypnea (Correct answer)
- Apnea
Correct answer: Tachypnea
Tachypnea is defined as a respiratory rate greater than 20 breaths per minute in adults.
Question 7: Which factor can cause a falsely LOW blood pressure reading?
- Using a cuff that is too small
- Patient having just exercised
- Patient's arm positioned above heart level (Correct answer)
- Patient being anxious
Correct answer: Patient's arm positioned above heart level
When the arm is positioned above heart level, gravity reduces venous pressure, resulting in a falsely low reading.
CNA Vital Signs Measurement 4
A patient's blood pressure reads 158/96 mmHg.
Which category does this fall under according to AHA guidelines?