CPCT Vital Signs and Patient Monitoring 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the normal resting heart rate range for a healthy adult?
- 40–60 beats per minute
- 60–100 beats per minute (Correct answer)
- 100–120 beats per minute
- 120–140 beats per minute
Correct answer: 60–100 beats per minute
A normal adult resting heart rate is 60–100 beats per minute.
Question 2: Which blood pressure reading is classified as Stage 1 hypertension according to US guidelines?
- Less than 120/80 mmHg
- 120–129/<80 mmHg
- 130–139/80–89 mmHg (Correct answer)
- 140/90 mmHg or higher
Correct answer: 130–139/80–89 mmHg
Stage 1 hypertension is defined as systolic 130–139 mmHg or diastolic 80–89 mmHg.
Question 3: A patient's oral temperature reads 101.2°F. How would you document this finding?
- Hypothermia
- Normal temperature
- Afebrile
- Low-grade fever (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Low-grade fever
A temperature between 100.4°F and 102.2°F is typically classified as a low-grade fever.
Question 4: When counting respirations, which factor is most important for accuracy?
- Telling the patient to breathe normally
- Counting for a full 60 seconds without the patient's knowledge (Correct answer)
- Using a pulse oximeter simultaneously
- Asking the patient to hold still
Correct answer: Counting for a full 60 seconds without the patient's knowledge
Counting respirations without the patient's knowledge prevents conscious alteration of breathing patterns.
Question 5: Which site is preferred for measuring pulse in an unresponsive adult?
- Radial artery
- Brachial artery
- Carotid artery (Correct answer)
- Dorsalis pedis artery
Correct answer: Carotid artery
The carotid artery is used for pulse assessment in unresponsive adults because it is central and easily accessible.
Question 6: A pulse oximetry reading of 91% SpO2 in a patient with no chronic lung disease indicates:
- Normal oxygenation
- Mild hypoxemia requiring monitoring (Correct answer)
- Acceptable for sleep
- No action needed
Correct answer: Mild hypoxemia requiring monitoring
A SpO2 below 95% in a patient without chronic lung disease suggests mild hypoxemia and requires clinical attention.
CPCT Vital Signs and Patient Monitoring 1
What is the normal resting heart rate range for a healthy adult?