General CNA Practice Vital Signs and Measurements 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident's blood pressure is 158/96 mmHg. The CNA should:
- Consider it normal and document it
- Report the elevated reading to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Take the blood pressure again in a week
- Administer blood pressure medication
Correct answer: Report the elevated reading to the nurse
158/96 mmHg is elevated (Stage 2 hypertension) and should be reported to the nurse for assessment and possible intervention.
Question 2: When measuring blood pressure, the cuff should be placed:
- Over clothing for convenience
- Directly on bare skin above the antecubital space (Correct answer)
- On the wrist only
- Anywhere on the arm
Correct answer: Directly on bare skin above the antecubital space
The blood pressure cuff must be placed on bare skin about 1 inch above the antecubital space (inner elbow) for accurate readings.
Question 3: A rectal temperature is approximately how much higher than an oral temperature?
- 0.5°F lower
- 1°F higher (Correct answer)
- 2°F higher
- The same
Correct answer: 1°F higher
Rectal temperatures are approximately 1°F (0.5°C) higher than oral temperatures due to proximity to core body heat.
Question 4: Pulse oximetry measures:
- Blood glucose level
- The percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen in the blood (Correct answer)
- Heart rate only
- Carbon dioxide levels in exhaled air
Correct answer: The percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen in the blood
Pulse oximetry (SpO2) measures the percentage of hemoglobin carrying oxygen, with normal values typically 95–100%.
Question 5: When measuring a resident's weight, the CNA should:
- Weigh at different times each week for variety
- Weigh at the same time of day, on the same scale, and with the same amount of clothing (Correct answer)
- Include the weight of shoes and heavy clothing
- Estimate weight if the scale is inconvenient
Correct answer: Weigh at the same time of day, on the same scale, and with the same amount of clothing
Consistent conditions (same time, same scale, same clothing) ensure weight measurements are comparable and reflect true changes.
Question 6: An apical pulse is measured by placing a stethoscope:
- Over the radial artery on the wrist
- Over the apex of the heart at the left midclavicular line, 5th intercostal space (Correct answer)
- Over the carotid artery in the neck
- Over the brachial artery in the arm
Correct answer: Over the apex of the heart at the left midclavicular line, 5th intercostal space
The apical pulse is auscultated at the apex of the heart, located at the 5th intercostal space along the left midclavicular line.
General CNA Practice Vital Signs and Measurements 2
A resident's blood pressure is 158/96 mmHg.
The CNA should: