GNA Vital Signs and Physical Assessment 3

Question 1

A resident's temperature is 101.8°F (38.8°C). This finding indicates:

Accepted Answer

Fever (pyrexia), which must be reported to the nurse

Answer

Hypothermia and should be reported immediately

Answer

A normal variant for elderly residents

Answer

An error in measurement and should be retaken only

Question 2

Which of the following actions should the nursing assistant take BEFORE measuring a resident's blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the resident has rested for at least 5 minutes in a seated position

Answer

Have the resident walk briskly for two minutes to stabilize circulation

Answer

Apply the cuff over thick clothing for resident comfort

Answer

Take the measurement immediately upon entering the room

Question 3

When measuring vital signs in an elderly resident, which change is considered a normal part of aging that the nursing assistant should be aware of?

Accepted Answer

Blood pressure that tends to be slightly higher than in younger adults

Answer

Resting pulse above 100 beats per minute

Answer

Respiratory rate that decreases to below 8 breaths per minute

Answer

Temperature that is routinely above 99.5°F at rest

Question 4

A resident has a pulse oximetry reading of 89%. What is the most appropriate nursing assistant action?

Accepted Answer

Report the reading to the nurse immediately

Answer

Document the finding and reassess at the next scheduled check

Answer

Position the resident for comfort and continue routine care

Answer

Increase the resident's fluid intake and monitor

Question 5

The nursing assistant documents a resident's respirations as 'labored.' What does this term mean?

Accepted Answer

The resident requires visible effort or appears to be struggling to breathe

Answer

The resident is breathing very slowly

Answer

The resident's breathing is shallow and regular

Answer

The resident is holding their breath between cycles

Question 6

Which of the following blood pressure readings would be considered hypotensive (abnormally low) for most adults?

Accepted Answer

88/52 mmHg

Answer

118/76 mmHg

Answer

130/84 mmHg

Answer

140/90 mmHg

Question 7

When recording vital signs, the nursing assistant should:

Accepted Answer

Record findings immediately and accurately in the resident's chart

Answer

Round all numbers to the nearest 10 for simplicity

Answer

Wait until the end of the shift to document all findings at once

Answer

Only record values that are outside the normal range