Vital Signs Monitoring & Recording Flashcards
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Read the first 7 Vital Signs Monitoring & Recording flashcards as text
A patient's blood pressure cuff is too small for their arm. How will this affect the reading?
Answer: The reading will be falsely high
Using a cuff that is too small causes excess compression, resulting in a falsely elevated blood pressure reading.
Which vital sign measurement requires the healthcare aide to count for a FULL 60 seconds if an irregularity is detected?
Answer: Pulse
If an irregular pulse is detected, the aide must count for a full 60 seconds rather than using the 30-second-times-two method to ensure accuracy.
The diastolic blood pressure represents:
Answer: The pressure in arteries when the heart is at rest between beats
Diastolic pressure is the lower number in a blood pressure reading and reflects arterial pressure during ventricular relaxation (between heartbeats).
A patient receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min has an SpO2 of 93%. What is the most appropriate action for the healthcare aide?
Answer: Document the reading and report it to the supervising nurse promptly
A healthcare aide does not adjust oxygen independently; the correct action is to document the reading and immediately report it to the nurse for clinical decision-making.
A patient has been crying and is visibly upset before you measure their vital signs. Which vital signs are MOST likely to be temporarily elevated?
Answer: Blood pressure and pulse rate
Emotional distress activates the sympathetic nervous system, which increases both heart rate and blood pressure temporarily.
Which of the following is the correct technique for placing a blood pressure cuff?
Answer: Position the cuff 1 inch (2–3 cm) above the antecubital fossa with the artery marker aligned
The cuff should be placed on bare skin about 1 inch above the antecubital fossa, with the artery marker aligned over the brachial artery for an accurate reading.
What does the term 'orthostatic hypotension' mean in the context of vital sign monitoring?
Answer: A drop in blood pressure when moving from lying to standing
Orthostatic hypotension is a significant drop in blood pressure (≥20 mmHg systolic) upon standing, which can cause dizziness and falls.
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