HAC Vital Signs Monitoring & Recording 2

Question 1

A patient's blood pressure reads 158/96 mmHg. How should the healthcare aide document this finding?

Accepted Answer

Document the exact reading, time, and arm used, then report to the nurse

Answer

Accurate documentation includes the exact reading, time, which arm was used, and the position of the patient, and any elevated reading must be reported promptly.

Question 2

Which pulse site is most commonly used by healthcare aides for routine pulse assessment?

Accepted Answer

Radial

Answer

The radial pulse at the wrist is the standard site for routine pulse checks by healthcare aides due to its easy accessibility.

Question 3

A patient's respiratory rate is 24 breaths per minute. This is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Tachypnea

Answer

Tachypnea refers to an abnormally rapid breathing rate, generally defined as more than 20 breaths per minute in adults.

Question 4

When measuring an oral temperature, how long should the thermometer remain in place if using a glass thermometer?

Accepted Answer

3–5 minutes

Answer

A glass thermometer must remain under the tongue for 3–5 minutes to allow enough time for an accurate oral temperature reading.

Question 5

A healthcare aide notices a patient's oxygen saturation drops from 98% to 89% while at rest. The FIRST action should be:

Accepted Answer

Reposition the probe and recheck, then report the finding to the nurse

Answer

Before reporting, the aide should verify the reading by repositioning the probe to rule out a poor signal, then immediately report any confirmed low SpO2 to the nurse.

(HAC) Healthcare Aide Certification Practice Test

(HAC) Healthcare Aide Certification Practice Test

HAC Vital Signs Monitoring & Recording 2