HCA HCA - Health Care Assistant Vital Signs and Clinical Measurements 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A pulse oximeter measures which of the following?
- Blood glucose level
- Oxygen saturation of the blood (Correct answer)
- Respiratory rate
- Body temperature
Correct answer: Oxygen saturation of the blood
A pulse oximeter measures oxygen saturation (SpO2) by passing light through the skin.
Question 2: What is a normal SpO2 reading for a healthy adult?
- 75–80%
- 85–90%
- 95–100% (Correct answer)
- 70–75%
Correct answer: 95–100%
A normal SpO2 range is 95–100%, indicating adequate blood oxygen saturation.
Question 3: When should an HCA report a patient's vital signs to the nurse?
- Only at the end of the shift
- Only if the patient asks
- Immediately when values are outside the normal range (Correct answer)
- After documenting in the chart the next day
Correct answer: Immediately when values are outside the normal range
Abnormal vital signs must be reported immediately so the nurse can assess and intervene promptly.
Question 4: Which factor can cause a falsely low pulse oximeter reading?
- Good circulation
- Nail polish on the finger (Correct answer)
- Sitting upright
- Recent exercise
Correct answer: Nail polish on the finger
Dark or metallic nail polish can interfere with the light sensor and produce a falsely low SpO2 reading.
Question 5: What is the correct technique when counting a patient's respirations?
- Tell the patient you are counting breaths
- Count without the patient's knowledge to avoid altered breathing (Correct answer)
- Ask the patient to breathe deeply while counting
- Count only exhales for one minute
Correct answer: Count without the patient's knowledge to avoid altered breathing
Counting respirations without the patient's awareness ensures a natural, unaltered breathing rate.
Question 6: An oral temperature reading may be inaccurate if the patient has:
- Just urinated
- Recently eaten or drunk a hot or cold beverage (Correct answer)
- Been sleeping
- High blood pressure
Correct answer: Recently eaten or drunk a hot or cold beverage
Hot or cold food and beverages can temporarily change oral temperature, skewing the reading.
HCA HCA - Health Care Assistant Vital Signs and Clinical Measurements 2
A pulse oximeter measures which of the following?