HCA - Health Care Assistant Vital Signs and Clinical Measurements Flashcards
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Which blood pressure reading would be considered hypertensive according to US guidelines?
Answer: 142/92 mmHg
A reading of 140/90 mmHg or above is classified as Stage 2 hypertension in US guidelines.
What is the correct order of vital signs typically measured and recorded by an HCA?
Answer: Temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure
The standard order is temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure (TPRB or TPR-BP).
A tympanic thermometer measures temperature at which body site?
Answer: Ear canal
A tympanic thermometer is placed in the ear canal to measure infrared heat from the tympanic membrane.
Which of the following patients would require the most frequent vital sign monitoring?
Answer: A patient who just returned from a procedure with fluctuating blood pressure
A patient with unstable vital signs after a procedure requires close and frequent monitoring to detect deterioration early.
What does a weak or 'thready' pulse indicate?
Answer: Possibly reduced blood volume or poor circulation
A weak, thready pulse can signal low blood volume, dehydration, or compromised circulation.
What is the minimum number of seconds recommended to count a pulse when it is irregular?
Answer: 60 seconds (one full minute)
An irregular pulse must be counted for a full 60 seconds to get an accurate rate.