PCT Vital Signs 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient's blood pressure is 158/96 mmHg. How would you classify this reading?
- Normal
- Elevated
- Stage 1 hypertension
- Stage 2 hypertension (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Stage 2 hypertension
A BP of 158/96 mmHg meets the criteria for Stage 2 hypertension (≥140/90 mmHg).
Question 2: Which site is MOST appropriate for measuring temperature in a confused, combative patient?
- Oral
- Rectal
- Axillary (Correct answer)
- Tympanic
Correct answer: Axillary
Axillary temperature is the safest method for confused or combative patients because it poses no risk of injury.
Question 3: A respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute in an adult is documented as:
- Eupnea
- Bradypnea
- Tachypnea (Correct answer)
- Apnea
Correct answer: Tachypnea
Tachypnea refers to an abnormally rapid respiratory rate, generally defined as greater than 20 breaths per minute in adults.
Question 4: When counting a patient's respirations, the PCT should:
- Tell the patient to breathe normally while counting
- Count without informing the patient to avoid voluntary control (Correct answer)
- Ask the patient to take deep breaths
- Count only after the patient has been walking
Correct answer: Count without informing the patient to avoid voluntary control
Patients may unconsciously alter their breathing if aware of monitoring, so respirations should be counted without their knowledge.
Question 5: A pulse oximetry reading of 91% SpO2 indicates:
- Normal oxygenation
- Mild hypoxemia requiring monitoring
- Moderate hypoxemia that warrants intervention (Correct answer)
- Severe hypoxemia requiring immediate resuscitation
Correct answer: Moderate hypoxemia that warrants intervention
An SpO2 of 91% falls below the normal range of 95–100% and indicates moderate hypoxemia requiring clinical intervention.
Question 6: Which factor can cause a falsely LOW pulse oximetry reading?
- Fever
- Nail polish on the probe finger (Correct answer)
- High altitude
- Physical activity
Correct answer: Nail polish on the probe finger
Dark nail polish can interfere with light transmission in the pulse oximeter probe, producing a falsely low SpO2 reading.
Question 7: A patient has a pulse that is weak, rapid, and difficult to palpate. This is described as:
- Bounding
- Thready (Correct answer)
- Regular
- Bradycardic
Correct answer: Thready
A thready pulse is weak, rapid, and barely palpable, often associated with shock or severe dehydration.
PCT Vital Signs 2
A patient's blood pressure is 158/96 mmHg.
How would you classify this reading?