PCT Vital Signs 4

Question 1

A PCT notices a patient's apical pulse is 88 bpm but the radial pulse is 72 bpm. This difference is called:

Accepted Answer

Pulse deficit

Answer

A pulse deficit occurs when the apical pulse rate exceeds the peripheral pulse rate, indicating some heartbeats are not producing palpable peripheral pulses.

Question 2

Which patient position should be used when measuring orthostatic blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Supine, then sitting, then standing

Answer

Orthostatic (postural) blood pressure is measured in supine, sitting, and standing positions to detect drops caused by position change.

Question 3

A temperature of 35.0°C (95°F) would indicate:

Accepted Answer

Hypothermia

Answer

A core body temperature below 35°C (95°F) is classified as hypothermia.

Question 4

Which of the following patients requires the most URGENT reporting of vital signs?

Accepted Answer

Adult with SpO2 88% and RR 28

Answer

An SpO2 of 88% combined with a respiratory rate of 28 indicates significant respiratory distress and requires immediate notification of the nurse.

Question 5

The brachial artery is the preferred site for blood pressure measurement because:

Accepted Answer

It is at heart level when the arm is properly positioned

Answer

The brachial artery is used because when the arm is positioned at heart level, it provides a pressure reading that reflects true cardiac output.

PCT Practice Test

PCT Practice Test

PCT Vital Signs 4