PCT Vital Signs 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which pulse site is used to assess circulation to the foot?
- Popliteal
- Femoral
- Dorsalis pedis (Correct answer)
- Brachial
Correct answer: Dorsalis pedis
The dorsalis pedis pulse, located on the top of the foot, is used to assess distal circulation to the foot.
Question 2: A blood pressure reading should be repeated if:
- The patient was lying down during measurement
- The reading is within the patient's normal range
- The reading is unexpectedly high or low (Correct answer)
- The cuff was inflated to 180 mmHg
Correct answer: The reading is unexpectedly high or low
An unexpectedly abnormal reading should be repeated to confirm accuracy before reporting to the nurse.
Question 3: The term 'afebrile' means the patient:
- Has a high fever
- Has no fever (Correct answer)
- Has a low-grade fever
- Has recently had a fever
Correct answer: Has no fever
Afebrile means without fever; a patient with a normal temperature is described as afebrile.
Question 4: During BP measurement, how fast should the cuff be deflated?
- 2 mmHg per second (Correct answer)
- 5 mmHg per second
- 10 mmHg per second
- As fast as possible
Correct answer: 2 mmHg per second
The cuff should be deflated at approximately 2 mmHg per second to accurately identify Korotkoff sounds.
Question 5: A patient's pulse rhythm is described as 'irregular.' The BEST next action for the PCT is to:
- Recount the pulse at the radial site for 30 seconds
- Document it as normal variation
- Report it to the nurse immediately after counting for a full 60 seconds (Correct answer)
- Take the blood pressure instead
Correct answer: Report it to the nurse immediately after counting for a full 60 seconds
An irregular pulse should be counted for a full 60 seconds and promptly reported to the nurse for further evaluation.
Question 6: Which of the following factors can cause a patient's blood pressure to be temporarily LOWER than their baseline?
- Pain
- Anxiety
- Dehydration
- Recent vigorous exercise (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Recent vigorous exercise
Blood pressure typically drops after vigorous exercise as blood vessels dilate and the cardiovascular system recovers.
Question 7: The pulse pressure is calculated as:
- Diastolic minus systolic
- Systolic minus diastolic (Correct answer)
- Systolic plus diastolic divided by 2
- Mean arterial pressure minus diastolic
Correct answer: Systolic minus diastolic
Pulse pressure equals systolic minus diastolic blood pressure; a normal pulse pressure is approximately 40 mmHg.
PCT Vital Signs 5
Which pulse site is used to assess circulation to the foot?