RMA Vital Signs and Patient Monitoring 2

Question 1

A patient's pulse feels irregular with skipped beats. What is the most accurate method to count the rate?

Accepted Answer

Count apical pulse for a full 60 seconds

Answer

An irregular pulse should be counted apically for a full minute to capture every beat accurately.

Question 2

Which artery is most commonly used to assess pulse in an unconscious adult during emergency evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Carotid artery

Answer

The carotid artery is large, central, and palpable even when peripheral perfusion is poor.

Question 3

A patient is breathing 28 times per minute at rest. This finding is best documented as:

Accepted Answer

Tachypnea

Answer

Tachypnea is an abnormally rapid respiratory rate above the normal adult range of 12-20.

Question 4

When measuring respirations, why should the medical assistant avoid telling the patient?

Accepted Answer

Patients may consciously alter their breathing pattern

Answer

Awareness of being observed often causes patients to unconsciously change their breathing rate.

Question 5

Which of the following would falsely elevate an oral temperature reading?

Accepted Answer

The patient just finished a hot beverage

Answer

A recent hot drink warms the oral cavity and produces an artificially high reading.

RMA Practice Test