STNA Vital Signs and Clinical Observations

Question 1

What is the normal resting heart rate range for a healthy adult?

Accepted Answer

60–100 beats per minute

Answer

A normal adult resting heart rate is 60–100 beats per minute; values outside this range may require reporting to the nurse.

Question 2

When counting respirations, the nurse aide should:

Accepted Answer

Count without informing the patient, often while appearing to take the pulse

Answer

Patients alter their breathing pattern if they know it is being counted, so respiration rate is typically measured discreetly while the patient believes the pulse is still being taken.

Question 3

Which finding requires the nurse aide to immediately report a blood pressure reading?

Accepted Answer

90/60 mmHg or lower

Answer

A blood pressure of 90/60 mmHg or lower indicates hypotension, a potentially dangerous condition requiring immediate nursing assessment.

Question 4

Which site is most commonly used for measuring an adult's temperature orally?

Accepted Answer

Sublingual (under the tongue)

Answer

The sublingual (oral) route is the most common method for alert adults and provides a reliable core body temperature reading.

Question 5

A nurse aide measures a patient's axillary temperature at 99.6°F. Compared to a normal oral temperature, the axillary reading is typically:

Accepted Answer

1 degree Fahrenheit lower than oral

Answer

Axillary temperature is typically 1°F lower than oral temperature because the axilla is an external body surface, not a body cavity.

STNA - State Tested Nurse Aides Exam Practice Test

STNA - State Tested Nurse Aides Exam Practice Test

STNA Vital Signs and Clinical Observations