UNAR Vital Signs Measurement 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When measuring blood pressure, what does the first (higher) number in a reading represent?
- Diastolic pressure — when the heart is at rest
- Systolic pressure — when the heart contracts (Correct answer)
- Mean arterial pressure
- Pulse pressure
Correct answer: Systolic pressure — when the heart contracts
The top (higher) number is the systolic pressure, which reflects the pressure in arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood.
Question 2: A CNA wraps the blood pressure cuff around a resident's arm. The lower edge of the cuff should be placed how far above the antecubital space (inner elbow)?
- 1/2 inch
- 1 inch (Correct answer)
- 2 inches
- 3 inches
Correct answer: 1 inch
The lower edge of the cuff should be placed approximately 1 inch (2–3 cm) above the antecubital space to allow room for the stethoscope.
Question 3: Which of the following conditions can cause a falsely HIGH blood pressure reading?
- Cuff that is too large for the arm
- Resident's arm positioned above heart level
- Resident talking during the measurement (Correct answer)
- Deflating the cuff too slowly
Correct answer: Resident talking during the measurement
Talking or moving during blood pressure measurement can increase anxiety and muscle tension, resulting in a falsely elevated reading.
Question 4: When taking a blood pressure manually, the CNA inflates the cuff, then deflates it slowly. The FIRST sound heard through the stethoscope represents which value?
- Diastolic pressure
- Mean arterial pressure
- Systolic pressure (Correct answer)
- Pulse pressure
Correct answer: Systolic pressure
The first Korotkoff sound heard as the cuff deflates represents the systolic blood pressure.
Question 5: A resident's blood pressure reads 148/92 mmHg. Which best describes this finding?
- Normal
- Hypotension
- Stage 1 hypertension
- Stage 2 hypertension (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Stage 2 hypertension
A reading of 148/92 mmHg meets the criteria for Stage 2 hypertension (≥140/≥90 mmHg) and should be reported to the nurse.
Question 6: The CNA should NOT take blood pressure on an arm that has which of the following?
- A watch on the wrist
- An intravenous (IV) line in that arm (Correct answer)
- A healed scar on the forearm
- A blood pressure reading that was normal yesterday
Correct answer: An intravenous (IV) line in that arm
Taking blood pressure on an arm with an IV line can dislodge the catheter or obstruct the flow of IV fluids, so the opposite arm should be used.
Question 7: After taking a blood pressure, how should the CNA position the resident's arm before removing the cuff?
- Raised above the head
- Supported at heart level (Correct answer)
- Extended straight down at the side
- Crossed over the chest
Correct answer: Supported at heart level
The arm should be supported at heart level for an accurate reading and resident comfort before and after the measurement.
UNAR Vital Signs Measurement 3
When measuring blood pressure, what does the first (higher) number in a reading represent?