UNAR Vital Signs Measurement 4

Question 1

When counting a resident's pulse, the CNA should press gently on the radial pulse site. Where is the radial pulse located?

Accepted Answer

Thumb side of the inner wrist

Answer

The radial pulse is found on the thumb side (lateral side) of the inner wrist, just above the wrist crease.

Question 2

Which fingers should the CNA use to palpate a pulse, and why?

Accepted Answer

The index and middle fingers, because the thumb has its own pulse

Answer

The index and middle fingers are used because the thumb has its own pulse, which could be mistaken for the resident's pulse.

Question 3

A CNA counts a resident's pulse for 30 seconds and gets 36 beats. What should be documented as the pulse rate?

Accepted Answer

72 beats per minute

Answer

A 30-second count is multiplied by 2 to get the beats per minute: 36 × 2 = 72 bpm.

Question 4

Which term describes a pulse that is irregular, with beats occurring at uneven intervals?

Accepted Answer

Arrhythmia

Answer

An arrhythmia (or dysrhythmia) is an irregular heart rhythm where beats do not occur at regular intervals.

Question 5

When counting respirations, the CNA should observe the resident's breathing WITHOUT telling them. Why?

Accepted Answer

Because residents may unconsciously change their breathing rate if they know it is being counted

Answer

People can unconsciously alter their breathing when they know it is being observed, leading to an inaccurate count.

(UNAR) Utah Nursing Assistant Registry Practice Test