Review Questions
1
.
The self-regulation of vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure is an example of the body’s attempts to maintain its stability, also known as which of the following?
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homeopathy
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homeostasis
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naturopathy
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heterogeneity
2
.
It is a hot summer day, and Christina is working in the emergency department. She has admitted a 24-year-old patient with dehydration—their lips are dry and cracked, and they are lethargic and complaining of dizziness. Which of the following heart rates would Christina most likely expect from this patient?
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45 bpm
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85 bpm
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99 bpm
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135 bpm
3
.
A nurse takes an adult patient’s oral temperature and notes it is 99°F (37.2°C). What term would the nurse use to report this temperature?
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afebrile
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hyperthermic
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febrile
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hypothermic
4
.
Adam is checking the oxygen saturation (SpO2) of a patient with asthma and notes it is 88 percent on room air. What should Adam do first?
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Recheck the SpO2 in an hour.
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Record the oxygen reading in the chart.
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Check the patient’s blood pressure.
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Report the SpO2 to the primary care provider.
5
.
What is the most accurate description of blood pressure?
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Blood pressure measures the force of blood through the body.
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Blood pressure measures the force of the blood going into the heart.
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Blood pressure measures the force of blood against the arerial walls.
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Blood pressure measures the force of blood against the venous and arterial walls.
6
.
Tony’s 38-year-old patient says he is anxious and hates being at the doctor. Which respiratory rate would Tony expect to find upon assessing the patient’s vital signs?
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37 bpm
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25 bpm
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15 bpm
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5 bpm
7
.
Sarah works on an inpatient medical unit and is taking her 35-year-old patient’s blood pressure. She notes that it is lower than usual at 88/56, when usually it is 110/70. The patient has no complaints, they are sitting up in their chair watching TV. What should Sarah do first?
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Check the other vital signs and chart them accordingly.
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Give the patient some juice.
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Recheck the blood pressure and report the findings to the provider.
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Call for emergency assistance.
8
.
Jose is coming on shift and receives in report that one of his patients has been running a 101°F fever. He goes into the room to obtain vital signs and do his assessment, and he notes that his patient has just taken a sip of hot tea from a thermos his mother brought him. How long should Jose wait before taking an oral temperature?
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five minutes
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ten minutes
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twenty minutes
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thirty minutes
9
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Xavier is working at an urgent care center, and he notes his patient’s pulse rate is 155 bpm. The patient says they feel fine, though their “heart is racing a bit.” What should Xavier do?
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Report the pulse to the provider immediately.
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Call for emergency assistance.
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Chart the vital sign accordingly.
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Recheck the pulse in ten minutes.
10
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What is the most accurate way to measure a patient’s respirations?
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Inform the patient that you are taking their respirations.
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Tell the patient you are taking their pulse, and then count their respirations for thirty seconds before counting their pulse for thirty seconds.
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Ask the patient if you can take their blood pressure, and count their respirations as you take their pressure.
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Count the respirations as you take the patient’s temperature.
11
.
What statement demonstrates a lack of understanding of how an oxygen saturation probe works?
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I should ensure the patient’s hands are warm before placing the probe.
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Older adults and people with diabetes may not have the best circulation in their hands, so measuring their O2 saturation can be difficult.
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I should make sure that the finger I place the O2 saturation probe on has nail polish on it to ensure a clear reading.
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Pulse oximeters give a rapid estimation of peripheral oxygen saturation.
12
.
Minh is educating her patient on the importance of monitoring his blood pressure at home. What statement by Minh’s patient indicates his understanding of taking his blood pressure?
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“I should take my blood pressure in the evening before I go to bed.”
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“I should take my blood pressure lying in bed, so it is lower.”
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“When taking my blood pressure, I should sit with my feet on the ground, and my legs should not be crossed.”
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“I can take my blood pressure any time during the day as long as I am calm.”
13
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What is not a good example of why a patient should self-monitor their vital signs at home?
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The patient has had high blood pressure at the doctor’s office and the provider is trying to rule out “white coat syndrome.”
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The patient has started a new heart medication, and the doctor wants to ensure it is working well for the patient.
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A side effect of a medication the patient has started can be fevers.
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The patient wants to see if their hypertension is “getting worse” so they can adjust their own medications accordingly.
14
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Alexandra has just been taught by her nurse how to take her own blood pressure. What statement by Alexandra indicates that she does not understand what her blood pressure numbers mean?
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“If the top number of my blood pressure reading is over 150, I should not take my blood pressure medication and call the doctor’s office.”
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“A good blood pressure is between 110 and 120 over 60 to 80.”
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“If I feel dizzy and lightheaded after taking my blood pressure medication, I should call the doctor’s office immediately.”
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“Having high blood pressure means my heart is working very hard, and that is bad for my heart and my blood vessels.”
15
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Lucy’s patient has been newly diagnosed with hypertension, and she is developing a collaborative plan with him to help him adhere to his new diet and medication regimen. When planning teaching for this patient, what is the first important learning goal?
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The patient will verbalize understanding of the plan.
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The patient will articulate the best way they like to learn new material.
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The patient will demonstrate understanding of their new medication and its side effects.
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The patient will describe the benefits of adhering to their new low-sodium diet.
16
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What statement indicates patient understanding of external factors that can influence vital signs?
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“Drinking coffee before I take my vital signs will likely elevate my heart rate and blood pressure.”
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“I should wait ten minutes after eating something to take my oral temperature.”
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“My blood pressure is highest in the morning when I wake up so I should take it in the evening.”
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“Being worried or anxious will increase my heart rate and lower my blood pressure.”