Q: A patient’s blood pressure is measured at 140/90 mm Hg. What is the pulse pressure?

$$\text{Pulse Pressure} = 140 - 90 = 50\ \text{mm Hg}$$

Question 1

A patient is admitted to the hospital after fainting during exercise. Which vital sign should be assessed first to determine if the fainting was due to cardiovascular compromise?

Accepted Answer

Blood pressure

Question 2

Which of the following is the primary source of heat production in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Metabolism

Question 3

A nurse is caring for a patient who has just received medication that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. What change in pulse rate should the nurse expect?

Accepted Answer

Pulse rate will increase

Question 4

A patient’s oral temperature is measured at 38.2°C. Which term best describes this patient’s condition?

Accepted Answer

Pyrexia

Question 5

Which of the following mechanisms is responsible for heat loss when sweat evaporates from the skin?

Accepted Answer

Evaporation

Question 6

A patient rises quickly from a supine position and experiences dizziness. Which condition is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Orthostatic hypotension

Question 7

Which pulse site is most appropriate for assessing circulation to the lower extremities?

Accepted Answer

Femoral

Question 8

A patient’s blood pressure is measured at 140/90 mm Hg. What is the pulse pressure?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Pulse Pressure} = 140 - 90 = 50\ 	ext{mm Hg}$$

Question 9

Which of the following factors is most likely to cause a decrease in body temperature?

Accepted Answer

Circadian rhythm during early morning

Question 10

A patient’s respiratory rate is 28 breaths/min. Which term best describes this finding?

Accepted Answer

Tachypnea

Question 11

Which of the following is the most powerful respiratory stimulant?

Accepted Answer

Increase in carbon dioxide

Question 12

A nurse is using a stethoscope and sphygmomanometer to assess blood pressure. Which artery is most commonly used?

Accepted Answer

Brachial artery

Question 13

A patient’s blood pressure is 88/54 mm Hg. Which term best describes this condition?

Accepted Answer

Hypotension

Question 14

Which grade of pulse amplitude indicates a bounding pulse?

Accepted Answer

Grade 3+

Question 15

A patient’s temperature fluctuates several degrees up and down but never returns to normal. Which type of fever is this?

Accepted Answer

Remittent fever

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a factor affecting blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Pulse amplitude

Question 17

A patient is found to have a diminished, weaker than expected pulse. What is the correct grade for this amplitude?

Accepted Answer

Grade +1

Question 18

Which of the following statements about the regulation of blood pressure is correct?

Accepted Answer

Baroreceptors in the arterial walls monitor pressure and signal the cardiovascular center

Question 19

A patient’s tympanic temperature is measured at 39.0°C. Is this within the normal range for healthy adults?

Accepted Answer

No, normal range is 36.8–38.3°C

Question 20

A patient is experiencing periods when no breathing occurs. Which term best describes this condition?

Accepted Answer

Apnea

Vital Signs: Measurement and Interpretation

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