ATI - VITAL SIGNS PRETEST
You have assessed a 45-year-old patient's vital signs. Which of the following assessment
values requires immediate attention?
A. An oral temperature of 100° F (37.8° C)
B. A blood pressure of 148/88 mm Hg
C. A respiratory rate of 30/min
D. A radial pulse rate of 45 beats per 30 seconds - correct answer C. A respiratory rate of
30/min
A respiratory rate of 30/min is above the normal range and indicates a respiratory
problem that requires immediate attention. An adult breathing at that rate might be
experiencing shortness of breath or dyspnea and, without intervention, this could
become a life-threatening situation.
The difference between a patient's systolic and diastolic blood pressure is called
A. The pulse deficit
B. The pulse pressure
C. An auscultatory gap
D. a diurnal variation - correct answer B. The pulse pressure
The difference between the systolic and diastolic pressures is the pulse pressure; if the
patient's blood pressure is 130/85 mm Hg, the pulse pressure is 45/min. Pulse pressure
can be a predictor of heart problems, especially in older adults. For example, an elevated
pulse pressure usually reflects stiffness and reduced elasticity of the aorta, most often
due to hypertension or atherosclerosis.
To auscultate a patient's apical pulse accurately, you position the bell or the diaphragm
of your stethoscope over the point of maximal impulse which is located
