Deck 13: Vital Signs

Question 1

When vital signs are taken at the first office visit, the term used for these readings is:

A) baseline.
B) Korotkoff.
C) consultation.

Answer 1

baseline.

Question 2

An abnormally elevated heart rate is known as:

A) Bradypnea
B) Bradycardia
C) Tachycardia
D) Hypertension

Answer 2

Tachycardia

Question 3

When the dental hygienist makes inquiries about premature ventricular contractions or PVCs, the dental hygienist is evaluating which vital sign?

A) Pulse
B) Respiration
C) Blood pressure
D) Korotkoff sound

Answer 3

Pulse

Question 4

If you have taken the client's blood pressure and the reading is abnormal, you should:

A) tell the client that they need to take medication for their high blood pressure.
B) ask the client about environmental factors.
C) take the blood pressure again.
D) do nothing.

Question 5

When taking blood pressure, the systolic blood pressure measures which of the following?

A) The minimum amount of pressure occurring in the blood vessels
B) The maximum amount of pressure occurring in the blood vessels

Question 6

You have taken the client's blood pressure and your readings taken 10 minutes apart are 150/116. When the client came in last week, the blood pressure was 120/80. According to blood pressure guidelines, what will the dentist recommend to the client?

A) The client should be referred for a medical consult before dental treatment.
B) The client should be referred for a medical consult after dental treatment.
C) No medical consult is needed; treat as usual.

Question 7

The pulse is usually determined by palpating which of the following?

A) Radial artery
B) Carotid artery
C) Brachial artery
D) Femoral artery

Question 8

Which of the following is a normal blood pressure reading for an adult?

A) <80/>150
B) >95/<120
C) <120/>80
D) <120/<80

Question 9

Which of the following is the normal respiration rate for adults?

A) 6 to 8 breaths/min
B) 12 to 20 breaths/min
C) 15 to 22 breaths/min
D) 20 to 30 breaths/min

Question 10

If the client reports an occasional premature ventricular contraction (PVC):

A) the client should be referred to a physician.
B) contact their physician if there is an increase in frequency.
C) the dentist should be notified to initiate a referral to the physician.
D) contact emergency medical services (EMS) for an immediate response to an emergency situation.

Question 11

Respiration is the process of:

A) speaking.
B) breathing.
C) the heart beating.
D) walking.

Question 12

The Korotkoff sounds are associated with which vital sign?

A) Pulse
B) Respiration
C) Temperature
D) Blood pressure

Question 13

The thermometer is used for:

A) detecting a client's pulse.
B) taking a client's temperature.
C) counting a client's respiration.
D) reading a client's blood pressure.

Question 14

The client's blood pressure is in the hypertensive range. All of the following could be attributed to the high blood pressure except:

A) anxiety.
B) recent tobacco use.
C) white coat syndrome.
D) running to the appointment.
E) presyncope.

Question 15

The client's pulse and respiration should be measured together. Measuring the respiration without the knowledge of the client ensures a more accurate reading.

A) Both statements are true.
B) Both statements are false.
C) The first statement is true, and the second statement is false.
D) The first statement is false, and the second statement is true.

Question 16

If the dental hygienist measures the client's temperature and finds a higher than normal temperature, all of the following factors could be involved except:

A) smoking.
B) lack of sleep.
C) a stressful work environment.
D) recent ingestion of hot coffee.

Question 17

If a client's blood pressure is abnormal the first time you take it, you should do which of the following?

A) Inform the dentist.
B) Re-take the blood pressure.
C) Call the client's medical doctor.

Question 18

The four vital signs used to detect a client's cardiovascular and systemic health are:

A) height, weight, age, and race.
B) respiration, temperature, pulse, and blood pressure.
C) speed, temperature, gait, and electrocardiogram.
D) cholesterol, blood pressure, vision, and blood sugar.