Question 1

Which of the following pulse rates are typically found on well-conditioned athletes?

Accepted Answer

Well-conditioned athletes tend to have pulse rates of 50 to 60 beats per minute because consistent aerobic exercise strengthens the heart muscle (the myocardium) so that each heart contraction ejects an increased volume of blood into the arterial system. It usually is faster in women (70 to 80 beats per minute) than in men (60 to 70 beats per minute). Children tend to have more rapid pulse rates than adults.

Question 2

The temperature diurnal variation is typically

Accepted Answer

Diurnal rhythm varies from 97.6° F to 99° F (36.4° C to 37.2° C); the average daily temperature is 98.6° F (37° C). Body temperature is lowest in the morning and highest in the late afternoon.

Question 3

Which of the following assessments is not referred to as a cardinal sign?

Accepted Answer

Anthropometric measurements are not considered vital signs but usually are obtained at the same time as vital signs. These measurements include height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and other body measurements, such as fat composition and an infant's head circumference. The vital signs are the patient's temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure.

Question 4

Your office uses thermometers that record temperatures in Celsius, but the mother of a young child doesn't understand what 38.6° C means. Convert the temperature into Fahrenheit for her.

Accepted Answer

The conversion formula is$\degree$F = ($\degree$C $\times$ 1.8) + 32.

Question 5

Which of the following respiration characteristics frequently occurs in patients with congestive heart failure and COPD?

Accepted Answer

Orthopnea frequently occurs in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and COPD. Wheezing signals difficulty breathing in patients with asthma. Hyperpnea usually is accompanied by hyperventilation and often occurs when the patient is extremely anxious or in pain.

Question 6

The temperature of a 3-year-old child with bilateral otitis externa is best taken with which thermometer?

Accepted Answer

The temporal artery reading is most accurate and easiest to use in young children.

Question 7

The internal functions of the body are constantly adapting and changing to keep the body in balance. Maintenance of this complex process is called

Accepted Answer

Homeostasis works to keep all functions of the body within normal range.

Question 8

Persistent readings of 90/60 mm Hg or lower usually are considered

Accepted Answer

Hypotension is an abnormally low blood pressure, which may be caused by emotional or traumatic shock; hemorrhage; central nervous system (CNS) disorders; and chronic wasting diseases. Persistent readings of 90/60 mm Hg or lower usually are considered hypotensive.

Question 9

Which of the following is a common rhythm irregularity in children and young adults?

Accepted Answer

A common irregularity found in children and young adults is sinus arrhythmia, in which the heart rate varies with the respiratory cycle, speeding up at the peak of inspiration and slowing to normal with expiration. An abnormal rhythm, or arrhythmia, is described according to the rhythm pattern detected. An intermittent pulse may occur in healthy individuals during exercise or after drinking a beverage containing caffeine.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes a fever that fluctuates considerably (e.g., by more than 3 degrees) and never returns to the normal range?

Accepted Answer

Remittent fever fluctuates considerably (i.e., by more than 3 degrees) and never returns to the normal range. Continuous fever rises and falls only slightly during a 24-hour period. The temperature consistently remains above the patient's average normal temperature range and fluctuates less than 3 degrees. Intermittent fever comes and goes, alternating between elevated and normal levels.

Question 11

A common pediatric pulse arrhythmia that varies with breathing is called

Accepted Answer

Sinus arrhythmia is a normal variation of the pulse rate that accompanies respirations in young children.

Question 12

When measuring a pulse, which of the following is not one of the three important characteristics?

Accepted Answer

When measuring a pulse, you must note three important characteristics: rate, rhythm, and volume. These characteristics vary with the size and elasticity of the artery and the strength and regularity of the heart's contractions.

Question 13

The goal of hypertensive treatment is to keep the blood pressure below 130/80 mm Hg in patients with what disease or diseases?

Accepted Answer

Management of high blood pressure is more aggressive in patients with diabetes and/or kidney disease to prevent further complications.

Question 14

A safe and accurate method of recording the temperature of a 6-month-old infant is with which thermometer?

Accepted Answer

The temporal artery thermometer is recommended for infants and is safer than rectal methods.

Question 15

Which of the following sites are typically used to obtain a pulse on young children and infants and is heard with a stethoscope?

Accepted Answer

The apical heart rate, or the heartbeat at the apex of the heart, is heard with a stethoscope. It is used for infants and young children because the radial pulse is difficult to palpate in young patients.

Question 16

When documenting a temperature reading on the patient chart, what abbreviation should be used to indicate the site of an oral reading?

Accepted Answer

When obtaining an oral temperature, you do not have to indicate the site when documenting the reading in the patient's health record. However, if you use an alternative site, you should write (or put in the correct window in the EHR) the following identifiers after recording the temperature: (T) for tympanic, (A) for axillary, or (TA) for temporal artery.

Question 17

The process of chemical and physical change in the body that produces heat is called

Accepted Answer

Metabolism is the process of chemical and physical change in the body that produces heat. Homeostasis is internal adaptation and change in response to environmental factors; multiple functions that attempt to keep the body's functions in balance. Dyspnea is difficult or painful breathing. Pyrexia is a febrile condition or fever.

Question 18

You are asking a patient about his reason for visiting the doctor. He says that he has had a fever for 2 days that comes and goes; sometimes his temperature is normal, but other times it is elevated. This is what type of fever?

Accepted Answer

An intermittent fever comes and goes, fluctuating between normal and elevated levels.

Question 19

Which of the following symptoms may indicate that the patient has hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Complications of hypertension may include nosebleeds, headache, dizziness, and chest pain.

Question 20

Which of the following systems requires the shortest length of time to obtain an accurate temperature reading?

Accepted Answer

Tympanic measurement systems obtain accurate readings in less than 2 seconds. Digital thermometers sound a beep when the process is complete (10 to 60 seconds). Temporal artery scanners record an accurate temperature in about 3 seconds.

Quiz 29: Vital Signs