ATI RN
Vital Signs in Nursing Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse assesses orthostatic hypotension in an older adult. What would be an appropriate intervention for this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Orthostatic hypotension involves a blood pressure drop upon standing, common in older adults. Allowing the patient to dangle stabilizes blood flow by gradually transitioning from sitting to standing, reducing dizziness risk. Rising quickly worsens hypotension by rushing blood redistribution. Returning to bed in Fowlers position is reactive, not preventive, and supine is preferred over Fowlers. Beta-blockers lower, not raise, blood pressure, making it inappropriate. Choice B is correct as it proactively prevents falls and symptoms, aligning with geriatric nursing strategies for safe mobility.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is providing a blood pressure clinic for the community. Which group will the nurse most likely address?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: African Americans have higher hypertension prevalence (e.g., AHA data), making them a priority for BP clinics. Other groups (A, B, D) have lower rates. Choice C is correct, reflecting public health focus on at-risk populations for cardiovascular screening.
Question 3 of 5
When taking a blood pressure, it is best practice to...
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Best practice places the BP cuff on bare skin, upper arm above the elbow , ensuring accurate artery compression. Thick clothing muffles sounds. Crossed legs may elevate readings. Forearm is less reliable. Choice C is correct, per AHA guidelines, critical for nurses to obtain precise BP measurements avoiding common errors.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following techniques is correct when obtaining a patient's blood pressure?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct BP technique includes ensuring legs are uncrossed to avoid falsely elevated readings from vascular compression. Voiding first isn't required unless bladder distension affects comfort. Talking during inflation distracts and may alter pressure. Averaging readings is recommended for diagnosis, not routine checks. Choice B is correct as a single, critical technique per AHA guidelines, ensuring accuracy. Note: A and D are also valid in broader contextsvoiding reduces discomfort, averaging enhances reliabilitybut B is a fundamental, immediate step nurses must ensure during measurement to prevent common errors, making it the prioritized answer here.
Question 5 of 5
The patient is admitted with shortness of breath and chest discomfort. Which of the following laboratory values could account for the patient's symptoms?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Low hemoglobin (8.0, A) reduces oxygen delivery, causing dyspnea and chest pain. Normal hematocrit , RBC , and SpO2 don't explain symptoms. Choice A is correct, per nursing link of anemia to respiratory distress.