ATI RN
EMT Vital Signs Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 4
A nurse is assessing a client's oral temperature using an electronic thermometer. How long should the nurse leave the thermometer in place to obtain an accurate reading?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Electronic thermometers require about 20 seconds for an accurate oral reading, per manufacturer standards. 5 seconds is too brief, risking error. 10 seconds may suffice for some models but isn't universally reliable. 1 minute is excessive, typically for older devices. Choice C is correct, balancing speed and precision, as explained, aligning with nursing practice for efficient, accurate vital sign collection.
Question 2 of 4
A patient is constipated and trying to have a bowel movement. How does holding the breath and pushing down (the Valsalva maneuver) affect the pulse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Valsalva maneuver stimulates the vagus nerve, decreasing pulse rate via parasympathetic activation, per the answer key. Stronger pulse or increased rate oppose this effect. Thready pulse isn't typical. Nurses monitor this to avoid bradycardia risks in straining patients, reflecting autonomic influence on cardiac function.
Question 3 of 4
An adult patient is assessed as having an apical pulse of 140. How would the nurse document this finding?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An apical pulse of 140 is tachycardia , per the answer key, exceeding 100 bpm. Bradycardia is <60, dysrhythmia irregularity, normal 60-100. Nurses document this to flag potential stress or pathology.
Question 4 of 4
A nurse assesses a patients eyes by testing the cardinal fields of vision for coordination and alignment. What eye characteristic is being assessed by this process?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Extraocular movements , per the answer key, test eye coordination via cardinal fields. Acuity measures sharpness, peripheral vision side fields, cataracts lens opacity. Nurses, per Taylor, assess this for nerve function.