ATI RN
Vital Signs Assessment ATI Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is documenting a blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg. The nurse interprets the 120 to represent:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg, 120 is the systolic pressure, the highest pressure on arterial walls during ventricular contraction . The diastolic (80) is the lowest pressure during relaxation . Pulse pressure is the difference , here 40 mmHg. The rhythmic distention describes the pulse, not a specific reading. Choice C is correct, reflecting the systolic phase of the cardiac cycle, a fundamental concept in vital sign interpretation.
Question 2 of 5
When assessing the temperature of newborns and children, the nurse decides to utilize a temporal artery thermometer. What is the rationale for the nurse's action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Temporal artery thermometers are non-invasive, posing no injury risk , ideal for newborns and children. Moisture can affect accuracy. Radiant changes are less relevant. Hair interferes. Choice B is correct, per pediatric safety standards.
Question 3 of 5
The respiratory rate is...
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Respiratory rate is breaths per minute , typically 12-20 for adults, counting full cycles. Inhaling or exhaling alone isn't standard. Oxygen saturation is a separate metric. Choice C is correct, per nursing definitions, a vital sign tracked to assess breathing adequacy and detect respiratory issues.
Question 4 of 5
The following patients require routine vital signs to be obtained by the nursing assistive personnel (NAP). You instruct the NAP to obtain vital signs on which patient first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Priority is the 65-year-old post-treadmill test, out of breath , indicating potential distress needing immediate assessment. The man eating needs delay for BP accuracy but isn't urgent. The teen watching TV is stable. The mother post-argument may have elevated BP but lacks acute signs. Choice B is correct, per triage principles prioritizing respiratory or exertion-related symptoms in older adults, who are at higher risk for cardiac or pulmonary issues.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient who smokes and drinks caffeine. Which point is important for the nurse to understand before she assesses the patient's blood pressure?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Caffeine and smoking elevate BP temporarily; assessing post-exposure skews results. Both affect BP (A incorrect). Three-hour delay is impractical. Exercise raises BP. Choice D is correct, per nursing timing considerations.