ATI RN
Vital Signs Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient presents in the clinic with dizziness and fatigue. The nursing assistant reports a very slow radial pulse of 44. What is your priority intervention?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Bradycardia (pulse 44) with dizziness/fatigue requires apical pulse assessment to confirm rate and check for deficit, indicating cardiac output issues. Repeating radial delays RN evaluation. Stat ECG is secondary. Meds are premature. Choice C is correct, per nursing priority to verify and assess symptomatic bradycardia directly.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client's respiratory rate using a pulse oximeter. Where should the nurse place the pulse oximeter sensor to accurately measure the respiratory rate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pulse oximeters on the finger detect respiratory rate via blood volume changes tied to breathing cycles. Forehead , chest , and earlobe aren't standard for this. Choice A is correct, per the explanation, aligning with oximetry practice.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client's oxygen saturation level using a pulse oximeter. Which oxygen saturation level indicates the need for immediate intervention?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: 86% indicates severe hypoxemia, requiring immediate action. 95% is normal. 92% is mild, 89% significant but less urgent. Choice D is correct, per the explanation, reflecting nursing urgency for critical O2 levels.
Question 4 of 5
A middle-aged, overweight adult man has had hypertension for 15 years. What pathologic event is he most at risk for?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Stroke is the greatest risk with long-term hypertension, per the answer key, due to arterial damage. Anemia , cancer , and infection aren't directly linked. Nurses prioritize stroke prevention in hypertensive patients, a key chronic disease outcome.
Question 5 of 5
What would a nurse ensure before beginning a health assessment?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A private, quiet, warm, well-lit room , per the answer key, ensures comfort and accuracy. Scheduling , family presence , or physician orders are secondary or unnecessary. Nurses, per Taylor, create optimal environments for effective assessments.