ATI RN
Vital Signs Health Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
Considered the 5th vital sign:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Pain, is correct as its widely recognized as the fifth vital sign in modern healthcare, alongside temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. Pain assessment (often via a 0-10 scale) helps evaluate patient comfort and guide treatment, especially post-surgery or in chronic conditions. Height and weight, are metrics, not vital signs. Respiration, is a core vital sign (not fifth). Body mass index, derived from height and weight, isnt directly measured as a vital sign. Since the 1990s, pains inclusion reflects its impact on health status, making D the correct answer per nursing standards emphasizing holistic care.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse attempts to count the respiratory rate for a patient via inspection and finds that the patient is breathing at such a shallow rate that it cannot be counted. What is an alternative method of determining the respiratory rate for this patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Shallow breathing obscures visual counting, requiring alternatives. Auscultating lung sounds detects air movement, allowing a 30-second count doubled to 60 seconds, a reliable method. Palpating thorax excursion is less precise for rate. Pulse oximetry measures oxygen, not rate directly. Arterial blood gases assess gases, not frequency. Choice A is correct, per nursing practice, ensuring accurate respiratory assessment when inspection fails.
Question 3 of 5
The patient is admitted with shortness of breath and chest discomfort. Which laboratory value could account for the patient's symptoms?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Shortness of breath and chest discomfort suggest reduced oxygen delivery. Hemoglobin of 8.0 g/dL indicates anemia (normal 12-16 g/dL), impairing oxygen transport. RBC 5.0 million/mm3 and hematocrit 45% are normal. Oximetry 95% is adequate. Choice B is correct, linking anemia to symptoms per nursing pathophysiology.
Question 4 of 5
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health, high blood pressure for adults is defined as...
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: NHLBI defines hypertension as 140 mmHg systolic or 90 mmHg diastolic , aligning with clinical standards (e.g., JNC 8). 120/80 is normal/prehypertension. 100/50 is low. 150/100 exceeds but isn't the threshold. Choice D is correct, reflecting NHLBI criteria nurses use to identify and manage high BP, a major cardiovascular risk factor.
Question 5 of 5
Will you attend the Regional Nursing Meeting to obtain the Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) unit for this Health & Safety Alert?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nurses seeking CNE credits would likely attend for professional growth tied to the alert. Attending regardless splits intent. No or not a nurse opts out, less likely for engaged nurses. Choice A is correct, as CNE motivates attendance, per nursing licensure requirements, assuming interest in the topic.