ATI RN
Vital Signs in Nursing Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
Older adults have an increase in systolic pressure related to what?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Decreased vessel elasticity, is correct because aging reduces arterial elasticity due to stiffening from collagen buildup and calcification. This increases systolic pressure as vessels resist expansion during heart contraction. Increased vessel flexibility, is false; flexibility decreases with age. Enlarged vessel dexterity, is nonsensical in this context. Diminished vessel porosity, isnt a primary factor in blood pressure. As arteries stiffen, systolic pressure rises (e.g., >140 mm Hg), a common hypertension pattern in older adults. This physiological change explains why systolic hypertension is prevalent in this group, making B the accurate answer based on cardiovascular aging principles.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following accurately reflects a recommended guideline when assessing blood pressure?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Initial bilateral arm measurement uses the higher reading, not lower, for consistency. Electronic devices struggle with irregularities, favoring manual methods. Raising the arm overhead isn't standard but may amplify sounds in congestion, though context is unclear; key says C. Newborn arm-leg checks detect coarctation. Choice C is correct per key, though unconventional, possibly situational for sound clarity in specific cases.
Question 3 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 4 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 5 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.