ATI RN
ATI Vital Signs Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
The blood pressure is...
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Blood pressure is the force of blood against artery walls , measured as systolic and diastolic pressures. Blood volume influences it but isn't the definition. Heartbeats define pulse, not BP. ‘All' is incorrect. Choice A is correct, per cardiovascular nursing principles, distinguishing BP as a pressure metric critical for assessing circulation and organ perfusion.
Question 2 of 5
The thickness or viscosity of the blood affects the ease with which blood flows through small vessels. The nurse examines what value, which might help determine the amount of blood viscosity?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hematocrit measures RBC percentage, affecting viscosity. Cardiac output , arterial size , and volume influence flow, not viscosity directly. Choice A is correct, per pathophysiology.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client's respiratory rate and finds it to be irregular, with periods of deep breaths alternating with shallow breaths. What action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Irregular breathing with depth variation may signal a disorder; notifying the provider is appropriate. It's not normal . Waiting delays care. Oxygen needs assessment. Choice D is correct, per the explanation, reflecting nursing escalation protocol.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client's body temperature using a temporal artery thermometer. How should the nurse use the temporal artery thermometer?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Temporal artery thermometers swipe across the forehead to measure arterial temp. Rectal , axillary , and oral are incorrect methods. Choice C is correct, per the explanation, matching device use in nursing.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient who is ambulating for the first time after surgery. Upon standing, the patient complains of dizziness and faintness. The patients blood pressure is 90/50. What is the name for this condition?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Orthostatic hypotension is a BP drop (e.g., 90/50) upon standing causing dizziness, per the answer key. Hypertension is a rise, bradycardia slow pulse, tachycardia fast pulsenone fit. Nurses manage this post-surgical risk with gradual position changes.