The most appropriate definition of Vital Signs:

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Question 1 of 5

The most appropriate definition of Vital Signs:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Vital signs are fundamental indicators used by healthcare professionals to assess the basic physiological functions of the body, such as temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. An indication of basic body functioning, accurately captures this concept because vital signs reflect how well the body is maintaining homeostasis and performing essential tasks like circulation and oxygenation. Signs and symptoms of a disease, is incorrect because vital signs are not exclusively tied to illness; they are monitored in healthy individuals too. A part of human composition, is vague and does not specify function, while Physiology and anatomy, refers to broader scientific fields rather than the specific measurements vital signs represent. Thus, B is the most precise and appropriate definition, aligning with clinical practice where vital signs serve as a baseline for evaluating health status.

Question 2 of 5

A nurse is obtaining vital signs from patients using the tympanic method for measuring temperature. Which of the following guidelines should be followed when taking a tympanic temperature?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The tympanic method measures temperature via the ear canal, requiring specific precautions. An earache contraindicates this method because pain suggests inflammation or infection, risking inaccurate readings or discomfort. Earwax can affect accuracy but isn't an absolute contraindication if minimal. An ear infection is similar to an earache but less specific here; A encompasses it. Taking the temperature in the downward ear after sleeping may skew results due to trapped heat. Choice A is correct as it prioritizes patient comfort and accuracy, reflecting clinical guidelines to avoid tympanic measurement in painful or inflamed ears, ensuring reliable vital sign assessment.

Question 3 of 5

Which statement correctly defines hyperthermia?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Hyperthermia is an uncontrolled rise in body temperature when heat production exceeds dissipation , often from external factors or exertion, not set-point shifts. A downward set-point shift isn't hyperthermia. An upward shift defines fever, not hyperthermia. Reduced mechanisms may contribute but isn't the definition. Choice C is correct, distinguishing hyperthermia from fever per nursing pathophysiology, critical for appropriate interventions.

Question 4 of 5

A nurse is caring for a group of patients on a medical-surgical unit. Which patient will the nurse assess first?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Question 5 of 5

A Normal body temperature can range from...

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Normal body temperature ranges from 97°F to 99°F (36.1°C to 37.2°C) orally , adjusting slightly by route (e.g., rectal +1°F, axillary -1°F). 95°F to 98°F includes hypothermia. 98°F to 105°F spans fever. 95°F to 100°F is too broad. Choice C is correct, reflecting standard ranges in nursing texts (e.g., Potter & Perry), critical for identifying normothermia versus deviations like fever or hypothermia.

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