ATI RN
Vital Signs Physical Assessment Techniques Questions
Question 1 of 5
The patient has a temperature of 105.2°F. The nurse is attempting to lower temperature by providing tepid sponge baths and placing cool compresses in strategic body locations. Which technique is the nurse using to lower the patient's temperature?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tepid sponge baths and cool compresses lower temperature via conduction , transferring heat from the skin to the cooler objects through direct contact. Radiation involves heat loss to the environment without contact, not the primary method here. Convection requires air movement (e.g., fans), not used. Evaporation occurs with moisture vaporizing, a minor effect with tepid water but not dominant. Choice B is correct as conduction is the main mechanism, aligning with nursing interventions to reduce fever by physically drawing heat away from the body.
Question 2 of 5
Cyanosis is ...
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Cyanosis is pale/blue/gray skin , signaling low oxygen , often perioral all apply. It reflects hypoxemia or poor perfusion. Choice D is correct, per nursing recognition of cyanosis as a critical sign requiring immediate oxygenation assessment and action to restore circulation or breathing.
Question 3 of 5
A 52-year-old woman is admitted with dyspnea and discomfort in her left chest with deep breaths. She has smoked for 35 years and recently lost over 10 pounds. Her vital signs on admission are: HR 112, BP 138/82, RR 22, tympanic temperature 36.8°C (98.2°F), and oxygen saturation 94%. She is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min via a nasal cannula. Which vital sign reflects a positive outcome of the oxygen therapy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Oxygen therapy aims to improve oxygenation. Oxygen saturation rising to 96% from 94% shows effectiveness. Temperature isn't oxygen-related. Pulse 112 unchanged suggests persistent tachycardia. RR 24 worsening from 22 isn't positive. Choice D is correct, per nursing focus on SpO2 as the primary indicator of oxygen therapy success in respiratory distress.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for an elderly patient and notes that his temperature is 96.8°F (36°C). She understands that this patient is
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Elderly often have lower baselines; 96.8°F is normal. Hypothermia is <95°F. Hyperthermia requires elevation. Metabolism slows with age. Choice B is correct, per geriatric norms.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client's pulse rate using a stethoscope. Where should the nurse place the stethoscope to auscultate the pulse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The brachial artery is auscultated with a stethoscope during BP measurement to hear Korotkoff sounds, indirectly assessing pulse. Chest is for heart sounds, abdomen for bowel sounds. Radial is palpated, not auscultated. Choice C is correct, per the explanation, aligning with BP technique in nursing practice.