ATI RN
CNS Vital Signs Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
Vital signs are measurements of...
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Vital signs measure essential physiological functionstemperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and oxygen saturationreflecting the body's basic operations . Urination frequency isn't a vital sign, though it's monitored in specific contexts. Weight and height are anthropometric, not vital signs. BMI is a calculated health indicator, not a direct measurement. Choice A is correct, aligning with nursing fundamentals defining vital signs as core indicators of life-sustaining processes, routinely assessed to evaluate health status and detect deviations requiring intervention.
Question 2 of 5
A patient returns to your postoperative unit following surgery for right shoulder rotator cuff repair. The licensed practical nurse (LPN) reports that she had difficulty obtaining the patient's heart rate from his right radial pulse. What is your best response?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Post-shoulder surgery, right radial pulse may be weak due to positioning or swelling; apical pulse ensures accuracy. Bilateral radial is redundant. Oximeter is less reliable for rate. Full pulse check is excessive. Choice A is correct, per nursing focus on apical accuracy post-surgery.
Question 3 of 5
The patient is being admitted to the emergency department with complaints of shortness of breath. The patient has had chronic lung disease for many years but still smokes. The nurse should
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Chronic lung disease (e.g., COPD) risks CO2 retention; cautious oxygen avoids suppressing hypoxic drive. High oxygen is dangerous. Paper bag and CO2 worsen hypoxia. Choice B is correct, per respiratory nursing.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client's blood pressure. Which of the following should the nurse use to measure blood pressure accurately?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A sphygmomanometer and stethoscope measure BP accurately via Korotkoff sounds. Palpation assesses pulse, not BP. Lung sounds and skin color don't measure pressure. Choice D is correct, per the explanation, aligning with standard BP technique.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client's pulse oximetry reading and notices that the waveform is irregular and inconsistent. What action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Irregular waveform suggests sensor issues; reapplying on another finger ensures accuracy. It's not normal . Distress or provider action follows if persistent. Choice B is correct, per the explanation, troubleshooting first in nursing practice.