ATI LPN
Multiple Choice Questions on Vital Signs Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which best explains why it is difficult for the profession to develop a definition of nursing?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Constant changes in healthcare and nursing activities make it challenging to pin down a static definition, as nursing evolves with new roles, technologies, and practices.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is admitted with pneumonia. Her vital signs are: BP 112/64 mm Hg, HR 102, RR 26, tympanic temperature 37.9°C (100.2°F). Which vital sign requires immediate attention?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The respiratory rate of 26 breaths/min (normal 12-20) is significantly elevated, consistent with pneumonia’s impact on breathing (e.g., tachypnea due to reduced lung function). This requires immediate attention to assess oxygenation and potential respiratory distress. HR 102 is elevated but expected with fever and infection; temperature 37.9°C is a mild fever; pulse pressure (48 mm Hg) is within normal range (40-60 mm Hg).
Question 3 of 5
When measuring blood pressure, the cuff is too loose to make
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A loose cuff fails to adequately compress the artery, requiring more pressure to occlude it, resulting in falsely high blood pressure readings (B). Pulse pressure may increase slightly (A), low readings (C) occur with a tight cuff, and no change (D) is incorrect as fit affects accuracy.
Question 4 of 5
Relaxation fever is common in
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Relaxation fever (persistent with wide daily fluctuations) is typical in sepsis, due to ongoing infection and immune response. Influenza (A) is acute, typhoid (B) stepwise, malaria (C) intermittent.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse should use a gait belt when:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A gait belt stabilizes during ambulation, reducing falls. It’s not for lifting (A), CPR (C), or medication (D).