Which of the following statements accurately describe the types of equipment that are used to assess temperature?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Temperature equipment varies by site and type. Blunt bulbs on nonmercury thermometers enhance safety, which is true. Axillary readings are typically 1°F lower than oral (e.g., 97.6°F vs. 98.6°F), a standard adjustment, making B correct. Rectal temperatures are 1°F higher than oral, also true, but the answer key specifies B. Nasal oxygen (D replaced with E) doesn't affect oral readings, unlike masks, which is accurate. Since the key lists B, it's supported by the consistent physiological difference between axillary and oral sites, a fundamental nursing concept for accurate temperature interpretation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of vital signs assessment, documenting the temperature value and the route used to obtain the reading is crucial for accurate patient monitoring and care. The correct answer, A) Temperatures vary depending on the route used, is accurate because different routes of temperature measurement (e.g., oral, rectal, axillary) can yield different readings due to variations in blood flow and metabolic activity at different sites in the body. Option B) Temperatures are readings of core measurements is incorrect because temperatures can vary based on the measurement site and may not always reflect core body temperature accurately. Option C) Rectal temperatures are cooler than when taken orally is incorrect as rectal temperatures are typically higher than oral temperatures due to their proximity to the body's core. Option D) Axillary temperatures are higher than oral temperatures is incorrect as axillary temperatures are typically lower than oral temperatures due to being measured in a peripheral site. Educationally, understanding the importance of documenting the temperature value and the route used enhances a nurse's ability to interpret and communicate vital signs accurately. It also highlights the significance of selecting appropriate temperature measurement sites based on the patient's condition and the clinical context to ensure reliable and consistent readings for effective patient care.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Body temperature varies with exercise increasing it via metabolism, gender with slight differences (e.g., women post-ovulation), and cold fluids potentially lowering oral readings. All are factors. Choice D is correct, as nursing recognizes these influencesexercise raises heat production, gender affects baseline, and fluids alter local readingsrequiring context in temperature assessment to ensure accurate interpretation and care planning.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Bradycardia (pulse 44) with dizziness/fatigue requires apical pulse assessment to confirm rate and check for deficit, indicating cardiac output issues. Repeating radial delays RN evaluation. Stat ECG is secondary. Meds are premature. Choice C is correct, per nursing priority to verify and assess symptomatic bradycardia directly.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of vital signs assessment, it is important for the patient not to know that respirations are being assessed. This is the correct answer (Option B) because a patient's respiratory rate can be influenced if they are consciously aware of the assessment, leading to an inaccurate reading. This is especially crucial when assessing respiratory rate, as it should ideally be measured in an unobtrusive manner to obtain the most accurate and natural result. Option A is incorrect because patient awareness can lead to altered results due to conscious or subconscious changes in breathing patterns. Option C is incorrect as estimating respirations would not save time or provide accurate data. Option D is also incorrect as the patient does not need to be isolated from the assessment process, but rather should be at ease and unaware of the specific focus on their respirations to ensure accuracy. Educationally, it is essential for healthcare professionals to understand the importance of patient comfort and natural responses when assessing vital signs. This knowledge ensures accurate readings and effective patient care. Teaching students the significance of maintaining a patient's unawareness during certain assessments contributes to their ability to provide high-quality care based on accurate data.