Exam 15: Vital Signs

The nurse notes that the patient's radial pulse is irregular.What is the most appropriate first action of the nurse?

The nurse is caring for a patient who came to the emergency department with confusion and muscle cramps after working outside on a hot day.What is the priority action of the nurse?

The adult patient's heart rate is 48 beats/minute.Which term will the nurse use when documenting the finding in the patient's medical record?

The nursing assistant informs the nurse that the patient's blood pressure is 220/102 using the electronic monitor.What is the priority action of the nurse?

Which characteristics place the patient at high risk for development of hypothermia?

The nurse is caring for an extremely anxious patient.Which assessment findings would be expected as a result of the patient's emotional state?

Which technique will provide the most accurate measurement of the patient's core temperature?

The nurse is to take the patient's temperature right after the patient drank a glass of ice water.What is the most appropriate action of the nurse?

The nurse is caring for a patient who is very anemic.Which assessment finding will the nurse expect to note in the patient's medical record?

The nurse is caring for a patient with an elevated blood pressure.Which factors may account for the high measurement?

The nurse is caring for an unconscious patient who was just pulled from a freezing lake.What is the priority action of the nurse?

An infant born prematurely has irregular breathing patterns and short periods when breathing stops altogether.Which device will be utilized to facilitate respiratory status assessment for this patient after discharge?

The nurse is caring for a hypotensive patient whose peripheral pulses are very weak.Which grade will the nurse use to document this finding?

The nurse is caring for a patient with a highly contagious infection.Which is the appropriate type of blood pressure cuff to use when caring for this patient?

The nurse notes that the patient's temperature varies significantly throughout the day and night.Which are possible reasons for this variation?

Which characteristics put the patient at risk for developing orthostatic hypotension?

Which vital signs are most important for a patient who is experiencing shortness of breath?

The nurse is caring for an adult patient with a respiratory rate of 32 breaths/minute.Which term will the nurse use to document this finding in the patient's chart?

Which factors may lead to inaccurate pulse oximetry readings?

The patient has a history of orthostatic hypotension.What is the priority action of the nurse?