Vital Signs and Physical Assessment Flashcards
6 cards from real CMT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Vital Signs and Physical Assessment flashcards as text
What does a pulse oximeter primarily measure?
Answer: Peripheral oxygen saturation and pulse rate
A pulse oximeter measures peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate non-invasively.
Which of the following is a sign of orthostatic hypotension?
Answer: Dizziness and drop in BP of ≥20 mmHg systolic upon standing
Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a drop of ≥20 mmHg systolic or ≥10 mmHg diastolic within 3 minutes of standing.
When auscultating blood pressure, the first sound heard as the cuff deflates represents the:
Answer: Systolic pressure
The first Korotkoff sound heard during BP auscultation corresponds to systolic pressure.
A patient has a respiratory rate of 26 breaths/min. This is documented as:
Answer: Tachypnea
Tachypnea is defined as a respiratory rate above 20 breaths per minute in adults.
The correct technique for counting respirations is to:
Answer: Count breaths without informing the patient to avoid conscious alteration
Respirations should be counted without the patient's knowledge because awareness can alter breathing pattern.
Which artery is typically used for routine adult pulse assessment?
Answer: Radial
The radial artery at the wrist is the standard site for routine pulse assessment in adults.