Vital Signs and Physical Assessment Flashcards
7 cards from real GNA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Vital Signs and Physical Assessment flashcards as text
A resident's temperature is 101.8°F (38.8°C). This finding indicates:
Answer: Fever (pyrexia), which must be reported to the nurse
A temperature of 101.8°F is classified as a fever (pyrexia) and must be reported to the nurse promptly so appropriate interventions can be initiated.
Which of the following actions should the nursing assistant take BEFORE measuring a resident's blood pressure?
Answer: Ensure the resident has rested for at least 5 minutes in a seated position
The resident should rest quietly for at least 5 minutes before blood pressure measurement to avoid falsely elevated readings caused by recent activity.
When measuring vital signs in an elderly resident, which change is considered a normal part of aging that the nursing assistant should be aware of?
Answer: Blood pressure that tends to be slightly higher than in younger adults
Blood pressure tends to be slightly higher in older adults due to decreased arterial elasticity, which is a normal aging change, though significantly elevated readings still require reporting.
A resident has a pulse oximetry reading of 89%. What is the most appropriate nursing assistant action?
Answer: Report the reading to the nurse immediately
A pulse oximetry reading of 89% indicates low oxygen saturation (normal is 95–100%); this is a critical finding that requires immediate reporting to the nurse.
The nursing assistant documents a resident's respirations as 'labored.' What does this term mean?
Answer: The resident requires visible effort or appears to be struggling to breathe
Labored breathing means the resident is using accessory muscles and appears to be working hard to breathe, which is an abnormal finding that must be reported.
Which of the following blood pressure readings would be considered hypotensive (abnormally low) for most adults?
Answer: 88/52 mmHg
A blood pressure of 88/52 mmHg is below the normal threshold and indicates hypotension, which can cause dizziness, falls, and inadequate organ perfusion.
When recording vital signs, the nursing assistant should:
Answer: Record findings immediately and accurately in the resident's chart
Vital signs must be recorded immediately and accurately after measurement to ensure the care team has up-to-date information for clinical decision-making.