Patient Intake and Vital Signs Measurement Flashcards
6 cards from real NCMA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Patient Intake and Vital Signs Measurement flashcards as text
What is the normal adult respiratory rate range?
Answer: 12–20 breaths per minute
A normal adult respiratory rate (eupnea) is 12–20 breaths per minute at rest; rates below 12 (bradypnea) or above 20 (tachypnea) at rest warrant clinical evaluation.
A medical assistant takes a patient's blood pressure and obtains a reading of 145/92 mmHg. According to the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines, how would this reading be classified?
Answer: Stage 2 hypertension
According to the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines, Stage 2 hypertension is defined as systolic ≥140 mmHg or diastolic ≥90 mmHg; a reading of 145/92 meets both criteria.
When measuring oral temperature, how long after a patient drinks a hot or cold beverage should the medical assistant wait before taking an oral temperature?
Answer: 15–30 minutes
The medical assistant should wait 15–30 minutes after a patient consumes hot or cold food or beverages before taking an oral temperature, as residual temperature effects in the oral cavity can falsely elevate or lower the reading.
What is the correct technique for measuring orthostatic (postural) blood pressure?
Answer: Measure BP in supine position, then after patient stands for 1–3 minutes; a drop of ≥20 mmHg systolic or ≥10 mmHg diastolic indicates orthostatic hypotension
Orthostatic hypotension is assessed by measuring BP and heart rate supine, then after standing 1–3 minutes; a ≥20 mmHg drop in systolic or ≥10 mmHg drop in diastolic, often with symptoms (dizziness, lightheadedness), defines orthostatic hypotension.
What information should be gathered during patient intake prior to the provider entering the examination room?
Answer: Chief complaint, current medications, allergies, vital signs, reason for visit, and any relevant history updates since the last visit
Comprehensive patient intake includes: chief complaint (reason for visit in the patient's own words), medication reconciliation, allergy review, vital signs, pain assessment, and updating any pertinent history — preparing the provider with complete information before entering the room.
What is the normal range for oxygen saturation (SpO2) measured by pulse oximetry in a healthy adult?
Answer: 95–100%
Normal pulse oximetry SpO2 in a healthy adult at sea level is 95–100%; values below 95% may indicate hypoxemia and should be reported to the provider, while values below 90% are generally considered clinically significant.