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Patient Vital Signs and Assessment 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.

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  1. A patient's blood pressure reading is 145/92 mmHg. According to the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines, this is classified as:

    Answer: Stage 2 hypertension

    Per 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines: Normal: <120/<80; Elevated: 120–129/<80; Stage 1 HTN: 130–139/80–89; Stage 2 HTN: ≥140/≥90. A reading of 145/92 meets Stage 2 criteria (systolic ≥140 OR diastolic ≥90).

  2. What is the correct technique for palpating and counting the radial pulse?

    Answer: Use the pads of the index and middle fingers on the radial artery at the lateral wrist, counting for 30–60 seconds

    The radial pulse is assessed using the pads of the index and middle fingers placed over the radial artery on the thumb side of the inner wrist. The thumb has its own pulse and should not be used.

  3. During a patient assessment, you note that the patient's breathing is fast and irregular, with alternating periods of deep breathing and apnea. This pattern is called:

    Answer: Cheyne-Stokes respirations

    Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by a cyclical pattern of gradually increasing depth and rate, followed by gradual decreasing depth, then a period of apnea (10–60 seconds), then the cycle repeats.

  4. What is the primary reason for documenting the site (left arm, right arm) when recording blood pressure?

    Answer: Blood pressure can vary between arms; a consistent arm should be used, and discrepancies may indicate vascular disease

    Blood pressure can differ between arms by up to 10 mmHg normally. An inter-arm difference >10–15 mmHg may indicate subclavian stenosis or peripheral arterial disease. Documenting the arm ensures consistent tracking over time.

  5. Which vital sign is considered the most reliable indicator of pain in a patient who cannot verbally communicate?

    Answer: Heart rate (pulse)

    While no vital sign is a perfect pain indicator, heart rate (tachycardia) is one of the most commonly assessed physiological responses to pain in patients who cannot self-report, along with blood pressure elevation, grimacing, and behavioral cues.

  6. A patient's weight is 176 pounds and height is 5 feet 8 inches (68 inches). What is their approximate BMI?

    Answer: 26.8

    BMI formula (imperial): weight(lb) × 703 / height(in)². 176 × 703 = 123,728 / (68)² = 123,728 / 4,624 ≈ 26.8. A BMI of 26.8 falls in the 'overweight' category (25.0–29.9).