Vital Signs Flashcards
7 cards from real PCT 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 flashcards as text
The diastolic blood pressure represents:
Answer: Pressure when the heart is at rest between beats
Diastolic pressure is the lower number and reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes between beats.
Which of the following is the correct sequence for a complete vital signs assessment?
Answer: Temperature, pulse, respirations, BP, SpO2
The standard sequence is temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and SpO2, though facility protocols may vary.
A patient's temperature is 38.9°C. What is this in Fahrenheit?
Answer: 102.0°F
Using the formula F = (C × 9/5) + 32: (38.9 × 1.8) + 32 = 70.02 + 32 = 102.02°F.
Which blood pressure cuff size error will cause a falsely HIGH reading?
Answer: Cuff too small for the arm
A cuff that is too small for the arm requires more pressure to compress the artery, resulting in a falsely elevated blood pressure reading.
Kussmaul respirations are characterized by:
Answer: Deep, rapid, and labored breathing
Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid, and labored, typically seen in diabetic ketoacidosis as the body compensates for metabolic acidosis.
What is the normal resting heart rate range for an adult?
Answer: 60–100 bpm
A normal adult resting heart rate is 60–100 beats per minute.
When auscultating blood pressure, the first Korotkoff sound heard represents the:
Answer: Systolic pressure
The first Korotkoff sound — a clear tapping — heard as the cuff deflates marks the systolic blood pressure.