NCLEX-Style Vital Signs Questions

A nurse is assessing a patient's temperature. What should be the nurse’s first action?

• Record the temperature in the patient’s chart.

• Notify the provider if the temperature is greater than 100.5°F.

• Ask the patient if they have had anything to eat, drink, or exercised recently.

• Select a different site for measurement.

When assessing the pulse of a patient, which site is most appropriate for monitoring circulation after knee surgery?

• Popliteal

• Dorsalis pedis

• Femoral

• Radial

A patient with a fever has a pulse rate of 110 beats per minute. What is the best explanation for this finding?

• Fever increases metabolic rate.

• Pulse rates decrease during a fever.

• The patient is dehydrated.

• The patient is anxious.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-3

What is the priority action when a patient’s respiratory rate drops below 12 breaths per minute?

• Document findings.

• Call the physician immediately.

• Assess oxygen saturation.

• Ask the patient if they feel dizzy.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-3

Which of the following is NOT a factor affecting blood pressure?

• Age

• Diet

• Gender

• Exercise

A nurse finds that the patient has an irregular pulse. What should the nurse do next?

• Assess the apical pulse for a full minute.

• Notify the provider.

• Check the patient's history.

• Measure blood pressure immediately.

What is the correct way to assess orthostatic hypotension in a patient?

• Have the patient sit and take their blood pressure immediately.

• Take blood pressure in both arms.

• Take blood pressure in three positions: lying down, sitting, and standing.

• Measure pulse only.

A nurse delegates vital signs to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). The patient just had hot soup. What should the nurse instruct the UAP to do?

• Take an oral temperature as planned.

• Take a rectal temperature.

• Wait 30 minutes before taking the temperature.

• Have the patient drink cold water.

What is the priority when the patient’s oxygen saturation reads 89% on room air?

• Notify the physician immediately.

• Check the patient for signs of respiratory distress.

• Apply oxygen.

• Reassess after 15 minutes.

A postoperative patient is found breathing rapidly. The nurse should:

• Call the physician immediately.

• Count the respirations.

• Assess oxygen saturation.

• Ask the patient if they feel short of breath.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-3