ATI - Vital Signs Pretest Questions and
Answers 100% Pass
You have assessed a 45-year-old patient's vital signs. Which of the following assessment values
requires immediate attention?
A. An oral temperature of 100° F (37.8° C)
B. A blood pressure of 148/88 mm Hg
C. A respiratory rate of 30/min
D. A radial pulse rate of 45 beats per 30 seconds ✔✔C. A respiratory rate of 30/min
A respiratory rate of 30/min is above the normal range and indicates a respiratory problem that
requires immediate attention. An adult breathing at that rate might be experiencing shortness of
breath or dyspnea and, without intervention, this could become a life-threatening situation.
The difference between a patient's systolic and diastolic blood pressure is called
A. The pulse deficit
B. The pulse pressure
C. An auscultatory gap
D. a diurnal variation ✔✔B. The pulse pressure
The difference between the systolic and diastolic pressures is the pulse pressure; if the patient's
blood pressure is 130/85 mm Hg, the pulse pressure is 45/min. Pulse pressure can be a predictor
of heart problems, especially in older adults. For example, an elevated pulse pressure usually
reflects stiffness and reduced elasticity of the aorta, most often due to hypertension or
atherosclerosis.
To auscultate a patient's apical pulse accurately, you position the bell or the diaphragm of your
stethoscope over the point of maximal impulse which is located
, A. at the right midclavicular line
B. over the suprasternal notch
C. over the Angle of Louis
D. at the fifth intercostal space at the left midclavicular line ✔✔D. at the fifth intercostal space at
the left midclavicular line
To locate the point of maximal impulse, first locate the angle of Louis - a bony prominence just
below the suprasternal notch. Slide your fingers down each side of the angle of Louis to locate the
second intercostal space. Gently move your fingers down the left side of the sternum to the fifth
intercostal space and laterally to the left midclavicular line. You have found the PMI.
When assessing a patient's respiration, it is recommended that the patient
A. have the head of the bed elevated 45 to 60 degrees
B. take several deep breaths prior to the assessment
C. lie flat in bed with his/her head on a pillow
D. continue to go about his/her usual activities ✔✔A. have the head of the bed elevated 45 to 60
degrees
This is a comfortable position for most patients and it allows full ventilatory movement. Also, any
type of discomfort can increase respiratory rate.
The most important factor in measuring blood pressure accurately is
A. obtaining the reading in the early morning
B. using a cuff of the appropriate size for the patient
C. making sure the patient is comfortable and relaxed
D. removing clothing from the arm before applying the cuff ✔✔B. using a cuff of the appropriate
size for the patient
Answers 100% Pass
You have assessed a 45-year-old patient's vital signs. Which of the following assessment values
requires immediate attention?
A. An oral temperature of 100° F (37.8° C)
B. A blood pressure of 148/88 mm Hg
C. A respiratory rate of 30/min
D. A radial pulse rate of 45 beats per 30 seconds ✔✔C. A respiratory rate of 30/min
A respiratory rate of 30/min is above the normal range and indicates a respiratory problem that
requires immediate attention. An adult breathing at that rate might be experiencing shortness of
breath or dyspnea and, without intervention, this could become a life-threatening situation.
The difference between a patient's systolic and diastolic blood pressure is called
A. The pulse deficit
B. The pulse pressure
C. An auscultatory gap
D. a diurnal variation ✔✔B. The pulse pressure
The difference between the systolic and diastolic pressures is the pulse pressure; if the patient's
blood pressure is 130/85 mm Hg, the pulse pressure is 45/min. Pulse pressure can be a predictor
of heart problems, especially in older adults. For example, an elevated pulse pressure usually
reflects stiffness and reduced elasticity of the aorta, most often due to hypertension or
atherosclerosis.
To auscultate a patient's apical pulse accurately, you position the bell or the diaphragm of your
stethoscope over the point of maximal impulse which is located
, A. at the right midclavicular line
B. over the suprasternal notch
C. over the Angle of Louis
D. at the fifth intercostal space at the left midclavicular line ✔✔D. at the fifth intercostal space at
the left midclavicular line
To locate the point of maximal impulse, first locate the angle of Louis - a bony prominence just
below the suprasternal notch. Slide your fingers down each side of the angle of Louis to locate the
second intercostal space. Gently move your fingers down the left side of the sternum to the fifth
intercostal space and laterally to the left midclavicular line. You have found the PMI.
When assessing a patient's respiration, it is recommended that the patient
A. have the head of the bed elevated 45 to 60 degrees
B. take several deep breaths prior to the assessment
C. lie flat in bed with his/her head on a pillow
D. continue to go about his/her usual activities ✔✔A. have the head of the bed elevated 45 to 60
degrees
This is a comfortable position for most patients and it allows full ventilatory movement. Also, any
type of discomfort can increase respiratory rate.
The most important factor in measuring blood pressure accurately is
A. obtaining the reading in the early morning
B. using a cuff of the appropriate size for the patient
C. making sure the patient is comfortable and relaxed
D. removing clothing from the arm before applying the cuff ✔✔B. using a cuff of the appropriate
size for the patient
