Taking a client's vital signs - correct answer__________ is one of the *most frequent assessments* you
will make as a nurse. Even if vital signs are delegated to a nursing assistive personnel (NAP), you are still
responsible for interpreting their meaning and significance.
Vital signs are a means of assessing vital or critical physiological functions. - correct answerWhat are
vital signs a means of assessing?
Variations in vital signs reflect a person's state of health and/or functional ability of the body systems. -
correct answerWhat do variations in vital signs reflect?
- On admission to the hospital
- For inpatients, at the beginning of a shift
- At a visit to the healthcare provider's office or clinic
- Before, during, and after surgery or certain procedures
- To monitor the effects of certain medications or activities
- Whenever the patients condition changes - correct answerWhen should you measure a patient's vital
signs?
The importance of *accurate assessments, interpretation, and documentation* of vital signs cannot be
overemphasized. - correct answerThe importance of *accurate assessments, interpretation, and
documentation* of vital signs cannot be overemphasized.
- Provider's prescription and/or *nursing judgment*
- Client's condition
- Facility standards
<< Instructor: Review these statements with the students emphasizing the importance of *accurate
assessments and regular monitoring*.>> - correct answerThe frequency of taking vital signs is
determined by:
- Hospital: Every 4 to 8 hours
- Home health setting: Each visit
- Clinic: Each visit
,Vital Signs / Exam 1 / NUR 112 Questions With Complete Solutions
- Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs): Weekly to monthly
Frequency determined by agency and setting: *The optimal frequency for assessing vital signs depends
on the patient's condition and the events taking place*. Also, agency policies usually require that nurses
monitor and record vital signs regularly. - correct answerFacility Standards for Monitoring Vital Signs:
98° F - correct answerAverage adult *oral* temperature:
98.6° F - correct answerAverage adult *rectal* temperature:
60-100 beats/min - correct answerNormal *pulse range* for adults:
80 beats/min - correct answer*Average* adult pulse:
12-20 breaths/min - correct answerNormal respiration range in adults:
100-119 mm Hg systolic or 60-80 mm Hg diastolic
*100-119/60-80* - correct answerNormal blood pressure range in adults:
120-139/80-89 - correct answer*Prehypertensive* BP in adults:
110/70 mm Hg - correct answer*Average BP* in adults:
Temp: 98.2- axillary
Pulse:130 (80-180)
Respirations: 30-60
BP: 80/40 - correct answer*Newborn* vital signs:
Temp: 99.9- rectal
, Vital Signs / Exam 1 / NUR 112 Questions With Complete Solutions
Pulse: 110 (80-150)
Respirations: 20-40
BP: 98/64 - correct answer*1-3* years old vital signs:
Temp: 98.6- oral
Pulse: 95 (75-115)
Respirations: 20-25
BP: 102/56 - correct answer*6-8* years old vital signs:
Temp: 98.6- oral
Pulse: 90 (70-100)
Respirations: 17-22
BP: 110/58 - correct answerNormal vital signs for a *10 year old*:
Temp: 98.6- oral
Pulse: 80 (55-105)
Respirations: 15-20
BP: 110/70 - correct answerNormal *teen* vital signs:
Temp: 98- oral
Pulse: 80 (60-100)
Respirations: 12-20
BP: ∠120/80 - correct answerNormal *adult* vital signs:
Temp: 95 to 96.8- oral
Pulse: 80 (60-100)
Respirations:12-20
BP: 120/80, up to 160/95 - correct answerNormal vital signs for an *adult older than 70 yrs. old*: