Vital Signs

Question 1

What does respiratory rate describe?

Answer 1

The number of times a patient breathes in one minute.

Question 2

How is respiratory rate measured?

Answer 2

By observing, palpating, or listening to a patient’s breathing and counting each breath.

Question 3

What is the normal respiratory rate for adults?

Answer 3

Between 12-20 breaths per minute.

Question 4

What is bradypnea?

Answer 4

A respiratory rate lower than 12 breaths per minute.

Question 5

What is tachypnea?

Answer 5

A respiratory rate greater than 20 breaths per minute.

Question 6

What is capnography?

Answer 6

A method used to detect CO2 exhaled, providing information on the rate and depth of respiration.

Question 7

What is the normal end-tidal CO2 range?

Answer 7

Between 35 and 45 mmHg.

Question 8

When is capnography recommended?

Answer 8

Whenever a bag valve mask is used and is mandatory if an endotracheal tube has been placed.

Question 9

What does heart rate describe?

Answer 9

How many times a heart beats within a minute.

Question 10

What is the normal heart rate for a healthy adult?

Answer 10

Between 60 and 100 beats per minute.

Question 11

What is tachycardia?

Answer 11

A heart rate above 100 beats per minute.

Question 12

What is bradycardia?

Answer 12

A heart rate below 60 beats per minute.

Question 13

What does capillary refill time (CRT) measure?

Answer 13

A person’s perfusion.

Question 14

How is CRT measured?

Answer 14

By compressing an area of tissue for about 5 seconds and measuring the time it takes for color to return.

Question 15

What is the normal CRT for a healthy adult?

Answer 15

Under 2 seconds.

Question 16

What does blood pressure describe?

Answer 16

The force a patient’s heart exerts on their blood vessels each time the heart contracts.

Question 17

What are the two numbers in blood pressure measurements called?

Answer 17

Systolic pressure (top number) and diastolic pressure (bottom number).

Question 18

What is the normal blood pressure for a healthy adult?

Answer 18

120/80 mmHg.

Question 19

What is the significance of a systolic BP of 80 mmHg?

Answer 19

It is needed for a radial pulse.

Question 20

What is an electrocardiogram (ECG)?

Answer 20

A graph of the electrical activity of the heart against time.

Question 21

What are defib pads used for?

Answer 21

To measure electrical energy and deliver shocks to a patient.

Question 22

What does the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) measure?

Answer 22

A patient’s level of consciousness.

Question 23

How many components are in the Glasgow Coma Scale?

Answer 23

Three components: eye opening, verbal response, and motor response.

Question 24

What is the normal blood glucose level range?

Answer 24

Between 3.5 and 7 mmol/L.

Question 25

What does the FAST acronym stand for in stroke assessment?

Answer 25

* Face * Arms * Speech * Time

Question 26

What are normal pupil sizes?

Answer 26

Between 2 and 5 mm and usually symmetrical.

Question 27

What are small or constricted pupils called?

Answer 27

Miosis.

Question 28

What are large or dilated pupils called?

Answer 28

Mydriasis.

Question 29

What is the consensual pupil reflex?

Answer 29

The ability of both pupils to constrict when light is shined into one eye.

Question 30

What is considered a normal temperature range for adults?

Answer 30

Between 36.5 and 37.5°C.

Question 31

What may a high temperature indicate?

Answer 31

An infection or hyperthermia.

Question 32

What may a low temperature indicate?

Answer 32

Hypothermia.