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ATI Fundamentals Vital Signs Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
Which statement about pulse pressure is correct?
- It equals systolic pressure minus respiratory rate
- It should always be over 100
- It measures the strength of the radial pulse
✔✔B. It is the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure
What is the appropriate nursing action if a patient’s oxygen saturation reads 89%?
- Wait and recheck in an hour
- Take the temperature instead
- Encourage the patient to walk
✔✔B. Notify the provider and assess for respiratory distress
Which reading reflects tachycardia?
- 58 bpm
- 72 bpm 1 / 3
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✔✔C. 110 bpm
- 88 bpm
Where should the blood pressure cuff be placed?✔✔A. 1 inch above the antecubital space
- At the wrist
- Over the brachial artery
- Just below the elbow crease
What does diastolic pressure represent?✔✔A. Pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest
- Maximum force during heart contraction
- Oxygenated blood volume
- Number of heartbeats per minute
What can affect the accuracy of a pulse oximeter reading?
- Talking
✔✔B. Nail polish 2 / 3
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- Lying down
- Clean hands
Which position is best for taking an accurate respiratory rate?✔✔A. Sitting upright without the patient being aware
- Lying flat while talking
- Standing with arms crossed
- Lying on the side
What finding indicates a fever in Celsius?
A. 36.5°C
B. 37.2°C
✔✔C. 38.5°C
D. 35.8°C
Which of the following best defines orthostatic hypotension?
- Decreased heart rate after sitting up
- / 3
✔✔B. A drop in blood pressure when changing positions
