Patient Intake and Vitals — practice questions
9.3% of the exam ≈14 real questions 17 free questions here
14 scored items. Taking vitals correctly, knowing what is out of range, and knowing which readings must go to the provider immediately. Expect scenarios where the technique itself is the error.
Where people lose points
- A cuff that is too small reads falsely high; too large reads falsely low. Cuff size is the most common source of a bad blood pressure.
- Temperature norms shift by route — rectal and tympanic read higher than oral, axillary reads lower. A single number is not 'normal' without the route.
- Respirations should be counted without telling the patient, because awareness changes the rate. Count them while appearing to still take the pulse.
- An arm below heart level reads falsely high; above heart level reads falsely low. Support the arm at heart level.
- Orthostatic vitals mean measuring in a specific position sequence, not just taking one reading while the patient stands.
Drill: Patient Intake and Vitals
17 free questions from this domain, each with an explanation and a cited source. Timed at real exam pace.
17 questions
Pass line: 78%, same as the real exam
See the answer and explanation right after each question.