NSG 3100 Exam 2: 50 Questions & Answers/Latest
Updated 2026
Vital Signs and Assessment (Questions 1-15)
Question 1
Which of the following factors does NOT affect heart rate?
A) Age
B) Exercise
C) Hair color
D) Fluid volume
Correct Answer: C) Hair color
Rationale: Heart rate is affected by age, gender, exercise, fever, medications,
stress, underlying disease, fluid volume (hypovolemia), position,
hypoxia/hypoxemia, and electrolyte imbalances. Hair color has no physiological
effect on heart rate.
Question 2
The pulse site located on the medial surface of the ankle is the:
A) Pedal pulse
B) Popliteal pulse
C) Posterior tibial pulse
D) Temporal pulse
Correct Answer: C) Posterior tibial pulse
Rationale: The posterior tibial pulse is located on the medial surface of the ankle.
The pedal (dorsalis pedis) pulse is found on the top of the foot, the popliteal pulse
is behind the knee, and the temporal pulse is at the temporal artery.
,Question 3
A blood pressure reading of 135/86 mmHg would be classified as:
A) Normal
B) Elevated
C) Hypertension Stage I
D) Hypertension Stage II
Correct Answer: C) Hypertension Stage I
Rationale: According to the guidelines, Hypertension Stage I is defined as systolic
130-139 mmHg and diastolic 80-89 mmHg. A reading of 135/86 falls within this
range.
Question 4
Which of the following BP readings indicates hypotension?
A) 118/76 mmHg
B) 85/55 mmHg
C) 142/88 mmHg
D) 125/82 mmHg
Correct Answer: B) 85/55 mmHg
Rationale: Hypotension is defined as systolic BP less than 90 mmHg and diastolic
BP less than 60 mmHg. A reading of 85/55 falls below both thresholds.
Question 5
As patients age, which of the following changes occurs regarding temperature?
A) Temperature increases due to increased metabolism
B) Temperature drops, making them susceptible to environmental temperature
, extremes
C) Temperature remains stable throughout the lifespan
D) Temperature fluctuates more during the day
Correct Answer: B) Temperature drops, making them susceptible to
environmental temperature extremes
Rationale: As patients age, their body temperature drops, and they become more
susceptible to environmental temperature extremes due to decreased
thermoregulatory efficiency.
Question 6
The tripod/orthopneic position is primarily used by patients experiencing:
A) Hypertension
B) Dyspnea
C) Bradycardia
D) Hypothermia
Correct Answer: B) Dyspnea
Rationale: The tripod position—sitting and leaning forward over a raised bedside
table with arms resting on the table—is used by patients experiencing dyspnea
because it helps expand the lungs and facilitates breathing.
Question 7
How does a fever affect blood pressure?
A) BP consistently increases
B) BP may drop due to vasodilation
C) BP remains unchanged
D) BP only increases in older adults
Correct Answer: B) BP may drop due to vasodilation
Updated 2026
Vital Signs and Assessment (Questions 1-15)
Question 1
Which of the following factors does NOT affect heart rate?
A) Age
B) Exercise
C) Hair color
D) Fluid volume
Correct Answer: C) Hair color
Rationale: Heart rate is affected by age, gender, exercise, fever, medications,
stress, underlying disease, fluid volume (hypovolemia), position,
hypoxia/hypoxemia, and electrolyte imbalances. Hair color has no physiological
effect on heart rate.
Question 2
The pulse site located on the medial surface of the ankle is the:
A) Pedal pulse
B) Popliteal pulse
C) Posterior tibial pulse
D) Temporal pulse
Correct Answer: C) Posterior tibial pulse
Rationale: The posterior tibial pulse is located on the medial surface of the ankle.
The pedal (dorsalis pedis) pulse is found on the top of the foot, the popliteal pulse
is behind the knee, and the temporal pulse is at the temporal artery.
,Question 3
A blood pressure reading of 135/86 mmHg would be classified as:
A) Normal
B) Elevated
C) Hypertension Stage I
D) Hypertension Stage II
Correct Answer: C) Hypertension Stage I
Rationale: According to the guidelines, Hypertension Stage I is defined as systolic
130-139 mmHg and diastolic 80-89 mmHg. A reading of 135/86 falls within this
range.
Question 4
Which of the following BP readings indicates hypotension?
A) 118/76 mmHg
B) 85/55 mmHg
C) 142/88 mmHg
D) 125/82 mmHg
Correct Answer: B) 85/55 mmHg
Rationale: Hypotension is defined as systolic BP less than 90 mmHg and diastolic
BP less than 60 mmHg. A reading of 85/55 falls below both thresholds.
Question 5
As patients age, which of the following changes occurs regarding temperature?
A) Temperature increases due to increased metabolism
B) Temperature drops, making them susceptible to environmental temperature
, extremes
C) Temperature remains stable throughout the lifespan
D) Temperature fluctuates more during the day
Correct Answer: B) Temperature drops, making them susceptible to
environmental temperature extremes
Rationale: As patients age, their body temperature drops, and they become more
susceptible to environmental temperature extremes due to decreased
thermoregulatory efficiency.
Question 6
The tripod/orthopneic position is primarily used by patients experiencing:
A) Hypertension
B) Dyspnea
C) Bradycardia
D) Hypothermia
Correct Answer: B) Dyspnea
Rationale: The tripod position—sitting and leaning forward over a raised bedside
table with arms resting on the table—is used by patients experiencing dyspnea
because it helps expand the lungs and facilitates breathing.
Question 7
How does a fever affect blood pressure?
A) BP consistently increases
B) BP may drop due to vasodilation
C) BP remains unchanged
D) BP only increases in older adults
Correct Answer: B) BP may drop due to vasodilation
