CNA / PCT Vital Signs Exam Study Guide 2026 PDF for
Nursing Assistants and Patient Care Technicians |
Temperature, Pulse, Respiration, Blood Pressure,
Oxygen Saturation, Pain Assessment, and Clinical
Documentation | Comprehensive Vital Signs Exam
Preparation to Improve Accuracy, Patient Safety, and
Clinical Competence
, 1. What is the normal range for adult resting heart rate?
• A) 60-100 beats per minute (Correct)
• B) 40-60 beats per minute
• C) 100-120 beats per minute
• D) 80-120 beats per minute
Rationale: The normal resting heart rate for adults typically ranges from 60 to 100 beats
per minute. Values outside this range may indicate underlying health issues or
physiological stress.
2. Which of the following best describes the term "systolic blood pressure"?
• A) The pressure in the arteries during heart relaxation
• B) The pressure in the arteries during heart contraction (Correct)
• C) The average blood pressure throughout the cardiac cycle
• D) The pressure when blood is pooled in the veins
Rationale: Systolic blood pressure is defined as the pressure in the arteries during the
contraction of the heart muscle. This measurement reflects the maximum pressure
exerted on arterial walls.
3. What temperature range is considered normal for adults?
• A) 95°F - 98.6°F
• B) 98.6°F - 100°F
• C) 97°F - 99°F (Correct)
• D) 99°F - 101°F
Rationale: The normal body temperature for adults generally falls between 97°F and
99°F. Variations may occur due to time of day, activity levels, and individual differences.
4. Which method is NOT commonly used to assess respiratory rate?
• A) Visual observation
• B) Palpation on the wrist (Correct)
• C) Listening with a stethoscope
• D) Counting breaths per minute
Nursing Assistants and Patient Care Technicians |
Temperature, Pulse, Respiration, Blood Pressure,
Oxygen Saturation, Pain Assessment, and Clinical
Documentation | Comprehensive Vital Signs Exam
Preparation to Improve Accuracy, Patient Safety, and
Clinical Competence
, 1. What is the normal range for adult resting heart rate?
• A) 60-100 beats per minute (Correct)
• B) 40-60 beats per minute
• C) 100-120 beats per minute
• D) 80-120 beats per minute
Rationale: The normal resting heart rate for adults typically ranges from 60 to 100 beats
per minute. Values outside this range may indicate underlying health issues or
physiological stress.
2. Which of the following best describes the term "systolic blood pressure"?
• A) The pressure in the arteries during heart relaxation
• B) The pressure in the arteries during heart contraction (Correct)
• C) The average blood pressure throughout the cardiac cycle
• D) The pressure when blood is pooled in the veins
Rationale: Systolic blood pressure is defined as the pressure in the arteries during the
contraction of the heart muscle. This measurement reflects the maximum pressure
exerted on arterial walls.
3. What temperature range is considered normal for adults?
• A) 95°F - 98.6°F
• B) 98.6°F - 100°F
• C) 97°F - 99°F (Correct)
• D) 99°F - 101°F
Rationale: The normal body temperature for adults generally falls between 97°F and
99°F. Variations may occur due to time of day, activity levels, and individual differences.
4. Which method is NOT commonly used to assess respiratory rate?
• A) Visual observation
• B) Palpation on the wrist (Correct)
• C) Listening with a stethoscope
• D) Counting breaths per minute
