Vital Signs and Assessment Practice Questions
28 free Vital Signs and Assessment practice questions for the NCLEX Exam. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
What is a normal resting pulse (heart rate) for a healthy adult?
- A 40-60 beats per minute
- B 60-100 beats per minute
- C 100-120 beats per minute
- D 120-140 beats per minute
Correct answer: 60-100 beats per minute
Healthy adult resting heart rate is typically in the range 60-100 bpm.
A normal respiratory rate for a healthy adult at rest is:
- A 6-10 breaths per minute
- B 12-18 breaths per minute
- C 20-30 breaths per minute
- D 30-40 breaths per minute
Correct answer: 12-18 breaths per minute
The adult resting respiratory rate is generally about 12-18 breaths per minute.
What is considered a normal range for adult oral body temperature?
- A 95-96 °F (35-35.5 °C)
- B 97.8-99.1 °F (36.5-37.3 °C)
- C 100.5-102 °F (38.1-38.9 °C)
- D 103-104 °F (39.4-40 °C)
Correct answer: 97.8-99.1 °F (36.5-37.3 °C)
Normal adult body temperature orally is about 97.8 to 99.1 °F.
A blood pressure reading of 120/80 mm Hg falls into which category for adults?
- A Hypotension
- B Normal
- C Elevated
- D Hypertension stage 2
Correct answer: Normal
For adults a BP around 120/80 is considered within normal range.
An adult patient has a pulse of 55 bpm and is an otherwise healthy athlete. How would you interpret this?
- A Evidence of an underlying atrioventricular block
- B Sinus tachycardia from deconditioning
- C Bradycardia requiring emergency pacing
- D A normal finding in a well-conditioned athlete
Correct answer: A normal finding in a well-conditioned athlete
Endurance training raises vagal tone and stroke volume, so resting rates of 40 to 60 beats per minute are common and expected in trained athletes. A rate of 55 in an asymptomatic athlete needs no intervention; pacing or a conduction block would only be considered if the patient had dizziness, syncope, exertional intolerance or an abnormal ECG.
Which of the following would require immediate assessment in terms of vital signs?
- A Temperature 98.6 °F, pulse 72 bpm, respiratory rate 14 breaths/min, BP 118/76 mm Hg
- B Temperature 100 °F, pulse 88 bpm, respiratory rate 16 breaths/min, BP 122/80 mm Hg
- C Temperature 98.4 °F, respiratory rate 26 breaths/min at rest, BP 120/80 mm Hg
- D Temperature 97.9 °F, pulse 65 bpm, respiratory rate 12 breaths/min, BP 115/70 mm Hg
Correct answer: Temperature 98.4 °F, respiratory rate 26 breaths/min at rest, BP 120/80 mm Hg
A respiratory rate of 26 at rest is elevated (tachypnea) and requires further assessment.
When assessing a patient’s vital signs, which action is most appropriate?
- A Documenting before measuring to save time
- B Using different sized BP cuffs as needed for accuracy
- C Counting pulse for 10 seconds and multiplying by 6
- D Measuring respiratory rate by telling the patient you’re counting breath rate
Correct answer: Using different sized BP cuffs as needed for accuracy
Use appropriate cuff size for accurate BP. Counting pulse only 10 seconds is less accurate; telling the patient you count will alter breathing pattern.
Which statement about orthostatic vital signs is true?
- A They measure only the pulse rate while the patient is lying down
- B They help detect a drop in BP when moving from lying to standing
- C They are an outdated technique no longer used in nursing practice
- D They record only the diastolic pressure in a seated position
Correct answer: They help detect a drop in BP when moving from lying to standing
Orthostatic vital signs involve measuring BP/pulse lying, then standing to detect orthostatic hypotension.
A patient with limited mobility asks for help out of bed for the first time after surgery. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A Offer an oral analgesic and wait 30 minutes before any movement
- B Assist the patient out of bed quickly without checking vital signs first
- C Assess the patient’s vital signs and pain level before moving
- D Delegate the entire task to a UAP immediately without assessment
Correct answer: Assess the patient’s vital signs and pain level before moving
Before assisting with mobility after surgery, assess vitals/pain to ensure patient is stable for movement.
A nurse is repositioning a conscious patient who can assist partially. What is the most appropriate method to promote safety and comfort?
- A Move the patient quickly while they hold on
- B Use a draw sheet and ask the patient to help lift hips
- C Have the patient slide independently without assistance
- D Reposition only when it is convenient for staff
Correct answer: Use a draw sheet and ask the patient to help lift hips
Using draw sheet and asking the patient to assist promotes comfort, reduces strain, and is safe practice for repositioning.
A patient nearing discharge needs to continue wound care at home. Which statement by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A “You’ll do it by yourself tomorrow.”
- B “Here’s a demonstration; then you will show me how you’ll do it.”
- C “I’ll just tell your family what to do; you don’t need to know.”
- D “Watch me now, and I’ll leave you to figure it out.”
Correct answer: “Here’s a demonstration; then you will show me how you’ll do it.”
Demonstration plus return-demonstration (teach-back) ensures patient understanding for home care.
A nurse is caring for a patient with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). Which intervention is most appropriate during mealtime?
- A Serve large gulps of thin liquids to quench thirst quickly
- B Encourage the patient to eat while lying flat to relax the throat
- C Provide small bites, thickened liquids and supervise feeding
- D Offer fibrous raw vegetables to build chewing and swallowing strength
Correct answer: Provide small bites, thickened liquids and supervise feeding
For dysphagia the priority is aspiration prevention: small bites, thickened liquids, an upright position of at least 90 degrees during and for 30 minutes after the meal, and direct supervision of feeding. Thin liquids and fibrous raw textures are the hardest boluses to control, and eating flat removes the gravity assistance that protects the airway.
A patient is incontinent of urine and has fragile skin. What nursing intervention helps prevent skin breakdown?
- A Use coarse dry towels and rub vigorously to ensure the skin is thoroughly dried
- B Change the incontinence pad only once per shift to limit disturbing the patient
- C Clean skin after each episode, pat dry gently, apply moisture barrier cream
- D Leave any minor redness alone and reassess only when it becomes an open sore
Correct answer: Clean skin after each episode, pat dry gently, apply moisture barrier cream
Frequent gentle cleansing, drying and barrier cream protect skin integrity in incontinent patients.
When assisting a patient with feeding who has reduced upper-body strength, what should the nurse do first?
- A Let the patient choose from the whole menu and return to feed them much later
- B Set the tray within reach and leave the patient alone to feed themselves
- C Sit facing the patient upright, make eye contact and offer items slowly
- D Feed the patient as quickly as possible to finish before the shift change
Correct answer: Sit facing the patient upright, make eye contact and offer items slowly
Sitting facing patient, ensuring upright posture, offering single items slowly enhances safety and interaction in feeding assistance.
A patient has just returned from surgery and complains of chest discomfort when taking deep breaths. Which position might the nurse encourage?
- A Talk to patient throughout, explain each step, encourage participation if possible
- B Perform the bath as quickly as possible without explanation to avoid upsetting the patient
- C Skip the bath entirely today because the patient is too confused to cooperate
- D Apply soft restraints to prevent the patient from moving during the bath
Correct answer: Talk to patient throughout, explain each step, encourage participation if possible
Semi-Fowler’s with arm support promotes comfort, helps breathing, and is appropriate post-surgery.
A patient is receiving passive range-of-motion (PROM) exercises from a nurse. Which statement is correct?
- A PROM should be performed only when the patient complains of joint pain
- B PROM maintains joint mobility and circulation in immobile patients
- C PROM is needed only once a week and is sufficient to preserve full strength
- D PROM fully replaces active exercise and builds muscle strength on its own
Correct answer: PROM maintains joint mobility and circulation in immobile patients
Passive range-of-motion helps maintain joint mobility and circulation when the patient cannot move independently.
A nurse is preparing to bathe a confused elderly patient. What is the best approach?
- A Inject air and listen over the stomach as the only method to confirm tube placement
- B Elevate the head of bed to at least 30-45°, verify tube placement, check residual volume
- C Administer the feeding with the patient lying completely flat in bed
- D Give the full feeding even when the gastric residual volume is high
Correct answer: Elevate the head of bed to at least 30-45°, verify tube placement, check residual volume
Therapeutic communication, explanation and encouraging participation support dignity and safety during hygiene for confused patients.
A patient is being fed via nasogastric tube (NG). What action should the nurse perform before administering feeding?
- A Increase the oxygen flow rate so the nasal passages adjust to the dryness
- B Stop the oxygen therapy immediately until the irritation fully resolves
- C Humidify, apply water-soluble lubricant to nares and check cannula fit
- D Limit the oxygen to nighttime only so the nose can recover during the day
Correct answer: Humidify, apply water-soluble lubricant to nares and check cannula fit
For NG feeding: head-of-bed elevated, confirm placement, check residual volume before feed to avoid aspiration or complications.
A patient with oxygen therapy via nasal cannula reports dryness and nose irritation. What nursing intervention is best?
- A Increase oxygen flow rate
- B Stop oxygen therapy immediately
- C Provide humidification, apply water-soluble lubricant around nares, check cannula fit
- D Schedule oxygen only at night
Correct answer: Provide humidification, apply water-soluble lubricant around nares, check cannula fit
Dryness/irritation with nasal cannula: use humidification, lubricate nares (non-petroleum) and check fit for comfort and safety.
A nurse is caring for a patient with a urinary catheter. Which measure is correct to maintain infection prevention?
- A Disconnect the catheter from the bag frequently to give the patient mobility
- B Keep the drainage bag resting on the floor so the tubing has more flexibility
- C Keep a closed system, bag below bladder, secured to leg, with perineal hygiene
- D Clean around the catheter insertion site only about once a week
Correct answer: Keep a closed system, bag below bladder, secured to leg, with perineal hygiene
Closed system, bag below bladder, secure catheter and hygiene prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI).
A patient is receiving pain medicine and has risk of constipation. What basic care should nurse include?
- A Ignore the patient's bowel habits and focus only on controlling the pain level
- B Encourage fiber, fluids, ambulation; monitor stools; give softener as ordered
- C Restrict the patient's fluids to reduce bladder filling and toileting needs
- D Frequently restrict the diet so there is less stool to pass on each day
Correct answer: Encourage fiber, fluids, ambulation; monitor stools; give softener as ordered
Pain meds (especially opioids) increase risk of constipation — patient needs fluid, fiber, mobility and appropriate stool softener.
A patient has a new cast on lower leg. What basic care instruction should the nurse provide?
- A The cast will shrink and loosen on its own; remove it whenever it feels comfortable
- B Elevate the leg, ice for 24-48 hrs, check toes for color/warmth/movement, report numbness
- C Keep the leg hanging down at all times so the swelling can drain away
- D Walk on the casted leg right away without crutches or other assistance
Correct answer: Elevate the leg, ice for 24-48 hrs, check toes for color/warmth/movement, report numbness
With new cast: elevate leg, ice, check neurovascular status (color/warmth/movement/sensation) and instruct to report complications.
When assisting a patient to use a bedpan, which technique promotes dignity and comfort?
- A Leave the patient alone without a call bell and return only when they finish
- B Give privacy, raise the head of bed a little, keep call bell near, clean up
- C Rush the patient to finish quickly because of the busy unit's tight schedule
- D Keep the patient lying flat on their back the whole time for staff convenience
Correct answer: Give privacy, raise the head of bed a little, keep call bell near, clean up
Privacy, positioning, call bell access, and cleaning after use support dignity and safe toileting care.
A patient is placed on NPO (nothing by mouth) status before surgery. Which nursing action is appropriate?
- A Allow the patient to drink small sips of water to keep the mouth comfortable
- B Provide mouth care regularly, keep lips moist, offer ice chips only if permitted
- C Skip all oral hygiene until after the surgery is completed
- D Encourage light snacks before surgery to help maintain the patient’s energy
Correct answer: Provide mouth care regularly, keep lips moist, offer ice chips only if permitted
For NPO: maintain oral hygiene, keep lips moisturized and comfort the patient until surgery.
A patient complains of feeling cold after surgery and has shivering. What should the nurse do for basic comfort and safety?
- A Rapidly raise core temperature by placing a heating pad directly on the abdomen
- B Give warm blankets, cover the head, check temperature and treat the cause
- C Ignore the shivering and wait until the patient stops on their own
- D Cover the patient with only a single thin sheet and leave the room
Correct answer: Give warm blankets, cover the head, check temperature and treat the cause
Provide warm blankets, head cover, check temperature, monitor for hypothermia or reaction after surgery/ anesthesia.
A patient with diabetes needs foot care. Which instruction is most appropriate?
- A Soak the feet in very hot water every day to keep the skin soft and clean
- B Use scissors or a blade at home to cut away calluses and hard skin yourself
- C Wash and dry daily (esp. between toes), inspect, avoid barefoot, moisturise
- D Ignore any foot discomfort or numbness unless the skin actually starts to bleed
Correct answer: Wash and dry daily (esp. between toes), inspect, avoid barefoot, moisturise
Diabetic foot care: daily inspection, cleaning, dryness, moisturiser (not between toes), avoid barefoot to prevent injury/infection.
A patient is on bed rest and reports feeling anxious and wants to get up early. As part of basic care, what should the nurse encourage?
- A Let the patient get up and walk around unsupervised to relieve the anxiety promptly
- B Range-of-motion, repositioning, deep breathing, explain the rest, ease anxiety
- C Ignore the anxiety because it is purely psychological and not a physical care need
- D Tell them they must stay in bed and leave the room without any further explanation
Correct answer: Range-of-motion, repositioning, deep breathing, explain the rest, ease anxiety
Basic patient care includes addressing physical and psychosocial comfort: repositioning, ROM, breathing exercises, explanation to reduce anxiety.
A patient has oral hygiene ordered every 4 hours. Which action should the nurse take?
- A Have the patient swish with mouthwash only and skip brushing the teeth entirely
- B Brush teeth, clean tongue, floss if able, apply lip balm, document response
- C Skip the scheduled care whenever the patient says they will just do it later
- D Clean only the upper teeth to save time during the busy understaffed shift
Correct answer: Brush teeth, clean tongue, floss if able, apply lip balm, document response
Comprehensive oral hygiene includes brushing teeth, tongue cleaning, lip care, appropriate flossing, documenting care and patient response.