State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) Practice Exam

Which set of vital signs should be reported to the charge nurse immediately?

1. Resting: 98.6-98-32

2. After eating: 97.0-64-24

3. After walking exercise: 98.2-98-28

4. While watching television: 98.8-72-14

The correct answer is: Resting: 98.6-98-32

The correct answer highlights a vital signs reading that warrants immediate reporting to the charge nurse due to its significance in assessing a patient's health status. The range given in the selected option indicates the patient's temperature is at 98.6°F, which is within the normal range for body temperature. However, the heart rate and respiratory rate appear abnormal with a resting heart rate of 98 beats per minute, which is elevated compared to typical resting rates for adults (usually between 60-100 beats per minute), while the respiratory rate is 32 breaths per minute, which is significantly above the normal range (12-20 breaths per minute). These elevated rates could indicate distress or a response to underlying health issues that require further examination. When assessing vital signs, it is crucial to identify values that deviate from established normal ranges, as they may indicate serious health problems that need immediate attention. The other sets of vital signs presented show values that remain within normal limits or only slight variations that typically wouldn't necessitate urgent intervention. The resting heart rate and respiratory rate found in the first choice flag potential complications that call for timely nursing intervention to prevent further health deterioration.