Nursing process in the acute situation: RCSI aptitude test practice questions

Sample questions from this topic

1. Question 1

   What is the correct technique for an accurate blood pressure reading?

   1. AImmediately after the patient has walked back to the bed
   2. BSeated, relaxed, arm at heart level, correct cuff size
   3. CStanding with the arm hanging down by the side, after a rest
   4. DSeated with the arm raised above the head
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Open RN checklist: the patient sits quietly for at least five minutes, both feet on the floor, arm supported at heart level, cuff on bare skin with the bladder centred over the brachial artery. Cuff width should be 40% of the arm circumference and the bladder 80 to 100% of it; an undersized cuff gives an artificially high reading. Deflate at 2 to 3 mmHg per second.

   Source: Open RN Nursing Skills 2e, 3.5 Checklist for Manual Blood Pressure and 3.2 Blood Pressure Basics; RCSI reading list names the Nurseslabs vital signs guide; facts checked against Open RN

2. Question 2

   What is the normal adult oral temperature range?

   1. A35.8 to 37.3 C
   2. B34.8 to 36.3 C
   3. C36.8 to 38.2 C
   4. D38.0 to 39.0 C
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Open RN: normal oral temperature is 35.8 to 37.3 C. Axillary readings run lower (34.8 to 36.3 C) and tympanic (36.1 to 37.9 C) and rectal (36.8 to 38.2 C) readings run higher, so the route used must be documented with the result.

   Source: Open RN Nursing Skills 2e, 1.3 Vital Signs; RCSI reading list names the Nurseslabs vital signs guide; facts checked against Open RN

3. Question 3

   In what order should a nurse take a full set of vital signs?

   1. ATemperature first, then pulse, respirations and blood pressure
   2. BDepends on the situation; carotid pulse first if unconscious
   3. CBlood pressure first because it matters most
   4. DOxygen saturation last, after all the other signs
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Open RN: the order is based on the patient and their situation. Staff often place the pulse oximeter probe while obtaining pulse, respirations, blood pressure and temperature, but if a person loses consciousness the assessment begins with the carotid pulse to decide whether CPR is required. Vital signs may be delegated for stable patients; the nurse remains accountable for analysing them and following up out-of-range findings.

   Source: Open RN Nursing Skills 2e, 1.3 Vital Signs; RCSI reading list names the Nurseslabs vital signs guide; facts checked against Open RN

The practice above shuffles the options each time and keeps your score. 30 more free questions across the paper, with a PDF.

Documents behind these questions

Every fact was checked against the public document named on the answer. This topic draws on:

• NCG No. 1 INEWS V2 summary (2020), introduction
• Open RN Nursing Skills 2e, 1.3 Vital Signs
• Open RN Nursing Skills 2e, 3.5 Checklist for Manual Blood Pressure and 3.2 Blood Pressure Basics
• BTS Guideline for oxygen use in adults in healthcare and emergency settings (2017)
• Open RN Nursing Skills 2e, 11.3 Oxygenation Equipment
• Open RN Nursing Skills 2e, 11.2 Basic Concepts of Oxygenation
• PCRS: MRC dyspnoea scale
• RCSI sample MCQs, theory test page