Identify an incorrect option about vital signs?

Appeared in: SGPGI Nursing Officer-2023

Explanation

The normal resting pulse rate for a healthy adult is between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm).
A pulse rate of 120/min is considered tachycardia, which is an abnormally fast heart rate.
Tachycardia can be caused by various factors, including exercise, fever, anxiety, dehydration, and certain medical conditions.
This value is clearly outside the accepted normal range, making it the incorrect or abnormal vital sign among the options.

Option A: A temperature of 37°C (98.6°F) is considered the average normal oral body temperature for a healthy adult.
Option B: This option is also abnormal, as the normal respiratory rate for an adult is 12-20 breaths per minute. A rate of 24 breaths/min is classified as tachypnea (rapid breathing). However, it is a less significant deviation compared to the pulse rate of 120/min.
Option C: A blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg is classified as normal for an adult according to current guidelines.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Normal vital sign ranges in adults as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing abnormal vital signs is a fundamental nursing skill critical for early detection of patient deterioration.
A finding of tachycardia (pulse >100/min) requires immediate follow-up assessment to determine the cause, which could range from benign (anxiety, recent exertion) to serious (hypovolemia, infection, cardiac arrhythmia).
Nursing interventions for tachycardia include re-checking the pulse, assessing for related symptoms (dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath), checking other vital signs, and notifying the healthcare provider.

How to Approach the Question

First, read the question carefully to understand what is being asked. Here, you need to identify the 'incorrect' option, which means the value that is not normal.
Recall the standard normal ranges for adult vital signs: Temperature, Pulse, Respiration, and Blood Pressure.
Evaluate each option by comparing the given value to its corresponding normal range.
Option A (Temp 37°C) is normal.
Option B (Resp 18-24/min) is high, as the normal is 12-20/min.
Option C (BP 120/80 mmHg) is normal.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q_87B-YS9FCToCd-y1BiNS

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 3 p. 8-10

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor pp. 115-117, 135-137

Practise the full SGPGI Nursing Officer-2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.