vital-signs MCQs for UPSC Prelims

30 practice questions on vital-signs from the Fundamentals of Nursing section of the UPSC Prelims syllabus. 30 come with a written explanation. Try the sample set below - the answer stays hidden until you ask for it.

13 Easy 12 Medium 5 Hard

Sample questions

Q1
easy
The normal adult respiratory rate at rest is approximately:
  1. A 30–40 breaths/minute
  2. B 25–35 breaths/minute
  3. C 4–8 breaths/minute
  4. D 12–20 breaths/minute
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: D - 12–20 breaths/minute

A resting adult breathes about 12 to 20 times per minute. Below 12 is bradypnea and above 20 is tachypnea, so the rates given in the other choices describe abnormal breathing rather than the normal range.
Q2
medium
In a blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg, 80 represents the:
  1. A Pulse pressure
  2. B Pulse rate
  3. C Diastolic pressure
  4. D Systolic pressure
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C - Diastolic pressure

In 120/80 mmHg the lower figure, 80, is the diastolic pressure: the pressure remaining in the arteries while the heart relaxes and refills. The upper figure is the systolic pressure produced when the heart contracts.
Q3
hard
A fever that fluctuates but does not return to normal during the 24-hour period is called:
  1. A Remittent fever
  2. B Continuous fever
  3. C Intermittent fever
  4. D Relapsing fever
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A - Remittent fever

A remittent fever fluctuates by more than a degree during the day but never falls back to normal. In an intermittent fever the temperature does return to normal between the peaks, which is the distinction being tested.
Q4
easy
Normal body temperature is commonly represented as:
  1. A 94.6°F
  2. B 96.0°F
  3. C 98.6°F
  4. D 101.6°F
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C - 98.6°F

Average normal body temperature is conventionally given as 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, which is 37 degrees Celsius. Normal varies slightly between individuals, with the site measured and with the time of day.
Q5
hard
A normal pulse strength of 2+ is generally described as:
  1. A Weak
  2. B Bounding
  3. C Normal
  4. D Absent
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C - Normal

On the 0 to 4+ scale, 2+ is a normal pulse. 0 is absent, 1+ is weak or thready, 3+ is increased or full and 4+ is bounding.
Q6
medium
A blood pressure that falls when a person stands or sits up is called:
  1. A Hyperthermia
  2. B Orthostatic hypotension
  3. C Hypertension
  4. D Tachycardia
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B - Orthostatic hypotension

Orthostatic hypotension is a fall in blood pressure on rising from lying to sitting or standing. It commonly causes dizziness and is an important falls risk, so patients are asked to change position slowly.
Q7
easy
Abnormally rapid breathing is called:
  1. A Apnea
  2. B Tachypnea
  3. C Bradypnea
  4. D Eupnea
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B - Tachypnea

Tachypnea is abnormally rapid breathing. Bradypnea is abnormally slow breathing, apnea is the absence of breathing, and eupnea is normal, effortless breathing.
Q8
medium
The sounds heard while measuring blood pressure with a stethoscope are called:
  1. A Murmurs
  2. B Wheezing sounds
  3. C Crackles
  4. D Korotkoff sounds
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: D - Korotkoff sounds

The sounds heard through the stethoscope while releasing the cuff are Korotkoff sounds. The first sound marks the systolic pressure and their disappearance marks the diastolic pressure.

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