Question

The nurse is assessing the vital signs of a 20-year-old male marathon runner and documents the following vital signs: temperature–36° C; pulse–48 beats per minute; respirations–14 breaths per minute; blood pressure–104/68 mm Hg. Which statement is true concerning these results?(A) The patient is experiencing tachycardia.(B) These are normal vital signs for a healthy, athletic adult.(C) The patient’s pulse rate is not normal—his physician should be notified.(D) On the basis of today’s readings, the patient should return to the clinic in 1 week.

Answer 1

Answer:

(B) These are normal vital signs for a healthy, athletic adult.

Explanation:

Vital signs are indicators of vital functions and may guide the initial diagnosis and follow-up of the patient's clinical course. They are: Blood pressure; Pulse; Breath; Temperature. Vital signs are measured to establish baseline patterns, observe trends, identify physiological problems, and monitor patient response to treatment. In the case of the athlete described in the question, all his vital signs are normal, showing that the athlete is a healthy adult and able to run the marathon.