Florida Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CNA Practice Questions and Study Guide

In this scenario, the vital signs provided are temperature, pulse, and respiration rate. The respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute is particularly concerning as it indicates tachypnea, which is an abnormal increase in the rate of breathing. Normal respiration rates for adults typically range from 12 to 20 breaths per minute, so a rate of 30 is significantly higher and could suggest distress or an underlying medical condition that requires prompt attention.

Monitoring respiration is vital as it reflects the status of the respiratory system and overall health. Elevated respiration rates can be a sign of various issues, such as anxiety, fever, metabolic conditions, or respiratory distress. Immediate reporting of this finding to a supervisor or nurse is essential to ensure that the resident receives appropriate assessment and intervention.

The temperature of 98.8 degrees Fahrenheit is within the normal range, and the pulse, though needing to be evaluated in context, is not as critical as an elevated respiratory rate in this scenario. Blood pressure is not provided in this case, making the focus on the respiration rate the most urgent concern based on the information presented.