Certified Cardiovascular Technician Practice Exam

Which factors can influence a patient's vital signs?

1. Medication type

2. Overall health

3. Room temperature

4. Time of day

The correct answer is: Overall health

Overall health is a significant factor that can influence a patient's vital signs for several reasons. A patient's overall health encompasses both their physical and mental state, which can directly affect key vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and body temperature. For instance, an individual with chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes may exhibit different vital signs than a generally healthy person. Illness, infections, and even emotional stress can also alter vital signs, making them an essential aspect of patient assessment in cardiovascular health. While medication type can certainly impact vital signs, and factors like room temperature and time of day can have slight effects, they do not have the same broad and multifaceted influence on a patient’s vital signs as overall health. Understanding a patient’s health status helps clinicians interpret vital signs accurately and assess any necessary interventions.