Nursing Skills Unit 2

Vital Signs

Measurements of the body's most basic functions, often including temperature, pulse, respiration rate, and blood pressure.

Systole

The phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood from the chambers into the arteries.

Diastole

The phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscle relaxes and the heart chambers fill with blood.

Hypertension

A condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high, typically defined as having a systolic pressure of 130 mmHg or higher.

Hypotension

Lower than normal blood pressure, often defined as a systolic pressure below 90 mmHg.

Blood Pressure (BP)

The pressure of circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels, measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

Pulse

The rhythmical expansion and contraction of an artery as blood is forced through it, typically measured in beats per minute.

Respiratory Rate (RR)

The number of breaths taken within a specific period, typically measured per minute.

Pulse Oximetry (SpO2)

A noninvasive method used to measure the oxygen saturation level of hemoglobin in the blood.

Clubing

A deformity of the causes of other diseases and is observed in various conditions associated with long-term oxygen deficiency.

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin resulting from poor circulation or inadequate oxygenation of the blood.

Dyspnea

Difficult or labored breathing, often described as shortness of breath.

Hypoxemia

An abnormally low level of oxygen in the blood.

Hypoxia

A deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues.

Apnea

A temporary cessation of breathing, especially during sleep.

Auscultation

The action of listening to sounds from the organs, typically using a stethoscope.

Korotkoff Sounds

Sounds that medical personnel listen for when they are taking blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer.

Capillary Refill Time

A test used to determine the amount of blood flow to the extremities by assessing how quickly blood returns to capillaries after being compressed.

Borborygmi

The rumbling sound caused by the movement of gas in the intestines.

Palpitations

The feeling of having rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeats.

Jugular Venous Distention (JVD)

A visible bulging of the jugular veins in the neck, often indicating increased central venous pressure.

Dysrhythmia

Any disturbance or abnormality in heart rate or rhythm.

Peripheral Edema

Swelling that occurs when fluid accumulates in the tissues of the body, often seen in the lower extremities.