Vital Signs, Monitoring Devices, and History Taking

Comprehensive flashcards covering vital signs, monitoring equipment, and patient history taking based on Chapter 11 of Prehospital Emergency Care 12th Edition.

What is the primary purpose of taking baseline vital signs?

They are the first set of measurements taken to which later findings are compared to detect trends in the patient’s condition.

What is the normal respiratory rate range for an adult?

$12$ to $20\text{ breaths per minute}$.

At what respiratory rate should an EMT ventilate an adult patient?

$40\text{ breaths per minute}$ or greater.

What does a snoring respiration sound typically indicate?

The tongue is partially blocking the upper airway at the level of the pharynx.

Describe Cheyne Stokes respiration.

A pattern where respiratory rate and tidal volume gradually increase and gradually decrease, followed by a period of apnea.

What is indicated by gurgling sounds in the upper airway?

Fluid in the upper airway.

Which lung sound is characterized by mucus blocking the larger bronchioles and is audible with a stethoscope?

Rhonchi.

Where should you check the pulse for a patient less than one year of age?

The brachial pulse.

Define Tachycardia and Bradycardia in an adult.

Tachycardia is a heart rate greater than $100\text{ bpm}$; Bradycardia is a heart rate less than $60\text{ bpm}$.

What is Pulsus paradoxus?

A systolic blood pressure drop of more than $10\text{ mmHg}$ during inspiration.

What does a rapid, regular, and thready pulse typically indicate?

A reliable sign of shock, often evident in the early stage of blood loss.

What do yellow skin color (jaundice) and blue-gray skin color (cyanosis) indicate?

Jaundice indicates liver disease; cyanosis indicates inadequate oxygenation of the tissues.

What are the upper limits of normal capillary refill time for adult males and females?

$2\text{ seconds}$ for males and $3\text{ seconds}$ for females.

What do constricted (pinpoint) pupils often suggest?

Central nervous system disorder or narcotics use.

Define systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Systolic is the pressure during contraction of the left ventricle; diastolic is the pressure during relaxation of the left ventricle and reflects vascular resistance.

What is the formula for systolic blood pressure indicating hypotension in children aged $1$ to $10$ years?

$\text{Less than } 70 + (2 \times \text{years in age})$.

What constitutes a positive orthostatic vital sign test?

An increase in heart rate of more than $10$-$20\text{ bpm}$ and a decrease in systolic pressure of $10$-$20\text{ mmHg}$ when moving from supine to standing.

What are the Pulse Oximetry ($SpO_2$) thresholds for hypoxia and severe hypoxia?

$< 94\%$ indicates hypoxia and $< 90\%$ indicates severe hypoxia.

What are four limitations that may cause inaccurate pulse oximeter readings?

Shock, hypothermia, nail polish, and carbon monoxide exposure.

What does a sudden increase in the end-tidal carbon dioxide ($EtCO_2$) reading in a cardiac arrest patient suggest?

The patient may have regained a pulse (Return of Spontaneous Circulation).

How many electrodes are required for a $12$-Lead ECG and how are they divided?

$10$ electrodes total: $4$ limb leads and $6$ chest (precordial) leads.

What is the normal range for a blood glucose level (BGL)?

$70\text{ mg/dL}$ to $140\text{ mg/dL}$.

What are the five categories scored in the FLACC pain assessment scale?

Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability.

What is the normal range for body core temperature (BCT)?

$97.7$ to $99.5\text{ degrees F}$ ($36.5$ to $37.5\text{ degrees C}$).

What does the mnemonic SAMPLE stand for in history taking?

Signs and symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Pertinent past history, Last oral intake, and Events leading up to the illness/injury.

What does the mnemonic OPQRST stand for when evaluating patient complaints?

Onset, Provocation/Palliation/Position, Quality, Radiation, Severity, and Time.