Vital Signs and Pulse Assessment Flashcards

Flashcards on Vital Signs and Pulse Assessment

Core Vital Signs

Essential for life, including heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration.

Additional Vital Signs

Contributory to overall presentation, including pain, temperature and walking speed.

High Temperature

Indicates a possible infection.

Purpose of Taking Patient History

To determine if the therapist can help the patient, if it's a medical emergency, or if the doctor needs to be aware.

Patient History

Determines the next steps in patient care, such as observation, clearing and screening.

Pulse Assessment

How we quantify pulse, including rate, rhythm, and force.

Heart Rate

How many times the heart beats in a minute.

Heart Rhythm

Consistent pattern of heartbeats.

Pulse Force

Strength of the pulse, indicating the amount of blood in the body.

Tachycardia

Fast heart rate.

Bradycardia

Slow heart rate.

Normal Adult Heart Rate Range

60 to 100 beats per minute

Zero Pulse Force

Absent pulse, requiring CPR.

Upper Extremity Pulses

Carotid, Radial, Ulnar, Brachial.

Carotid Pulse

Located next to the Adam's apple, towards the lateral cartilage.

Radial Pulse

Located on the radial side of the wrist.

Ulnar Pulse

Located on the ulnar side of the wrist.

Brachial Pulse

Located between the biceps and triceps, medial to the humerus.