Vital Signs

Vital Signs

Indicators of physiologic functioning, reflecting the health status of an individual, including temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and pain level.

Homeostatic Regulation

Physiologic processes involved in maintaining stable internal conditions, including temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure.

Fever (Pyrexia)

An increase in body temperature, typically over 38°C (100.4°F), considered a sign of immune response.

Hypothermia

A dangerously low body temperature, often characterized by symptoms like poor coordination, slurred speech, and decreased respiration.

Circadian Rhythm

Predictable fluctuations in physiological parameters, such as lower body temperature in the morning and peaks in the afternoon.

Systolic Blood Pressure

The highest pressure in the arteries during heart contraction.

Diastolic Blood Pressure

The lowest pressure in the arteries during heart relaxation.

Tachycardia

A heart rate that exceeds the normal resting rate, typically over 100 beats per minute.

Bradycardia

A slower than normal heart rate, generally below 60 beats per minute.

Oxygen Saturation (SpO2)

A non-invasive measurement that estimates arterial oxygen saturation using a pulse oximeter.

Korotkoff Sounds

Sounds heard during a blood pressure measurement, resulting from the turbulent blood flow through an artery as pressure is released.

Pain Assessment (PQRST)

A method for evaluating pain by examining provoking/relieving factors, quality, region/radiation, severity, and timing.

Core Body Temperature Range

The optimal range for body functioning, typically between 36°C to 37.5°C (98.6°F).

Blood Pressure Assessment

The process of measuring blood pressure to determine cardiovascular health, requiring accurate cuff sizing and patient positioning.

Bair Hugger

A device used to raise body temperature and promote warmth in patients suffering from hypothermia.

Oral Temperature Measurement

Assessing body temperature via the sublingual pocket; requires the patient to be alert and without recent hot or cold food/drinks.

Apical Pulse

The heartbeat counted at the apex of the heart, typically used to assess heart rate when peripheral pulses are irregular.

Respiration Rate

The number of breathing cycles per minute; normal ranges from 12-20 breaths/min for adults.

Dyspnea

Difficult or labored breathing, which may indicate underlying health issues.

Pain Level

A subjective measurement of pain intensity experienced by the patient, assessed on a scale.