CNA - Topic 16 - Vital signs, math, medical terminology

If there are 4 servings, and the resident eats 1/2/3 servings, how much did they eat (according to the exam)?

50%

vital signs

measurements of what is going on in the body

What are the daily VS to measure?

temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure (TPRB)

• this specific order matters

What VS to measure upon admission?

temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, height, weight

How do you use a glass themometer?

• turn on: shake it down

• read: long line = 2 degree; short line = 0.2; will only have even numbers

• to clean it: cool water

How do you use an electronic thermometer?

• turn on: power button

• read: will beep when the temp is measured

• beeps when you turn it on and off

• to clean it: alcohol

Probes

used to cover thermometers and decrease risk of infection. All are disposable/one time use

• red = rectal

• blue/green = oral

What is the axillary temperature range? Who should you use it on?

Armpit; 96-98

• for combative residents or babies

What is the oral temperature range? Who should you use it on?

tongue; 97-99

• for people 6+ years; non combative; oxygen

What is the rectal temperature range? Who should you use it on?

anal; 98-100

• for babies; non combative

• lubricate, use Simms position, 0.5-1” in

What is tympanic temperature?

in the ear; only 0.5-1” inches in

Afebrile

no fever; ex. 98.2

febrile

fever; ex. 102.4

What can affect the temperature reading?

weather, infection, fever

tachycardia

over 100 (ex. 120)

bradycardia

under 60 (ex 30 BPM)

What are the pulse sites?

• Carotid = neck; CPR only

• Brachial = elbow; taken during BP reading/stethoscope

• radial = wrist; most common

• temporal, apical, femoral, popliteal, pedal = temples; doctors only

What pulse sites are Dr only?

• temporal = temples

• apical = heart (stethoscope)

• femoral = groin (babies)

• popliteal = back of knee

• pedal = top of food

What is the range of repirations/min?

12-20 breaths per min

what measurement is considered tachypnea? Bradypnea?

tachypnea = 30 BR

bradypnea = 10 BR

dyspnea and apnea

difficulty breathing; no breaths

bronchitis

inflammation of the lungs, a type of COPD

emphysema

caused by smoking; a type of COPD

• shortness of breath, wheezing

cheynes stoking

on and off breaths (dying)

What is appropriate range for systolic/diastolic number?

systolic: 110-120

diastolic: 60-80

high BP can indicate

HTN, stroke

sphygmomanometer

used to SEE blood pressure

• cuff, bare arm, veins

• number dial shows numbers 20-300

• opens counterclockwise, closes clockwise

stethoscope

how you HEAR blood pressure

• must clean ear parts = or else ear infection

• must clean drum = or else can spread MRSA

What can affect BP? what are the side effects?

BP medications. Can cause impotence in males (interfere with erection)

What do you do if you see pills on the floor"?

they are probably BP pills. report to nurse

angina

pain of the heart that mimics a heart attack

• if occurs after a heart attack, report to nurse immediately

why might a resident not get their BP taken from their arms?

IV, case, dialysis shunt, injuries, mastectomy

TPN

total parenteral nutrition: someone who cannot have food by mouth—receive nutrition through IV only

1 oz is __ cc/mL

30

how do you measure a resident with an amputated leg?

measure from the top of the heat to the longest limb

how do you measure a resident who is contracted?

measure from the top of the head to the bottom of the contraction

what disease do you have to measure the resident’s weight daily?

CHF

if a resident’s weight is off, by how many lbs off should you report?

if it is off by 3-5 lb

what foods are in 4 oz cups?

milk, juice, ice cream