vital signs

Vital Signs

Key indicators of a patient’s physiological status, including BP, HR, RR, Temperature, SpO₂, and Pain.

Blood Pressure (BP)

The force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels, typically measured in mmHg.

Normal Blood Pressure Value

120/80 mmHg.

Systolic Pressure

The pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts (top number in BP reading).

Diastolic Pressure

The pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes (bottom number in BP reading).

Hypertension (HTN)

Condition where BP is greater than 140/90 mmHg, may lead to serious health issues.

Hypotension

Condition where BP is less than 90/60 mmHg, may cause dizziness and fainting.

Heart Rate (HR)

The number of heartbeats per minute.

Normal Heart Rate Value

60–100 bpm.

Bradycardia

Condition where HR is less than 60 bpm; can be normal in athletes.

Tachycardia

Condition where HR is greater than 100 bpm; may arise from stress or fever.

Respiratory Rate (RR)

The number of breaths taken per minute.

Normal Respiratory Rate Value

12–20 breaths per minute.

Bradypnea

Condition where RR is less than 12 breaths per minute; may occur with opioid overdose.

Tachypnea

Condition where RR is greater than 20 breaths per minute; may occur with anxiety or respiratory distress.

Normal Temperature Range (F)

97.8°F – 99°F.

Hypothermia

Condition where body temperature is less than 95°F.

Hyperthermia

Condition where body temperature is greater than 104°F.

Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂)

The percentage of oxygen in the blood.

Normal Oxygen Saturation Value

95%–100%.

Hypoxemia

Condition where SpO₂ is less than 90%, indicating low oxygen levels.

Pain

A subjective experience that can only be described by the patient.

Numerical Rating Scale

A tool for measuring pain on a scale from 0 to 10.

Wong-Baker FACES Scale

A tool commonly used to assess pain in children or non-verbal patients.

Verbal Rating Scale

A method of pain assessment using terms like mild, moderate, and severe.

Clinical Reminder

Always compare to baseline vitals and document abnormalities.

Trends in Vital Signs

Patterns observed over time in a patient's vital signs are more important than single readings.

Baseline Vitals

The original state of a patient's vital signs for comparison during assessment.

Squeeze/Relax Memory Tip

Refers to Systolic (squeeze) and Diastolic (relax) blood pressure values.

B for Below Memory Tip

Refers to Bradycardia, where heart rate is below normal.

T for Too Fast Memory Tip

Refers to Tachycardia, where heart rate is above normal.

Bread is Slow Mnemonic

Helps remember Bradypnea, indicating slow breathing.

Tacky = Fast Breathing Mnemonic

Helps remember Tachypnea, indicating fast breathing.

Initiate Oxygen Support

Required when SpO₂ drops below 92%.

Consider Long-term Oxygen Therapy

Indicated when SpO₂ is below 88% on room air.

Systolic

Top number of blood pressure indicating pressure during heart contraction.

Diastolic

Bottom number of blood pressure indicating pressure during heart relaxation.

Consequences of Hypertension

May lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney failure.

Consequences of Hypotension

May lead to dizziness, fainting, or shock.

Tool for Measuring SpO₂

Pulse oximeter.

Assess Pain

Important to evaluate during every vital check as it can affect other vital signs.

Normal Temperature Range (C)

36.5°C – 37.2°C.

Definitions of Vital Signs

Metrics quantifying bodily functions crucial for patient assessment.

Monitor Patterns

Observing regularities in vital signs over time is essential for diagnosis.

Measure Blood Pressure

Generally done using a sphygmomanometer.

Normal Range for Systolic BP

Should be around 120 mmHg in a healthy adult.

Normal Range for Diastolic BP

Should be approximately 80 mmHg in a healthy adult.

Symptoms of Bradycardia

May include fatigue, dizziness, fainting.

Symptoms of Tachycardia

Can include palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain.

Causes of Bradypnea

Opioid overdose, brain injury, or sedation can lead to slowed breathing.

Causes of Tachypnea

Anxiety, fever, acidosis, or respiratory distress can result in rapid breathing.

Measurement for Temperature

Usually taken orally, axillary, or rectally.

Record Vital Signs

Vital sign measurements should be documented promptly.

Significance of Vital Signs

Essential parameters for assessing patient health and condition.

Hyperthermia Causes

Infections, heat stroke, or neurogenic fever can lead to an increased temperature.

Hypothermia Causes

Cold exposure, sepsis, or hypothyroidism can result in lowered body temperature.

Oxygen Saturation Measurement

Often measured using a pulse oximeter placed on a finger.

SpO₂ below 90%

Indicates hypoxemia and may require medical intervention.

Higher Temperature in Day

Normal fluctuations occur, usually highest in the late afternoon.

Variability of Pain Assessment

Pain can be influenced by numerous factors, require careful and periodic assessment.

Consider Other Vitals

When evaluating pain, other vital signs like HR and BP can be affected.

Difference in Patient Baselines

Each patient's normal vital signs may be unique due to individual health conditions.

Documentation of Abnormal Vitals

Reporting vital abnormalities is crucial for timely medical response.

Benchmark for Low SpO₂

Always act if SpO₂ is below 92% in a clinical setting.

Monitoring Trends Over Time

Crucial for understanding patient recovery or deterioration.

Impact of Pain on Vitals

Decreased SpO₂, increased HR, and RR can result from acute pain.

Pain and Vitals Connection

Pain can lead to changes in other vital signs, indicating a need for intervention.

Clinical Significance of Vitals

Recognizing trends and deviations in vital signals helps guide treatment strategies.