Vital Signs Vocabulary

Flashcards defining core concepts, normal ranges, and clinical terminology related to vital signs.

Vital Signs

Clinical measurements including Temperature (T), Pulse (P), Respiration (R), Blood Pressure (BP), Pulse Oximetry, and often Pain as a fifth sign.

Normal Oral Temperature

Healthy adult range of 35.8-37.5°C (96.4-99.5°F) or 35.9-37.5°C (96.6-99.5°F).

Normal Rectal Temperature

Healthy adult range of 36.3–38.1°C (97.4–100.5°F).

Normal Axillary Temperature

Healthy adult range of 35.4–36.9°C (95.6–98.5°F).

Normal Tympanic Temperature

Healthy adult range of 36.8–38.3°C (98.2–100.9°F).

Normal Forehead Temperature

Healthy adult temporal artery range of 36.3–38.1°C (98.7–100.5°F).

Metabolism

The primary source of heat production in the body, increased by exercise, muscle movements, hormones, thyroid hormone, and shivering.

Skin (Heat Loss)

The primary source of body heat loss, which occurs through evaporation of sweat, warming/humidifying inspired air, and eliminating urine and feces.

Pulse Rate

The number of contractions over a peripheral artery in 1 minute, with a normal range for adolescents and adults from 60 to 100 beats/min.

Brachial Pulse Site

Pulse detection site located on the inside of the elbow.

Pulse Amplitude Grade 0

Absent pulse, unable to palpate.

Pulse Amplitude Grade +1

Diminished pulse strength, weaker than expected.

Pulse Amplitude Grade +2

Normal pulse strength; brisk, expected.

Pulse Amplitude Grade 3+

Bounding pulse strength.

Ventilation

The movement of air in and out of the lungs, consisting of inhalation (breathing in) and exhalation (breathing out).

Diffusion

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the alveoli of the lungs and circulating blood.

Perfusion

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between circulating blood and tissue cells.

Carbon Dioxide

Gas whose increase serves as the most powerful respiratory stimulant.

Eupnea

Normal, unlabored respiration characterized by a ratio of one respiration to four heartbeats.

Tachypnea

Increased respiratory rate, which may occur in response to an increased metabolic rate.

Bradypnea

Decreased respiratory rate, occurring in some pathologic conditions.

Apnea

Periods when no breathing occurs.

Dyspnea

Difficult or labored breathing.

Orthopnea

Changes in breathing that occur when sitting or standing.

Blood Pressure

The force exerted by moving blood against arterial walls.

Systolic Pressure

Maximum pressure exerted on arterial walls when the left ventricle contracts.

Diastolic Pressure

Lowest pressure exerted on arterial walls when the heart rests between beats.

Pulse Pressure

The mathematical difference between systolic and diastolic pressure ($\text{Systolic Pressure} - \text{Diastolic Pressure}$).

Hypotension

Blood pressure reading that is less than $90/60\,\text{mm Hg}$.

Orthostatic Hypotension

Also known as postural hypotension; results from an inadequate physiologic response to position changes when rising to an erect position.

Korotkoff Sounds

Sounds heard through a stethoscope during blood pressure assessment, where the first sound marks systolic pressure and the change or cessation of sounds marks diastolic pressure.