Vital signs etc (2)

Blood pressure

Force of blood against artery walls. Abnormal BP may indicate shock, hypertension, or other emergencies.

Bradycardia

Below 60 bpm. Can cause poor perfusion if symptomatic.

Capillary refill

Time needed for color to return after pressure is applied to skin or nail bed. Delayed refill may indicate poor perfusion.

Capnography

Measurement of exhaled carbon dioxide (ETCO2). Used to monitor ventilation and airway status.

Chief complaint

Main reason the patient called EMS or seeks medical help.

Clammy

Cool, moist, sweaty skin commonly seen in shock or distress.

Conjunctiva

Membrane lining the eyelids and covering the eye. Pale conjunctiva may suggest anemia.

Constricted

Pupil narrowing. Opioids commonly cause constricted pupils.

Diastolic blood pressure

Pressure in arteries while the heart rests between beats.

Dilated

Enlarged pupils. Can occur with stimulants, shock, or brain injury.

Flushing

Reddening and warming of skin from increased blood flow.

Jaundice

Caused by liver dysfunction or elevated bilirubin.

Mottling

Blotchy skin discoloration associated with poor perfusion or shock.

OPQRST

Onset, Provocation/Palliation, Quality, Region/Radiation, Severity, Time.

Orthostatic vital signs

Vitals taken in different positions to assess for volume loss or dehydration.

Pallor

Pale skin color often associated with shock, blood loss, or poor circulation.

Pulse oximeter

Device measuring oxygen saturation in blood.

Pulse oximetry

Measurement of oxygen saturation (SpO2). Low readings may indicate hypoxia.

Pulse pressure

Difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Pulsus paradoxus

Abnormal drop in systolic BP during inspiration; may occur in severe asthma or cardiac tamponade.

SAMPLE history

Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past history, Last oral intake, Events leading up.

Signs

Observations like bleeding or cyanosis.

Sphygmomanometer

Blood pressure cuff device used to measure blood pressure.

Stridor

High-pitched upper airway sound indicating airway narrowing or obstruction.

Symptoms

Subjective complaints reported by the patient, such as nausea or pain.

Systolic blood pressure

Pressure in arteries during heart contraction.

Tilt test

Test evaluating blood pressure and heart rate changes with position changes.