[PCOL2-LAB-PRE-01-PT2] DETERMINATION OF VITAL SIGNS

TIHS FLASH CARDS IS ABOUT [PCOL II] DETERMINATION OF VITAL SIGNS

Silence

Systolic Pressure: Artery occluded; no flow.

Sounds of turbulent flow

Diastolic Pressure: Artery compressed; blood flow audible.

Silence

Artery not compressed; flow free and inaudible.

1. ~40%

2. =12-14 cm

3. ~80%

Cuff Bladder Dimensions:

• Width: (1)____ of the upper arm circumference [(2)_____ cm for the average adult]

• Length: (3)____ of the upper arm circumference (should nearly encircle the arm)

28 cm

Cuff Bladder Dimension (Example):

A 12 × 23 cm cuff is appropriate for arm circumferences up to ___ cm.

Systolic Pressure

Identify the Pressure Measurement:

• Inflate the cuff rapidly to the target pressure level.

• Slowly deflate the cuff at a rate of 2-3 mmHg per second.

• Identify the point where you first hear at least two consecutive rhythmic sounds (Korotkoff sounds).

2-3 mmHg per second

In systolic pressure, what is the rate to slowly deflate the cuff?

Korotkoff Sounds

These sounds are the audible tapping, swishing, and knocking sounds a clinician hears with a stethoscope when measuring manual blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer and brachial artery cuff.

This point indicates the systolic pressure.

Diastolic Pressure

Identify the Pressure Measurement:

Continue deflating the cuff gradually.

Sounds

The diastolic pressure is identified at the disappearance of the?

1. 10-20 mmHg

2. Zero

To confirm the point in diastolic pressure:

• Continue observing a further (1)_____ beyond sound disappearance.

• Then, rapidly deflate the cuff to (2)____.

The disappearance point is usually a few mmHg below the muffling point, and it provides the most accurate diastolic estimate.

Heart Rate

The number of heartbeats per minute. It reflects how fast the heart is beating and is a vital indicator of cardiovascular health.

60-100 bpm

What is the normal range of heart rate in resting adults?

Note: It may increase with exercise, stress, fever, or illness and decrease during rest or sleep.

Heart Rhythm

The pattern or regularity of heartbeats. It describes whether the heartbeats occur at regular intervals and in a normal sequence.

Normal Rhythm

Heart Rhythm:

Called sinus rhythm, where electrical impulses originate from the sinoatrial (SA) node.

1. Sinus Rhythm

2. Sinoatrial (SA) Node

Normal rhythm is also known as (1)______, where electrical impulses originated from the (2)________________.

Abnormal Rhythm (Arrhythmia)

Heart Rhythm:

Includes irregular, too fast (tachycardia), or too slow (bradycardia) patterns.

Arrhythmia

Abnormal rhythm is also known as?

Radial Pulse

Assessment of Vital Signs:

What is the preferred site?

• How to assess:

Use the pads of your index and middle fingers.

Press gently over the radial artery until you feel the strongest pulse.

• Timing:

If the rhythm is regular: Count the beats for 30 seconds and double the number.

If the rate is abnormally fast or slow: Count the beats for the full 60 seconds.

1. Manual Palpation

2. Stethoscope

Rhythm Assessment:

• Begin with (1)______ palpation of the radial pulse.

• If any irregularities are detected:

  • Use a (2)_____ to listen at the apex of the heart.

Premature, low-amplitude beats

In rhythm assessment, __________ beats may not reach the periphery, possibly leading to underestimated heart rate.

Info

Evaluate the pattern of rhythm:

• Do premature beats occur in a predictable pattern?

• Does the irregularity vary with respiration (e.g., sinus arrhythmia)?

• Is the rhythm completely irregular (e.g., atrial fibrillation)?

Respiratory Rate

The number of breaths taken per minute.

Respiratory Rhythm

The regularity or pattern of breathing (e.g., regular, irregular, shallow, or deep).

Info

How to Assess Respiratory Rate & Rhythm:

• Observe the rate, rhythm, depth, and effort of breathing.

• Count the respirations for 1 full minute by:

  • Visual inspection of chest movement;

  • Or subtle auscultation over the trachea during head, neck, or chest examination.

1. ~12 to 20 breaths per minute

2. Quiet, regular, and effortless

3. Occasional sighs are considered normal

4. Expiration should not be prolonged

Normal Findings in Adults:

1. Rate: ___________ breaths per minutes

2. Pattern: ____________________

3. ______________ are considered normal

4. ________ should not be prolonged

Body Temperature

This refers to the internal heat level maintained by the body to support vital functions. It reflects the balance between heat production (primarily from metabolism and muscle activity) and heat loss (through the skin, lungs, and excretion).

~37 degrees celsius (98.6 degrees fahrenheit)

Normal Core Body Temperature:

What is the average body temperature?

~±1 degrees celsius

Normal Core Body Temperature:

What is the normal daily variation of body temperature?

Early morning

Normal Core Body Temperature:

What time is the body temperature in its lowest?

Afternoon/Evening

Normal Core Body Temperature:

What time is the body temperature in its highest?

True

True or False:

Women generally have a wider range of normal temperature than men.

Pulmonary Artery (Blood Temperature)

This site is the most accurate temperature (used in research).

Oral

This site is commonly used; ~0.4-0.5 degrees celsius (0.7-0.9 fahrenheit) lower than rectal temperature.

Rectal

This site is closer to core temperature; more accurate than oral or axillary.

Axillary (Underarm)

This site is ~1 degrees celsius lower than oral; less accurate; requires 5-10 minutes to measure.

Tympanic

This site uses infrared; quick but more variable than oral or rectal.

Temporal Artery

This site is noninvasive infrared; correlates well with pulmonary artery temperature (~0.5 degrees celsius lower)