Davis Advantage for Basic Nursing - Chapter 17: Vital Signs Vocabulary

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering vital signs assessment, thermoregulation, pulse dynamics, respiratory mechanics, and blood pressure concepts.

Thermoregulation

The process of maintaining a stable body temperature through a balance between heat production and heat loss, regulated primarily by the hypothalamus.

Core Temperature

The temperature of deep body tissues, accurately measured at the rectal site, which is typically $1^\frac{\text{o}}{\text{ }}F$ to $2^\frac{\text{o}}{\text{ }}F$ ($0.6^\frac{\text{o}}{\text{ }}C$ to $1.2^\frac{\text{o}}{\text{ }}C$) higher than skin temperature.

Radiation

The loss of heat through electromagnetic waves emitting from surfaces that are warmer than the surrounding air.

Convection

The transfer of heat through currents of air or water.

Evaporation

The process where water is converted to vapor and lost from the skin as perspiration or from mucous membranes through breathing.

Conduction

The transfer of heat from a warm surface to a cool surface by direct contact.

Pyrexia

A fever, characterized by a body temperature greater than $100^\frac{\text{o}}{\text{ }}F$ ($37.8^\frac{\text{o}}{\text{ }}C$), occurring in response to pyrogens.

Hyperpyrexia

An abnormally high body temperature featuring a fever greater than $105.8^\frac{\text{o}}{\text{ }}F$ ($41.0^\frac{\text{o}}{\text{ }}C$).

Hypothermia

A core body temperature below normal, specifically less than $95^\frac{\text{o}}{\text{ }}F$ ($35^\frac{\text{o}}{\text{ }}C$), associated with extended exposure to cold.

Systole

The peak of the pulse wave, representing the contraction phase of the heart.

Diastole

The trough of the pulse wave, representing the resting phase of the heart.

Stroke Volume

The quantity of blood pumped out of the heart with each contraction of the left ventricle.

Cardiac Output

The total volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute, calculated as stroke volume multiplied by pulse rate.

Peripheral Pulse Sites

Anatomical arterial locations used to assess pulse, including the temporal, facial, carotid, brachial, radial, femoral, popliteal, posterior tibial, and dorsalis pedis arteries.

Point of Maximal Impulse (PMI)

The anatomical location for assessing an adult apical pulse, located at the intersection of the fifth intercostal space and the left midclavicular line.

Pulse Deficit

A condition where a heartbeat is heard upon apical auscultation but no corresponding pulse is felt at a peripheral pulse site.

Bradycardia

A slow heart rate, defined as an adult pulse rate below $60\text{ beats/min}$.

Tachycardia

A rapid heart rate, defined as an adult pulse rate above $100\text{ beats/min}$.

Pallor

Paleness of the skin when compared with another body part or healthy reference.

Cyanosis

A bluish or grayish discoloration of the skin caused by deficient oxygen and excessive carbon dioxide in the blood.

Pulmonary Ventilation

The active mechanical movement of air in and out of the respiratory system.

Inspiration

The active phase of respiration where rib movement and diaphragm contraction create negative pressure, drawing air into expanding lungs.

Expiration

The passive phase of respiration where thoracic muscle and diaphragm relaxation cause lungs to recoil and expel air over 2 to 3 seconds.

Apnea

The complete cessation of breathing.

Dyspnea

Shortness of breath or labored, difficult breathing.

Orthopnea

Inability to breathe easily except when in an upright or standing position, leading to difficulty when horizontal or supine.

Pulse Pressure

The numerical difference between the measured systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.

Hypoxia

A state of inadequate oxygenation at the cellular level.

Korotkoff's Sounds

The five distinct phases of sounds heard through a stethoscope while deflating a blood pressure cuff, marking systolic and diastolic pressures.

Primary Essential Hypertension

High blood pressure diagnosed without a known underlying cause, accounting for at least $90\text{\%}$ of all hypertension cases.