Vital Signs

What are the four essential vital signs used to indicate how the body is functioning?

Temperature, Pulse, Respiration, Blood Pressure (TPR & BP)

What is the 5th vital sign that indicates the degree of pain?

Degree of Pain is measured on a scale of 1 to 10.

What does TPR stand for in vital signs?

TPR stands for Temperature, Pulse, and Respiration.

What is considered a normal temperature range in degrees Fahrenheit?

97 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is hyperthermia and its temperature level?

Hyperthermia is an elevated body temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

What constitutes a fever in terms of temperature?

A fever is defined as a temperature greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

What term is used when no fever is present?

Afebrile.

What is the range for hypothermia?

95 degrees Fahrenheit or lower

Which factors increase body temperature?

Exercise, digestion of food, increased environmental temperature, illness, infection, excitement, anxiety.

What factors can decrease body temperature?

Sleep, fasting, exposure to cold, certain illnesses, decreased muscle activity, mouth breathing, depression.

What is the oral average body temperature in degrees Fahrenheit?

98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

Which pulse site is most frequently used?

Radial pulse, located on the thumb side of the wrist.

Where is the apical pulse measured?

At the apex of the heart, typically using a stethoscope.

What is the average pulse rate for adult men?

60 to 70 beats per minute.

What is tachycardia?

An increased pulse rate, typically above 100 beats per minute.

What is bradycardia?

A decreased pulse rate, typically below 60 beats per minute.

What does pulse oximetry measure?

The amount of oxygen in the hemoglobin of arterial blood.

What is the average respiration rate for adults?

12 to 20 breaths per minute.

What is dyspnea?

Difficult or labored breathing.

Define apnea in terms of respiration.

Apnea is the absence of respiration, usually temporary.

What is the systolic pressure?

The pressure during contraction of the left ventricle when the heart pumps blood out.

What is the diastolic pressure?

The pressure during relaxation of the left ventricle or between contractions.

What is normal blood pressure defined as?

Blood pressure less than 120/80 mm Hg.

What device is used to measure blood pressure?

Sphygmomanometer.

Define hypotension.

Blood pressure below normal range, which may cause fainting.

What is orthostatic hypotension?

A sudden drop in blood pressure upon changing position, such as from lying to standing.

What is the normal range for pulse pressure?

30 mm to 50 mm.

What are the factors that can increase blood pressure?

Loss of elasticity of vessels, excitement, anxiety, exercise, smoking, stimulant medications.

What is the term for elevated blood pressure that is asymptomatic?

Hypertension.

What is considered a stage 1 hypertension reading?

Systolic of 130-139 or diastolic of 80-89.

What are some consequences of untreated hypertension?

Stroke, kidney problems, retinal changes, heart disease.

What instrument is used to hear pulse sounds during a blood pressure measurement?

Stethoscope.

What are Korotkoff sounds?

Sounds that are heard during the measurement of blood pressure.

What is pyrexia?

Fever.

In which situations would you check the pulse sites of lower limbs?

To check circulation or assess for injury.

What characterizes Cheyne-Stoke respiration?

Periods of dyspnea followed by periods of apnea, often seen in dying patients.

What does tachypnea signify?

A rapid and shallow respiratory rate above 25 breaths per minute.

What is the average respiration rate for infants?

30 to 50 breaths per minute.

What is the significance of the posterior tibial pulse?

It is used to check blood flow to the feet, located behind the inside of the ankle.

Define cyanosis.

A bluish or dusky color of skin, lips, and nail beds due to decreased oxygen.