Vital Signs: Body Temperature, Pulse, Respirations, and Blood Pressure

Radiation

The diffusion or dissemination of heat by electromagnetic waves, such as occurs with an uncovered head.

Convection

The dissemination of heat by motion between areas of unequal density.

Evaporation

The conversion of a liquid to a vapor.

Conduction

The transfer of heat to another object during direct contact.

Circadian rhythms

Biological processes that display an endogenous, entrainable oscillation of about 24 hours.

Afebrile

Without fever.

Pyrexia

With fever (febrile).

Intermittent fever

Temperature returns to normal at least once every 24 hours.

Remittent fever

Temperature does not return to normal and fluctuates a few degrees up and down.

Sustained or continuous fever

Temperature remains above normal with minimal variations.

Relapsing or recurrent fever

Temperature returns to normal for one or more days with one or more episodes of fever, each as long as several days.

Electronic and digital thermometers

Devices used for assessing body temperature.

Tympanic membrane thermometers

Thermometers that measure temperature from the ear.

Disposable single-use thermometers

Thermometers designed for one-time use.

Temporal artery thermometers

Thermometers that measure temperature from the forehead.

Automated monitoring devices

Devices that continuously monitor vital signs.

Pulse rate

Number of contractions over a peripheral artery in 1 minute.

Tachycardia

An abnormally rapid heart rate.

Bradycardia

An abnormally slow heart rate.

Stroke volume

Volume of blood ejected with each heartbeat.

Brachial pulse

The pulse site located on the inside of the elbow.

Normal pulse rate

Ranges from 60 to 100 beats/min for adolescents and adults.

Brachial

This pulse site is located on the inner elbow.

Temporal pulse site

This site is located on the side of the head.

Radial pulse site

This site is on the wrist.

Femoral pulse site

This site is located on the groin.

Pulse Strength (Amplitude) Grade 0

Absent, unable to palpate.

Pulse Strength (Amplitude) Grade +1

Diminished, weaker than expected.

Pulse Strength (Amplitude) Grade +2

Normal; brisk, expected.

Pulse Strength (Amplitude) Grade 3+

Bounding.

Ventilation

Movement of air in and out of lungs.

Inhalation

Breathing in.

Exhalation

Breathing out.

Diffusion

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

Perfusion

Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between circulating blood and tissue cells.

Changes in respiratory rate and depth

Brought about by the inhibition or stimulation of the respiratory muscles by respiratory centers in the medulla and pons.

Rate and Depth of Breathing

Changes in response to tissue demands.

Eupnea

Normal, unlabored respiration; one respiration to four heartbeats.

Tachypnea

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

Bradypnea

Decreased respiratory rate; occurs in some pathologic conditions.

Apnea

Periods when no breathing occurs.

Dyspnea

Difficult or labored breathing.

Orthopnea

Changes in breathing when sitting or standing.

Regulation of Blood Pressure

Short term regulation either neural (nerve) or humoral (pertaining to body fluids).

Cardiac output

Strength of heart contractions will affect blood pressure.

Stimulation of the vagus nerve

Parasympathetic impulses that slow the heart rate.

Sympathetic stimulation

Increases the heart rate.

Baroreceptors

In the heart and arterial walls monitor pressure and signal the cardiovascular center of the brain.

Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system

Raises pressure.

Equipment for Assessing Blood Pressure

Includes stethoscope and sphygmomanometer, Doppler ultrasound, electronic or automated devices.

Assessing Blood Pressure

Listening for Korotkoff sounds with stethoscope; first sound is systolic pressure, change or cessation of sounds occurs—diastolic pressure.

Commonly used arteries for blood pressure assessment

The brachial artery and popliteal artery.