Chapter 16: Vital Signs

True/False: Healthcare workers HAVE to report any abnormalities.

True.

Why is it important to know basic parameters?

Because healthcare workers have to report any abnormalities they see.

What are the five main vital signs?

Temperature, Pulse, Respirations, Blood Pressure, and Pain

What is the normal rate of respirations?

12-20 breaths per minute.

What is Pulse Rhythm referring to?

It refers to the regularity (consistency of intervals between each heartbeat) with a regular pulse being evenly spaced while irregular having uneven intervals.

Where is rectal temperature taken?

It is taken in the rectum.

Which method of taking temperature will give you the most accurate result?

Rectal temperature method.

Where is the aural temperature taken?

It is a measurement taken at the tympanic membrane of the ear.

What is Pyrexia?

Another term for fever.

What is hyperthermia?

Condition that occurs when body temperature exceeds 104*F (40*C) measured rectally.

What are the major arterial or pulse sites?

Temporal, carotid, brachial, and radial.

Where is the temporal artery located?

Lateral side of forehead.

Where is the carotid artery located?

Neck area.

Where is the brachial artery located?

In the antecubital area.

Where is the radial artery located?

The wrist area.

What is the condition of bradycardia?

A pulse rate under 60 beats per minute.

What is the condition of tachycardia?

A pulse rate of over 100 beats per minute in adults.

What is dyspnea?

Difficult or labored breathing.

What is the condition of Tachypnea?

A respiratory rate of over 25 respirations per minute. Rapid breathing.

What is the condition of Bradypnea?

It is a slow respiratory rate. Usually below 10 respirations per minute.

What are Cheyne-Strokes?

Periods of difficult breathing (dyspnea) followed by periods of no respirations (apnea).

What is the Apical Pulse?

Pulse count taken with a stethoscope at the apex of the heart.

True/False: The actual heartbeat is heard and counted when taking an apical pulse.

True.

How would you document a blood pressure reading?

Systolic pressure first then diastolic. For example: 120/60.

What is hypertension?

Also known as high blood pressure; indicated when pressures are greater than 130 mm Hg systolic and 80 mm Hg diastolic.

What is a sphygmomanometer?

It is an instrument used to measure blood pressure in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg); sizes vary according to patient’s arm diameter.

What is the average pulse of adults?

60 - 100 BPM

What is the average pulse of adult men?

60 - 70 BPM

What is the average pulse of adults women?

65 - 80 BPM

What is the average pulse rate of children older than 7?

70 - 100 BPM

What is the average pulse rate of children aged 1 to 7?

80 - 110 BPM

What is the average pulse rate of infants?

100 - 160 BPM