HST VS review

Ideal Position for Vital Signs

A patient should be seated or lying down in a relaxed position to minimize changes in vitals.

Waiting Time Before Taking Pulse

Let the patient sit quietly for 5 minutes for accurate pulse measurement.

Waiting Time Before Taking Temperature

Wait a few minutes after eating/drinking or physical activity before measuring temperature.

Four Vital Signs

Temperature, Pulse, Respiration, Blood Pressure; Pain level is often considered the 5th vital sign.

Normal Adult Pulse Rate

60-100 beats per minute.

Bradycardia Definition

A slower-than-normal heart rate, typically under 60 beats per minute.

Tachycardia Definition

A faster-than-normal heart rate, typically over 100 beats per minute.

Irregularly Spaced Beats

Described as irregular.

Common Pulse Site

The radial artery (wrist).

Pulse Site for Blood Pressure

The brachial artery (inside of the arm).

Radial Pulse Site

Wrist, used for general pulse rate measurement.

Brachial Pulse Site

Arm, often used for blood pressure measurement.

Carotid Pulse Site

Neck, used for emergency pulse checks.

Femoral Pulse Site

Groin, assesses circulation in legs.

Popliteal Pulse Site

Behind the knee, checks circulation in the lower leg.

Dorsalis Pedis Pulse Site

Top of foot, assesses circulation in feet.

Posterior Tibial Pulse Site

Inner ankle, checks circulation in feet.

Temporal Pulse Site

Side of forehead, assesses circulation in the head.

Bilateral Pulse Sites

Radial, dorsalis pedis, posterior tibial; should be equal on both sides.

Bilateral Presence Definition

Presence on both sides of the body, indicating symmetrical circulation.

Indication for Healthcare Professional

Assesses circulation adequacy, especially for signs of blockages.

Counting Pulse Duration Method

Count for 30 seconds and multiply by two, or a full 60 seconds if irregular.

Normal Oral Temperature Range

97.6°F to 99.6°F.

Convert 98.6°F to Celsius

37°C.

Order to Document Vital Signs

Temperature, Pulse, Respirations, Blood Pressure.

Highest Body Temperature Timing

Generally highest in the late afternoon/evening.

Normal Axillary Temperature Range

96.6°F to 98.6°F.

Axillary Temperature Definition

Temperature taken in the armpit.

Temperature in Ear

Tympanic temperature.

Normal Rectal Temperature Range

98.6°F to 100.6°F.

Counting Respirations Method

Count immediately after pulse without notifying the patient.

Informing Patient on Counting Respiration

Do not inform the patient to keep breathing natural.

Normal Respiration Range

12-20 breaths per minute for adults.

Apnea Definition

Temporary cessation of breathing.

Cheyne-Stokes Breathing

Breathing pattern with progressively deeper breaths followed by gradual decreases.

Dyspnea Definition

Difficulty breathing.

Rales Definition

Crackling or rattling sounds in the lungs.

Wheezing Definition

High-pitched whistling sound due to narrowed airways.

Reading Blood Pressure Components

Top number: Systolic; Bottom number: Diastolic.

Last Pressure Heard in BP Measurement

Diastolic pressure.

Instrument for Measuring BP

Sphygmomanometer.

Sphygmomanometer Breakdown

Sphygm/o-: pulse, Mano-: pressure, -meter: measure.

Factors Increasing Blood Pressure

Stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, genetics.

Hypertension Definition

Chronically high blood pressure, often symptom-free.

Hypertensive Values Definition

Systolic ≥ 130 mmHg, Diastolic ≥ 80 mmHg.

Hypotension Definition

Low blood pressure.

Hypotensive Values Definition

Systolic ≤ 90 mmHg, Diastolic ≤ 60 mmHg.

BP Dial Reading Increments

Typically increments by 2 mmHg per line.

Recording Blood Pressure Format

Systolic over Diastolic (e.g., 120/80).

State of Balance for Body

Homeostasis.

Pulse Measurement Units

Beats per minute (bpm).

BP Measurement Units

Millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

Respiration Measurement Units

Breaths per minute (rpm).

Hypothermia Definition

Body temperature below 95°F.

Factors Affecting Body Temperature

Time of day, physical activity, or exercise.

Hyperthermia Definition

Abnormally high body temperature due to heat or exercise.

How to Assess a Pulse

Position patient relaxed, locate pulse, use two fingers to count beats.