Vital Signs

What is blood pressure and what is the normal reading?

Blood pressure is a measurement of the force of circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels, with a normal reading being 120/80.

What does a pulse indicate?

A pulse indicates the rhythmic dilation of the arteries that occurs with the beating of the heart.

What is the expected normal range for body temperature?

The normal body temperature is between 36° C and 38° C (96.8°F and 100.4°F), with an average of 37° C (98.6° F).

What constitutes hypotension?

Hypotension is defined as a blood pressure below the expected range, typically less than 90 mm Hg systolic or 60 mm Hg diastolic.

What are some symptoms of hypotension?

Symptoms of hypotension can include dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, increased pulse, and fatigue.

What is hypertension?

Hypertension is classified as blood pressure above the expected reference range.

What is considered stage I hypertension?

Stage I hypertension is when the systolic pressure is 130 to 139 mm Hg or the diastolic pressure is 80 to 89 mm Hg.

What is tachycardia?

Tachycardia is defined as a pulse greater than 100 beats per minute.

What is bradycardia?

Bradycardia is defined as a pulse less than 60 beats per minute.

What is the expected respiratory rate range?

The normal respiratory rate is between 12 to 20 breaths per minute.

What is tachypnea?

Tachypnea is a respiratory rate above the expected reference range of greater than 20 breaths per minute.

What is the expected oxygen saturation level?

The expected oxygen saturation level is between 95% to 100%.

What does decreased oxygen saturation indicate?

Decreased oxygen saturation is a level below 95% and can indicate health issues such as pneumonia, chronic lung disease, or poor cardiac output.

What are the classifications for grading pulses?

Grading pulses are classified as follows: 0 = absent, +1 = weak, +2 = normal, +3 = strong, +4 = bounding.