Vital Signs Lecture Vocabulary

50 vocabulary flashcards covering core terms from the Vital Signs lecture.

Vital Signs

Key indicators of physiologic functioning—temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, often pain, and pulse oximetry.

Temperature (Vital Sign)

Measurement of the body’s heat balance, normally 35.8–37.5 °C (96.4–99.5 °F) orally in healthy adults.

Pulse

Throbbing of an artery produced by each heartbeat; normal adult rate 60–100 beats / min.

Respiration

Process of inhalation and exhalation; normal adult rate 12–20 breaths / min.

Blood Pressure

Force of circulating blood on arterial walls, expressed as systolic over diastolic (normal < 120/80 mm Hg).

Pain (Fifth Vital Sign)

Subjective sensation of discomfort used to assess physiologic status alongside traditional vital signs.

Pulse Oximetry

Non-invasive measurement of arterial oxygen saturation (SpO₂).

Metabolism

Body’s chemical processes; primary source of internal heat production.

Heat Production

Generation of body heat via metabolism, hormones, muscle activity, epinephrine, norepinephrine, thyroid hormone, and shivering.

Heat Loss

Removal of body heat through skin, sweat evaporation, warmed inspired air, urine, and feces.

Radiation (Heat Transfer)

Loss of heat to cooler objects not in direct contact, e.g., uncovered head in a cold room.

Convection (Heat Transfer)

Transfer of heat via moving air or fluid across skin, e.g., fan or oxygen flow over a patient.

Evaporation (Heat Transfer)

Cooling when liquid (sweat, wet linen) turns to vapor.

Conduction (Heat Transfer)

Direct transfer of heat between touching objects, e.g., warm blanket on a scale.

Circadian Rhythm

Daily biological cycle influencing body temperature and other vital signs.

Afebrile

Without fever; normal body temperature.

Pyrexia

Fever; elevation of body temperature above normal.

Intermittent Fever

Fever that returns to normal at least once within 24 hours.

Remittent Fever

Fever that fluctuates but does not return to normal within 24 hours.

Sustained (Continuous) Fever

Persistent fever with minimal variations above normal.

Relapsing Fever

Fever episodes separated by one or more days of normal temperature.

Electronic Thermometer

Battery-powered device displaying digital temperature readings from probes.

Tympanic Membrane Thermometer

Device measuring infrared heat from the ear canal.

Temporal Artery Thermometer

Scanner detecting infrared heat from the forehead’s temporal artery.

Pulse Rate

Number of heartbeats palpated over an artery in one minute.

Tachycardia

Abnormally fast heart rate, generally > 100 beats / min in adults.

Bradycardia

Abnormally slow heart rate, < 60 beats / min in adults.

Pulse Amplitude

Strength of the pulse: 0 absent, +1 weak, +2 normal, +3 bounding.

Stroke Volume

Amount of blood ejected from the ventricle with each heartbeat.

Sinoatrial (SA) Node

Heart’s natural pacemaker regulating pulse via electrical impulses.

Autonomic Nervous System

Involuntary nervous system controlling heart rate, respirations, and blood vessel tone.

Parasympathetic Stimulation

Autonomic input that slows heart rate and conserves energy.

Sympathetic Stimulation

Autonomic input that increases heart rate and contractility.

Eupnea

Normal, unlabored breathing; one breath per four heartbeats.

Tachypnea

Abnormally rapid breathing rate.

Bradypnea

Abnormally slow breathing rate.

Apnea

Temporary cessation of breathing.

Dyspnea

Difficult or labored breathing sensation.

Orthopnea

Breathing difficulty relieved by sitting or standing upright.

Pulse Pressure

Numeric difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

Baroreceptors

Pressure-sensitive receptors in heart and arteries that help regulate blood pressure.

Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System

Hormonal mechanism that raises blood pressure through vasoconstriction and sodium retention.

Hypotension

Abnormally low blood pressure, often defined as < 90/60 mm Hg.

Orthostatic Hypotension

BP drop (> 20 systolic or > 10 diastolic) on standing, causing dizziness or faintness.

Hypertension

Chronic elevated blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mm Hg on two separate visits.

Sphygmomanometer

Instrument with cuff and gauge used to measure blood pressure.

Korotkoff Sounds

Series of sounds heard while taking BP; onset marks systolic, disappearance marks diastolic pressure.

Brachial Artery

Primary artery in the upper arm commonly used for BP and pulse measurement.

Semi-Fowler’s Position

Patient position at 30–45° head elevation, recommended for observing respirations.

Normal Adult Vital Sign Ranges

T 35.8–37.5 °C, P 60–100 bpm, R 12–20 breaths/min, BP < 120/80 mm Hg.