Vital Signs and Oxygenation

These flashcards summarize key concepts regarding vital signs, their assessment, and related nursing care.

What are the primary vital signs measured in healthcare?

Temperature, Pulse, Respirations, Blood Pressure, Pain, and Pulse oximetry.

When should vital signs be assessed?

On admission, any change in health status, before and after surgery or invasive procedures, before administering certain medications, and before and after any nursing intervention that could affect vital signs.

What factors can alter vital signs?

Age, gender, race & heredity, medications, exercise, activity, dehydration, and circadian rhythm.

What is the normal adult range for body temperature?

96.4-99.5°F.

What are the classifications of fever?

Intermittent, Remittent, Relapsing, and Constant.

What is hypothermia?

A condition where body temperature drops below 96.4°F / 36°C.

What are signs of hypothermia?

Decreased temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, severe shivering, pale waxy skin, and disorientation.

What is the apical pulse?

The most accurate measure of the heart's rate, located at the mid-clavicular line in the 5th intercostal space.

What is the significance of pulse deficit?

The difference between apical rate and radial pulse when some heartbeats do not reach the peripheral pulse.

What is the function of the respiratory system?

Gas exchange, involving pulmonary ventilation and perfusion.

What is the definition of hypoxia?

A condition of insufficient oxygen anywhere in the body.

What are common assessment terms related to respiratory function?

Dyspnea, Orthopnea, Apnea, Cyanosis, and Adventitious breath sounds.

What medications are used for hypertension?

Thiazide diuretics, loop diuretics, and beta blockers.

What does blood pressure reflect?

The force ejected by blood in the arteries during contraction (systole) and relaxation (diastole).

What are the three physiological factors that influence blood pressure?

Cardiac function, peripheral vascular resistance, and blood volume.