Patient Assessment - Vital Signs & Breath Sounds

Four Classic Vital Signs

Body temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure.

Pounds to Kilograms Conversion Formula

1 kg = 2.2 lbs.

Ectomorphic Body Type

Linear and delicate physique with sparse muscle development.

Endomorphic Body Type

Soft roundness throughout body, large trunk/thighs, and tapering extremities.

Mesomorphic Body Type

Heavy, hard physique with strong muscular development.

Sensorium

Refers to a patient's level of consciousness, mental status, and tissue perfusion.

Normal Adult Body Temperature

98.6°F (37°C), with a normal range of 96.0°F to 99.5°F.

Fahrenheit to Celsius Formula

C = (F - 32) × 5/9

Celsius to Fahrenheit Formula

F = (C × 9/5) + 32

Normal Adult Pulse Rate Range

60 to 100 beats per minute.

Tachycardia

A resting heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute.

Bradycardia

A resting heart rate less than 60 beats per minute.

Arterial Sites for Pulse Measurement

Radial, brachial, femoral, and carotid arteries.

Normal Adult Respiratory Rate

12 to 20 breaths per minute.

Systolic Blood Pressure

Peak force exerted against arterial walls during ventricular contraction.

Diastolic Blood Pressure

Force exerted against arterial walls during ventricular relaxation.

Normal Blood Pressure Range in Adults

Systolic 90-140 mmHg; Diastolic 60-90 mmHg.

Hypertension Threshold

Blood pressure reading greater than 140/90 mmHg.

Hypotension Threshold

Blood pressure reading less than 90/60 mmHg.

Blood Pressure Error: Narrow Cuff

Results in a falsely high blood pressure reading.

SaO2 vs. SpO2

SaO2 directly measures arterial oxyhemoglobin via hemoximetry; SpO2 is an oximetry estimate.

Factors Altering Pulse Oximetry Readings

Nail polish, severe anemia, and poor peripheral tissue perfusion.

Bronchial Breath Sounds

High-pitched, loud breath sounds heard over the trachea.

Bronchovesicular Breath Sounds

Moderate-pitched sounds heard over the sternum and between scapulae.

Vesicular Breath Sounds

Soft, low-pitched sounds heard primarily over peripheral lung fields.

Crackles (Rales)

Discontinuous crackling or bubbling sounds caused by fluid or collapsed airways opening.

Wheezes

High-pitched, continuous sounds caused by air flowing rapidly through narrowed airways.

Stridor

High-pitched inspiratory sound heard over the upper airway, indicating obstruction.

Diminished Breath Sounds

Reduced sound intensity caused by decreased air movement or altered sound transmission.