Patient Care: Vital Signs and Hand Hygiene

Vocabulary practice cards for patient care concepts including vital signs (TPR, blood pressure, oxygen saturation) and standard hand hygiene protocols.

Vital Signs

Measurements that provide information about the status of a patient, consisting of temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.

Temperature

A measure of the degree of heat in deep tissues, with a normal oral reading of $98.6^\text{F}$ ($37^\text{C}$) and daily variation of $1\text{--}2^\text{F}$ ($.5\text{--}1^\text{C}$).

Hyperthermia

A condition in which body temperature is above $99.5^\text{F}$.

Febrile

The term used to describe a patient who is experiencing hyperthermia (body temperature above $99.5^\text{F}$).

Hypothermia

A condition in which body temperature falls below $97.6^\text{F}$.

Pulse

A vital sign that provides information about the heart, blood volume, and perfusion; measured by counting pulsations for 30 seconds and multiplying by 2 (or counting for 60 seconds if irregular).

Central Pulses

Pulse points located centrally on the body, specifically the Carotid and Femoral arteries.

Peripheral Pulses

Pulse points located on outer anatomical areas, including Radial, Brachial (for children under 1), Posterior Tibial, and Dorsalis Pedis.

Tachycardia

Pulse rates that exceed 100 beats per minute in an adult.

Bradycardia

Pulse rates that are below 60 beats per minute in an adult.

Respirations

A vital sign defined as one inhalation and exhalation; measured by counting for 30 seconds and multiplying by 2.

Tachypnea

Increased respiration described as rates over 20 respirations per minute in an adult.

Bradypnea

Decreased respiration described as anything below 12 respirations per minute in an adult.

Dyspnea

Difficulty in breathing.

Apnea

Lack of respiration.

Sphygmomanometer

An instrument used along with a stethoscope to manually measure blood pressure.

Systolic Pressure

The arterial blood pressure recorded when the heart is actively pumping blood.

Diastolic Pressure

The arterial blood pressure recorded when the heart is at rest.

Hypertension

Elevated blood pressure above 140/90\n,mm Hg.

Hypotension

Blood pressure lower than 90/60\n,mm Hg.

Pulse Oximetry

A device utilizing a light-emitting probe placed usually on a finger to display oxygen saturation and pulse rate.

Hypoxia

An oxygen saturation rate lower than 95%.

Cyanotic Skin

Skin that appears blue, indicating oxygen problems in the patient.

Jaundice

A skin condition characterized by yellow skin coloration.

Hand Hygiene

The most effective method of preventing transmission of disease, performed with an alcohol-based hand rub or by handwashing with soap and water.

Alcohol-based Hand Rub

The CDC's preferred method for hand hygiene in all situations, except when hands are visibly dirty or contaminated.

CDC Handwashing Technique

An 8-step handwashing technique required when hands are visibly dirty or contaminated, involving vigorous rubbing with soap and water for at least 15 seconds.

what are the normal respirtations for adults?

12-20/min

what are the normal respirations for children?

20-30/min

what are the normal respirations for infants?

30-60/min

what is normal systolic BP?

95-140mm Hg

do axillary reading register higher or lower?

slightly lower

do rectal reading register higher or lower?

slightly higher

what is an infants normal oral temp?

99 degrees faherenheit

what equipment is used to take temperature?

1. glass (old)

2. electronic

3. disposable (sticks to skin)

what are normal pulse rates for adults?

60-100/min

what are normal pulse rates for children?

70-120/min

what are normal pulse rates for infants?

120-150/min

how much should you inflate the cuff to take BP?

just past 160mm Hg