VITAL SIGNS

lecture day: 10/06/2025

Vital Signs Definition

Indicators of health/physiologic function (temp, pulse, RR, BP). 

Ex: assess baseline before surgery.

When to Take Vital Signs

Change in condition, loss of consciousness, after meds, before/after surgery. 

Ex: after giving antihypertensive.

Nurse’s Role

Validate, interpret, report abnormal VS; know age norms. 

Ex: report new fever in elderly patient.

Normal Temperature Range

96.7–100.5°F (35.9–38°C). 

Ex: older adults may have lower baseline temps.

Causes of Fever (Pyrexia)

Pyrogens raise hypothalamic set point → ↑ temp. 

Ex: bacterial infection causes fever.

Benefits of Fever

Helps fight infection by ↑ immune activity & killing pathogens.

Fever Complications

Seizures (kids), confusion (elderly), dehydration, electrolyte imbalance.

Hypothermia Definition

Body temp <95°F (35°C). 

Ex: frostbite victim shivering, pale, confused.

Hypothermia Treatment

Rewarm, cover, heat blankets, warmed IV fluids.

 Ex: trauma patient post-cold exposure.

Pulse Normal Range

60–100 bpm; tachy >100, brady <60. 

Ex: athlete may have bradycardia.

Apical Pulse Location

5th intercostal, midclavicular line (“lub-dub” = one beat).

Apical–Radial Deficit

Difference between apical & radial = weak or missed beats.

 Ex: atrial fibrillation causes pulse deficit.

Respirations Normal Rate

12–20/min; eupnea normal; tachypnea (fever), bradypnea (opioids).

Orthopnea

Trouble breathing lying down. 

Ex: CHF patient breathes better sitting up.

Blood Pressure Normal

<120/<80 mmHg; hypertension ≥130/80; hypotension <90/60.

Orthostatic Hypotension

↓ ≥20 systolic or ≥10 diastolic within 3 min standing.

 Ex: dizziness after standing → check BP.

Korotkoff Sounds

1st = systolic, last = diastolic.

 Ex: record 118/76 after last sound disappears.

BP Technique Precautions

Rest 5 min, correct cuff size, no arm with IV/fistula/mastectomy.