Vital Signs: Temperature, Pulse, Respiration & Blood Pressure

Vocabulary flashcards that summarize the essential terms and definitions related to measuring and interpreting temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure as presented in the lecture notes.

Vital Signs

The four key physiological measurements—body temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure—used to assess a patient’s general health status.

Body Temperature

The internal heat of the body; average adult value 98.6 °F (37 °C).

Normal Adult Temperature Range

97–99 °F (36.1–37.2 °C).

Fever (Pyrexia)

Body temperature above 99.5 °F (37.5 °C).

Hyperthermia

Dangerously high body temperature over 104 °F (40 °C).

Hypothermia

Body temperature below 96 °F (35.5 °C).

Clinic Dismissal Temperature

100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher requires patient dismissal and referral.

Factors Increasing Temperature

Exercise, hot drinks, smoking, external heat, infection, hyperthyroidism, MI, tissue injury.

Factors Decreasing Temperature

Starvation, hemorrhage, physiologic shock.

Pulse

Intermittent throbbing of an artery as blood is forced from the heart; heart rate.

Normal Adult Pulse Range

60–100 beats per minute (bpm).

Tachycardia

Pulse rate greater than 100 bpm.

Bradycardia

Pulse rate less than 50 bpm.

Radial Pulse

Pulse palpated on the thumb side of the wrist; most common site for pulse measurement.

Pulse Characteristics

Rate, rhythm, and strength (volume) used to interpret pulse findings.

Respiration

Process of supplying oxygen to tissues and removing carbon dioxide; one inhalation and one exhalation.

Normal Adult Respiration Range

12–20 respirations per minute (rpm).

Tachypnea

Respiration rate greater than 28 rpm.

Bradypnea

Respiration rate less than 12 rpm.

Respiration Characteristics

Depth, rhythm, quality, and any sounds (e.g., wheezing).

Blood Pressure (BP)

Force exerted by circulating blood on vessel walls, recorded as systolic over diastolic in mm Hg.

Systolic Pressure

Highest arterial pressure during ventricular contraction; normal <120 mm Hg.

Diastolic Pressure

Lowest arterial pressure during ventricular relaxation; normal <80 mm Hg.

Pulse Pressure

Numerical difference between systolic and diastolic pressures.

Hypertension

Persistent BP ≥130/80 mm Hg; major risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Stage 2 Hypertension Clinic Protocol

If BP ≥160/95 mm Hg for three readings, dismiss patient and refer to physician; document all readings.

Hypertensive Crisis

BP 180/120 mm Hg or higher; medical emergency—inform doctor, consider calling 911.

Postural Hypotension

Sudden BP drop when standing, causing dizziness or fainting.

Factors Increasing BP

Exercise, eating, stimulants, emotional stress, oral contraceptives.

Factors Decreasing BP

Fasting, rest, depressants, shock, blood loss.

Sphygmomanometer

Instrument (cuff and manometer) used to measure blood pressure.

Stethoscope

Device used to auscultate Korotkoff sounds when taking BP.

Maximum Inflation Level (MIL)

Cuff pressure 30 mm Hg above estimated systolic where radial pulse disappears, ensuring accurate BP reading.

Korotkoff Sounds

Series of arterial sounds heard while releasing cuff pressure; first sound marks systolic, last clear sound marks diastolic.

Normal Adult Blood Pressure

Less than 120/80 mm Hg.

Elevated Blood Pressure

Systolic 120–129 mm Hg and diastolic <80 mm Hg.