CCMA Body Measurements and Vital Signs

Measurements are obtained at _______

the beginning of the patient’s visit.

Mensuration

the process of measuring

How to calculate BMI (body mass index)

Multiply pt’s weight by 703, divide by pt’s height in inches, divide that by pt’s height in inches again, then round to nearest whole number

Vital signs

term used by health care personnel to identify the measurement of the body functions essential to life

4 vital signs include:

temperature, pulse, respiration, and bp

Body temperature is usually _______

lower in the morning following a period of rest

Average normal temp (oral)

98.6 degrees F or 37 degrees centigrade

Average normal temp (axillary)

97.6 degrees F

Average normal temp (rectal)

99.6 degrees F

Febrile

person with a temperature above normal

Afebrile

person with a temperature that is normal or subnormal

The _________ regulates body temp

hypothalamus

Pyrogens

toxins from bacteria or a by-product of degenerating tissues

Slight fever

99.6-101.0 degrees F (37.5-38.3 degrees C)

Moderate fever

101.0-102.0 degrees F (38.3-38.8 degrees C)

Severe fever

102.0-104.0 degrees F (38.8-40.0 degrees C)

Dangerous fever

104.0-105.0 degrees F (40.0-40.5 degrees C)

Fatal fever

over 106.0 degrees F (41.1 degrees C)

Oral

by mouth

Rectal

by rectum

Axillary

by armpit

Tympanic (aural)

by the ear

Temporal

by temporal artery (forehead)

Convert Celsius to Fahrenheit

F = (C x 1.8) + 32

Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius

C = F - 32/1.8

Palpated

felt

Radial

thumb site of inner surface of the wrist, lying over radius bone

Brachial

inner medial surface of elbow, at the antecubital space (crease of elbow)

Auscultate

listen to

Carotid

carotid artery of neck when pressure is applied to area

Femoral

midway in groin where artery begins its descent down the femur

Dorsalis pedis

instep of the foot

Popliteal

back of knee