sle 2: bed positions and vital signs

auscultation

Listening to sounds the body makes to detect variations from normal

afebrile

without fever

vital signs

temperature, pulse. respirations, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation

pain

fifth vital sign, can influence other vital signs

blood pressure

Force of blood against artery walls; systolic = pressure during heart contraction, diastolic = pressure during relaxation

celsius and fahrenheit conversion

°C = (°F − 32) × 5/9

°F = (°C × 9/5) + 32

normal adult vital signs

BP 120/80 mmHg, pulse 60–100 bpm, respirations 12–20/min, SpO₂ ≥95%, temperature 36–38°C.

fever

abnormal rise in body temperature occurring when heat-loss mechanisms can't keep pace with excessive heat production; >38°C

hypertension (high BP)

Elevated: 120-129/<80 mm Hg

Stage 1: 130-139 OR 80-89 mm Hg

Stage 2: ≥140 OR ≥90 mm Hg

pulse

the palpable bounding of blood flow

radial pulse

radial artery pulse

brachial pulse

brachial artery pulse (under bicep muscle area)

respiration

inspiration: chest expands outwards, diaphragm contracts downward

expiritation: chest contracts inwards, diaphragm relaxes upward

pulse oximeter

measures specific oxygen saturation levels within blood

thermometer

measures how well the body can get rid of heat

Sphygmomanometer

device used to measure blood pressure by auscultation

stethoscope

delicate instrument used to auscultate sounds from the body; binaurals & earpieces, diaphragm, bell

supine

flat on back; General examination, physical assessment, during surgery, during recovery for some surgeries

prone

on stomach; Allows for full extension of knees and hip joints, promotes drainage from mouth, used in recovery of mouth and throat surgeries, first line for ARDS and COVID to reopen collapsed alveoli and decrease lung strain

fowler’s

head/upper body elevated; Promotes long expansion, useful for eating, patients with tubes such as NGT

lateral

lying on side; Relieves pressure on sacrum and heels, body weight distribution, patients that risk for pressure injury

trendelenburg

head lower than feet; Promotes Venus return, hypotensive patients, provide postural (fluid, mucus, secretions from lungs) drainage

reverse trendelenburg

head higher than feet; GI problems, helps minimize esophageal reflux

temporal thermometer

Measures body temperature at the temporal artery on the forehead