PCM Vital Signs

Body Temperature

Physiologic balance between heat produced by the body and heat lost to the environment.

Hypothalamus

Body's thermostat that regulates temperature.

Fever (Pyrexia)

Elevated body temperature above normal.

Hypothermia

Body temperature below normal.

Rectal Temperature

most accurate body temperature measurement.

Oral Temperature

measured under the tongue.

Axilla Temperature

safest and non-invasive but less accurate.

Tympanic Temperature

measured through the ear.

Pulse

Throbbing of an artery caused by blood pumped by the heart.

Tachycardia

Heart rate greater than 100 bpm.

Bradycardia

Heart rate less than 60 bpm.

Apical Pulse

Pulse heard over the apex of the heart.

Radial Pulse

Pulse at the wrist; commonly used in adults.

Carotid Pulse

Pulse at the front of the neck.

Femoral Pulse

Pulse in the groin.

Popliteal Pulse

Pulse behind the knee.

Temporal Pulse

Pulse in front of the ear.

Dorsalis Pedis Pulse

Pulse on the top of the foot between the first and second toes.

Posterior Tibial Pulse

Pulse on the inner side of the ankle.

Brachial Pulse

Pulse above the elbow; used for blood pressure measurement.

Respiration

Process of inhalation and exhalation.

Tachypnea

Abnormally fast breathing.

Bradypnea

Abnormally slow breathing.

Dyspnea

Difficulty breathing.

Blood Pressure

Force exerted by blood against arterial walls.

Systolic Pressure

Highest pressure during contraction of the left ventricle.

Diastolic Pressure

Lowest pressure during relaxation of the ventricles.

Sphygmomanometer

Instrument used to measure blood pressure in mmHg.

Hypoxemia

Inadequate oxygen level in arterial blood.

Hypercapnia

Excess carbon dioxide retained in arterial blood.

Pulse Oximetry

Non-invasive method that measures oxygen saturation (SaO₂).

Oxyhemoglobin

Hemoglobin bound to oxygen.

Hyperoxia

Excess oxygen in body tissues.

Oxygen Toxicity

Physical tissue damage caused by excessive oxygen.

Nasal Cannula

Delivers 21-60% O₂; preferred for long-term oxygen therapy.

Nasal Catheter

French-tipped catheter inserted into the nostril; delivers medium to high oxygen concentration.

Face Mask

Delivers 30-50% O₂; used for short-term oxygen therapy.

Mechanical Ventilator (Respirator)

Machine that controls or assists breathing.

Oxygen Tent

Humidified, high-concentration oxygen delivery system commonly used in pediatric patients.