Module AA Measurement - Key Terms
Page 2: Definition List (Key Terms)
Afebrile – without a fever.
Analog Watch – a watch that has moving hands and is typically marked from numbers 1 through 12.
Aneroid Manometer – that part of the sphygmomanometer (BP cuff) that includes the dial that indicates the systolic and diastolic pressures during blood pressure checks.
Apical Pulse – a pulse point located over the heart.
Arteries – blood vessels that carry blood with oxygen and nutrients away from the heart and to the cells.
Blood pressure – the amount of force exerted by the blood against the walls of the artery.
Body temperature – how much heat is in the body and balances the heat created by the body and heat lost to the environment.
Brachial Pulse – pulse points located in the crooks of the elbows typically used during blood pressure checks.
Carotid Pulse – pulse points located on both sides of the neck.
Catheter Bag – collection device for urine that is connected to an indwelling (Foley) catheter which drains the bladder.
Centigrade – metric scale used to measure temperature, expressed in degrees.
Commode Hat (or specimen pan) – a plastic collection container placed under a commode lid, used when resident has bathroom privileges and is on output and/or has a urine or stool specimen ordered.
Cubic Centimeter (or cc) – a unit of measure in the metric system used to count the volume of anything (including fluids); is equal to 1 milliliter.
Diaphragm –the part of the stethoscope located on the chest-piece used to listen to the presence or absence of brachial artery blood flow during blood pressure check.
Diarrhea – frequent passage of loose, watery stools (bowel movements).
Diastole – the resting phase of the heart when the heart fills with blood; the bottom number of a blood pressure reading (diastolic).
Page 3: Definition List (continued)
Emesis Basin – a plastic, shallow basin shaped like a kidney that fits against the resident’s neck and collects body fluids when a resident is nauseated and during mouthcare.
Eupnea – normal breathing.
Exhale – when carbon dioxide is expelled out of the nose and the mouth from the lungs.
Expiration – also called exhalation and involves the breathing out of carbon dioxide through the nose and mouth, the chest falls.
Fahrenheit – scale used to measure temperature, expressed in degrees.
Febrile – with a fever.
Fever – an elevated temperature.
Fluid Balance – fluid intake roughly equals fluid output.
Food Intake – comparison of the amount of food eaten by a resident at mealtimes with the amount of food provided.
Gastric Suction Material – stomach contents that are suctioned out using a nasogastric tube.
Graduated Specimen Container – an accurate measuring device for fluids used in a health care setting.
Heart – the pump of the cardiovascular (circulatory) system consisting of four chambers.
Height Rod – the device used on a standing scale that measures a resident’s height (or tallness).
Inhale – when air (or oxygen) is pulled in through the nose and down into the lungs.
Intake (input) – the amount of fluid taken in by the body.
Intake and Output (I&O) – used to evaluate fluid balance whereby intake and output are measured and documented.
Inspiration – also called inhalation and involves the breathing in of oxygen through the nose; chest rises.
Kilogram – a unit of measure in the metric system used to determine weight.
Page 4: Definition List (continued)
Lungs – elastic, spongy, cone-shaped air-filled structures involved and the location where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs.
Milliliter (mL) – a unit of measure in the metric system used to count fluids; is equal to 1 cubic centimeter.
Millimeters of Mercury – (mm Hg) the unit of measure for blood pressure.
Objective – information collected by the nurse aide’s senses.
Orthostatic Hypotension – abnormal low blood pressure occurring when the resident suddenly stands up; resident complains of weakness, faintness, dizziness, and seeing spots.
Output – the amount of fluid lost from the body.
Pain – Pain is whatever the resident says it is and response to pain varies from resident to resident.
Pedal Pulse – pulse points located in the top of the feet and used to check circulation of the leg.
Pulse – is the beat of the heart felt at an artery, as a wave of blood passes through the artery; is the numbers of heart beats per minute.
Pulse Force – the strength of the pulse and should be easy to feel.
Pulse Rate – the number of heart beats (or pulses) per minute.
Pulse Rhythm – the regularity of the heart beats (pulses) and should be the same interval between beats.
Radial Pulse – pulse points located in the wrists, which are used most often, easy to reach, easy to find, and used for routine vital signs.
Respiration – the process that supplies oxygen to the cells and removes carbon dioxide from cells.
Respiratory rate (or respirations) – the number of inspirations (inhalations) a person takes in a minute.
Sphygmomanometer – also known as the BP cuff; is the equipment used to check a person’s blood pressure.
Stethoscope – instrument used to listen to heart sounds, lung sounds, and the brachial pulse during blood pressure checks.
Subjective – information provided by the resident.
Page 5: Definition List (continued)
Systole – the working phase of the heart when the heart is pumping blood to the body; the top number of a blood pressure reading (systolic).
Temporal Pulse – a pulse point located in the temples of the head.
Temporal Thermometer – a thermometer that measures heat from skin over the forehead, specifically over temporal artery.
Thermometer – a device used to check a resident’s temperature.
Tympanic Thermometer – a thermometer that uses the ear as the site to check a resident’s temperature.
Urinal – a plastic, elongated device used by an individual to urinate into, particularly when confined to bed or on measured output.
Vital Signs – (also called TPR & BP) include the measurement of temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure that show how well vital organs are functioning.
Vomitus – food and fluids ejected from the stomach via the esophagus and mouth.
Page 6: Vital Signs – Overview (S-1 to S-8)
Vital Signs Definition – show how well vital organs are functioning (heart and lungs) and the regulation of temperature; include:
Temperature,
Pulse,
Respiration,
Blood pressure.
The 5th Vital Sign – Pain
Some facilities treat pain as a 5th vital sign because it is as important as the others.
Pain is subjective; reported by resident to the health care provider.
Pain is whatever the resident says it is; responses vary.
Pain will be studied more in Module V.
Why Check Vital Signs – Importance
Changes may indicate worsening condition.
Reflects response to medications/treatments.
May influence medications (e.g., dosing decisions).
Accuracy is crucial; do not guess – ask for help if unsure.
Report abnormal vital signs immediately per facility policy.
Equipment Needed for Vital Signs
Blood pressure cuff,
Stethoscope,
Non-mercury glass thermometers (oral and rectal).
Physician Beam Scale for height and weight,
Digital thermometer,
Electronic thermometer,
Tympanic thermometer,
Notepad, Pen,
Analog watch.
Page 7: Analog Watch (S-9 to S-12)
Analog Watch – Definition (S-9)
A watch with moving hands labeled 1–12; has hour, minute, and second hands.
Second hand is used to count pulse and respirations.
How to Use an Analog Watch (S-10)
Identify the starting number on the second hand, then count until the second hand returns to that same number.
Practice to check pulse and respirations.
Body Temperature – Definition (S-11)
Amount of heat created by the body; balance between heat produced and heat lost.
Temperature typically stable; produced by cellular energy; lost via skin, breathing, urine, stool.
Helps identify immune issues, brain temperature control issues, and response to treatment.
Common terms: fever/febrile vs afebrile.
Thermometer is the instrument used to obtain temperature.
Measured in degrees Fahrenheit or degrees Centigrade.
Factors Affecting Temperature (S-12)
Age, illness, stress, environment, exercise, time of day, etc.
Page 8: Temperature Sites and Types (S-13 to S-17)
Sites for Checking Temperature (S-13)
Mouth (oral), Rectum (rectal) – most accurate; never let go of rectal thermometer, Armpit (axillary) – least accurate, Ear (tympanic), Temporal artery (forehead).
Types of Thermometers (S-14)
Digital – oral, rectal, axillary;
Electronic – oral, rectal, axillary;
Tympanic – ear;
Temporal – forehead;
Non-mercury, liquid-filled glass (oral – green tipped; rectal – red tipped).
Temperature Values (S-15 to S-16)
Oral: Baseline 98.6^\circ ext{F}, Normal range 97.6^\circ ext{F} ext{ to } 99.6^\circ ext{F}.
Rectal: Baseline 99.6^\circ ext{F}, Normal range 98.6^\circ ext{F} ext{ to } 100.6^\circ ext{F}.
Axillary: Baseline 97.6^\circ ext{F}, Normal range 96.6^\circ ext{F} ext{ to } 98.6^\circ ext{F}.
Tympanic: Baseline 98.6^\circ ext{F}, Normal range 97.6^\circ ext{F} ext{ to } 99.6^\circ ext{F}.
Temporal: Baseline 98.6^\circ ext{F}, Normal range 97.6^\circ ext{F} ext{ to } 99.6^\circ ext{F}.
Digital Thermometer (S-17)
Oral, rectal, or axillary;
Displays results digitally; quick (2–60 seconds); battery-operated; may beep; requires disposable sheath.
Page 9: Electronic, Tympanic, Temporal, Non-Mercury (S-18 to S-22)
Electronic Thermometer (S-18)
Oral, rectal, or axillary; blue oral tip, red rectal tip; probe cover required.
Digital results; quick; battery-operated; stored in recharging device.
Tympanic Thermometer (S-19)
Ear site; registers temperature in seconds; may require extra practice.
Temporal Thermometer (S-20)
Measures heat from skin over the forehead over temporal artery; noninvasive; rapid (≈3 seconds).
Non-Mercury, Liquid-filled Glass Thermometers (S-21)
Oral, rectal, or axillary; color-coded (oral green/blue; rectal red).
Takes longer to register (3–10 minutes); read at eye level; nurse should read after registering.
Using Non-Mercury Thermometers (S-22)
Requires: thermometer, sheath, gloves, watch, pen, notepad, alcohol wipe, water-soluble lubricant (rectal only).
Page 10–11: Pulse and Pulse Sites; Measurement & Documentation (S-23 to S-35, S-28 to S-35)
Reading Non-Mercury Thermometer to document (S-23 to S-24)
For Fahrenheit readings: long line = 1 degree; short line = two tenths of a degree.
Example: Oral temp 102.8°F.
Notable contraindications for oral temperature (S-25)
Unconscious, facial/mouth surgery, mouth injury, sores/pain, confused or agitated, seizures, oxygen use, mouth-breather, feeding tube.
Notable contraindications for rectal temperature (S-26)
Diarrhea, rectal problems, heart disease, recent rectal surgery, confusion/agitation.
Pulse Definitions (S-27)
Pulse: beat of heart felt at an artery; Pulse rate = # of heartbeats per minute; Pulse rhythm = regularity; Pulse force = strength.
Pulse Sites (S-28)
Temporal, Carotid (do not check both carotids at once), Apical (over the heart; with stethoscope), Brachial (often for BP), Radial (most common for vitals), Pedal (feet).
Radial Pulse Site (S-29)
Located on the thumb side of the wrist; use first 2–3 fingers; never use the thumb.
Pulse Values (S-30)
Normal adult pulse: Rate 60–100 bpm; Regular and Strong;Abnormalities covered in Module H.
Counting Pulse – Equipment (S-31)
Watch with second hand; Notepad and pen.
Pulse Documentation (S-32 to S-35)
Count for 60 seconds; document if pulse is 60–100, regular, strong; notify if abnormal.
Example #1: 82 bpm in 60 sec; document 82.
Example #2: 109 bpm in 60 sec; notify nurse.
Respiration (S-35)
Definition: process that supplies oxygen to cells and removes carbon dioxide.
Involves Inspiration (inhalation) and Expiration (exhalation).
Page 12: Respirations – Normal Values and Counting (S-36 to S-41)
Respiratory Rate (respirations) – number of inspirations/exhalations per minute.
Normal (eupnea) Values (S-36)
Rate: 12–20 breaths per minute; Regular, quiet, chest rises and falls equally.
Checking Respirations – Equipment (S-37)
Analog watch with second hand; Notepad/assignment sheet and pen.
Respirations – Observation and Documentation (S-38)
Count for 60 seconds; 1 respiration = 1 inspiration + 1 expiration; document if within 12–20, regular, quiet, and chest rises/falls equally; notify if abnormal.
Stealth Respirations (S-39)
Check respirations right after pulse to avoid resident noticing; avoids altered pattern.
Respirations – Example #1 (S-40)
16 respirations in 60 seconds.
Respirations – Example #2 (S-41)
24 respirations in 60 seconds; nurse should be notified.
Page 13–14: Blood Pressure – Concepts and Values (S-42 to S-53)
Blood Pressure Definition (S-42)
Amount of force exerted by the blood against artery walls; top = systolic (heart contracts); bottom = diastolic (heart rests and fills).
Blood Pressure as an Indicator (S-43)
Important health status indicator; can change quickly with activity, lifestyle, stress, injury, medications.
Factors Affecting Blood Pressure (S-44 to S-45)
Genetics, Age, Gender, Race.
BP Site (S-45)
Brachial artery in the upper arm is the common site.
BP Values (S-46 to S-47)
Measured in mmHg; recorded as systolic/diastolic (e.g., 120/80).
Normal adult ranges: Systolic 90–119 mmHg; Diastolic 60–79 mmHg.
Abnormal BP and documentation (S-48)
Above 120/80 should be documented and nurse notified (abnormalities covered in Module H).
Sample BP Scenarios (S-49 to S-51)
Example #1: 116/72 (64-year-old female) with no risk factors.
Example #2: 162/86 (72-year-old male; high risk factors).
Example #3: 180/94 (22-year-old male; acute injury).
Checking Blood Pressure – Multisensory Approach (S-52)
Seeing the needle, hearing through stethoscope, and touching (inflation/deflation) are used together.
BP Equipment (S-53)
Stethoscope, Sphygmomanometer (BP cuff), Alcohol wipes, Notepad/pen.
Page 15–17: Blood Pressure – Equipment, Cuff, and Diaphragm (S-54 to S-75)
Stethoscope (S-54)
Listen to heart and lung sounds; for BP checks, listen to sounds in brachial artery; single-head or dual-head.
Stethoscope – Parts (S-55)
Ear pieces, Binaurals, Tubing, Chest-piece (diaphragm or diaphragm/bell).
Stethoscope – Ear Pieces (S-56)
Clean before/after with alcohol wipe; ears placed forward toward nose; snug fit.
Dual-head Stethoscope – Diaphragm (S-57)
Activate diaphragm; determine active side.
Active Diaphragm (S-58)
Test by tapping diaphragm or rotating chest-piece to find active diaphragm.
Diaphragm Concepts (S-59)
Clean before use; warm diaphragm with hand; press to seal against brachial artery; indicator dot opened/closed indicates active side (dual-head).
BP Cuff Types (S-60)
Electronic (digital) and Manual (aneroid).
Electronic BP Cuff (S-61)
No stethoscope; cuff inflates/deflates automatically; BP reading displayed.
Aneroid BP Cuff – Parts (S-62)
Manometer, Cuff with bladder, Inflation bulb with air-release valve, Tubes connecting cuff to manometer and to inflation bulb.
Manometer Details (S-63 to S-66)
Long lines mark 10 mmHg; short lines mark 2 mmHg.
When the systolic sound is heard or diastolic sound ends, round to next 2 mmHg; odd numbers are not recorded with manual cuffs.
Reading is backwards as cuff deflates.
BP Reading Example (S-66)
Example: Systolic 150 mmHg, Diastolic 88 mmHg; BP written as 150/88.
Cuff Placement (S-67 to S-69)
Wrap cuff around bare upper arm; cuff inflated to press on brachial artery; deflate to determine BP.
Cuff sizes: child, small (7–9 inch), regular (9–13 inch), extra-large (13–17 inch).
Place cuff 1 inch above elbow; avoid placing over clothing.
BP Cuff Tubing (S-70)
Two tubes: cuff to manometer; cuff to handheld inflation bulb.
Inflation Bulb with Air-Release Valve (S-71 to S-75)
Inflate by squeezing bulb; valve closes when turned clockwise (thumb up).
Deflate slowly by turning counterclockwise (thumb down); observe needle.
Inflate cuff to 160–180 mmHg; if beat heard immediately, deflate and wait 30–60 seconds; re-inflate no higher than 200 mmHg.
Tip: practice inflating/deflating slowly; cuff on a foam “swim noodle” for practice.
BP-Timing and Technique Tips (S-75)
Do not take BP on an arm with IV, dialysis shunt, or device; avoid arms with injury, burns, casts, or mastectomy; don’t place cuff over clothing (increases 10–40 mmHg); ensure empty bladder (+10 to +15 mmHg increase); limit conversation (+10 to +15 mmHg); keep arm at heart level (+10 mmHg); proper chair/bed position; avoid leg crossing (+2–8 mmHg).
Page 18: Orthostatic Hypotension and Height/Weight (S-76 to S-79)
Orthostatic Hypotension (S-76)
Defined as abnormal low BP upon standing; may cause dizziness, faintness, weakness, spots.
Often related to bed rest.
Nurse aide may be asked to perform orthostatic BP measurement:
BP lying down; record.
Sit up after 2 minutes; record.
Stand up after 2 minutes; record.
Report findings and monitor for symptoms during process.
Height and Weight – Overview (S-77)
Measured on admission; height units: feet/inches or inches (policy may differ); weight units: pounds or kilograms (policy).
Post-admission: height not usually re-measured; weight measured per policy or doctor’s orders (daily/weekly/monthly).
Physician Mechanical Beam Scale (S-78 to S-79)
Used for height and weight; for non-ambulatory residents, height can be measured in bed and weight with chair/bed mechanical lift as directed.
Components include balance beam, height rod, head piece, scale platform, etc.
Page 19: Height Components and Measuring (S-80 to S-86)
Height Component – Head Piece (S-80)
Active when extended; placed on head to measure height; lowers to rest when flat.
Height Component – Rod (S-81 to S-82)
Dual units: Inches and Centimeters; two sections: movable upper, non-movable lower.
Measuring Height (S-83 to S-85)
When using feet and inches, long lines = inches; shorter lines = ¼ inch; read to nearest ¼ inch.
Example: Height 68 inches equals 5 feet 8 inches: 68/12 = 5 feet, remainder 8 inches.
Converting Inches to Feet/Inches (S-85 to S-87)
1 foot = 12 inches.
For 68 inches: 68 ÷ 12 = 5 with remainder 8; so 5 feet 8 inches.
Weights and Trends in Long-Term Care (S-87 to S-97)
Baselines on admission; weekly for first 4 weeks; then monthly per policy.
Scales should be calibrated; consistent weighing process.
Weight reflects nutritional status; rapid changes may indicate fluid/electrolyte imbalance or malnutrition; review if significant weight loss.
Weight components: Balance beam with upper/lower bars; weight indicators; can be pounds and kilograms; read weight by adding lower bar value to upper bar value.
Height/Weight Documentation (S-95 to S-97)
Keep consistent posture and technique; ensure proper alignment and zeroing the scale.
Page 20–21: Intake and Output (I&O), Milliliters, and Fluids (S-96 to S-101)
Intake and Output (I&O) Overview (S-96)
Intake (input): amount of fluid taken in; Output: amount of fluid lost.
I&O commonly abbreviated; for fluid balance roughly equal intake and output.
I&O Documentation (S-97)
Ordered by doctor, included in care plan/directive; typically calculated at end of each shift and totaled every 24 hours; documented on facility form; measurements in mL.
Milliliter (mL) (S-98)
Unit for fluids; 1 mL = 1 cc.
1 oz = 30 mL (conversion).
Teaspoon ≈ 5 mL.
Graded Measuring Devices (S-99)
Graduated specimen container for accurate I&O; fluids measured in mL; measure at eye level on flat surface; if both intake and output, use two separate containers labeled accordingly.
Units on Graduated Container (S-100)
1 cc = 1 mL; shortest lines represent 25 mL (cc) or 75 mL; longest lines represent multiples of 50 mL.
Fluids Considered as Intake (S-101)
Liquids resident drinks; semi-liquid foods; IV fluids and tube feeds maintained/measured by nurse.
Page 21–23: Fluids Types and Measuring Intake (S-102 to S-115)
Fluids – Types (S-102 to S-104)
Fluids: Water, Milk, Coffee, Tea, Juices, Soups, Soft drinks.
Semi-liquid foods: Milkshakes, Ice cream, Sherbet, Custard, Pudding, Gelatin, Popsicles.
Determining Oral Fluids as Intake (S-104)
Know serving sizes per facility; typical containers listed on I&O sheet; serving sizes are learned over time.
Typical Serving Sizes of Liquids (S-105)
Water glass = 240 mL, Tea glass = 180 mL, Juice glass = 120 mL, Milk carton = 240 mL, Coffee cup = 240 mL, Soft drink can = 360 mL, Gelatin = 120 mL, Soup bowl = 180 mL.
Ice chips = 1/2 the amount of mL in container.
Determining Intake – Fractions (S-107 to S-113)
Two methods: using graduated container (subtract remaining from total) or using fractions of the whole container.
Fractions: whole = 1; parts correspond to portions eaten/drunk (e.g., 2/3 of 240 mL coffee = 2/3 × 240 = 160 mL).
Example: 2/3 of 240 mL coffee = 160 mL.
Example: 1/2 of 240 mL coffee = 120 mL.
Quick method: divide total by denominator to get value per part, multiply by numerator.
Milliliters and Ounces (S-113)
1 oz = 30 mL; to convert oz to mL multiply by 30.
cc and mL Equivalence (S-114)
1 cc = 1 mL; convert cc to mL identically.
Grape and Apple Juice Conversions (S-116 to S-117)
Example: 120 cc = 120 mL; 120 mL equals 4 oz approximately.
Fluids Considered as Output (S-117)
Urine, Vomit, Diarrhea, Wound drainage, Gastric suction material.
Output Collection Devices (S-118)
Graduated specimen container, Catheter bag, Urinal, Commode hat, Emesis basin.
Foley Catheter Bag (S-119)
Connected to Foley catheter; emptied into measuring device; measurement more accurate in graduated container than bag.
Urinal (S-120)
Plastic device used for urine; marked in oz and cc/mL; 100 mL increments with 50 mL minor marks.
Commode Hat / Specimen Pan (S-121)
Used when resident is on output or needs specimens; marked in oz/cc; edge grooves for easy pouring; avoid placing toilet paper in hat.
Page 22–23: More on I&O and Intakes (S-122 to S-129)
Emesis Basin (S-122)
Kidney-shaped plastic basin used during mouthcare or nausea; marked in oz and cc; used for measurement.
Measuring Urine – Examples (S-123 to S-125)
Example 1: Long line = 200 mL; Short line = 25 mL; Amount = 225 mL.
Example 2: Long line = 500 mL; Amount = 500 mL.
Example 3: Long line = 300 mL; Short line = 25 mL; Amount = 325 mL.
Importance of Identifying Meal Intake (S-126)
Accurate meal intake helps identify risk of impaired nutrition; poor intake may indicate illness; meals contribute to daily fluid intake.
Food Intake and Percentages (S-127 to S-129)
Compare amount eaten to amount served; use exact items or percentages (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%); sample meal descriptions given.
Page 28: Handout AA9 – Analog Watch (Practical Tips)
Handout AA9 details:
Reproduces instructions for using an analog watch to count pulse and respirations.
Start and stop counting on the same number; do not wait for the hand to reach 12.
Reminder of how to align the counting with the second hand (the chart shows the numbers to start/stop).
Page 29–31: Handouts and Practice Scenarios (AA24, AA28, AA49, AA62AA, AA66, AA95)
Handout AA24 – Fahrenheit Temperature (Oral/Rectal) Practice
Includes sample OCR-like prompts to determine if resident is afebrile or febrile; actions: notify supervisor or document the temperature.
Handout AA28 – Pulse Sites
Identify and label temporal, carotid, apical, brachial, radial, and pedal pulses.
Handout AA49 – Blood Pressure and Factors of Select Examples
For numbers 1–4, fill in specific information; numbers 5–14 involve checking factors such as lying down, exercising, smoking, alcohol, overweight, high salt diet, stress, anxiety, injuries, pain.
Handout AA62AA – Aneroid Blood Pressure Manometer
Describes: long lines = 10 mmHg, short lines = 2 mmHg; rounding rules; written as 120 over 80; practice with various readings.
Handout AA66 – Aneroid Blood Pressure #1 to #4 (and #5–#10)
Series of BP reading practice: determine normal vs abnormal and whether to notify the supervisor or document.
Handout AA95 – Weight and Height #1 to #4
Practice calculating weight in pounds and height in inches/feet+inches; show calculations.
Page 32–33: Additional Handouts and BP Practice (AA114, AA62AA continuation)
Handout AA62AA (continued) – Aneroid BP nuances
Includes instructions for reading BP values, determining normal ranges, and whether to notify.
Handout AA66 – BP Drawings
Visuals for various BP values to draw and label S (systolic) and D (diastolic).
Page 34–35: More BP Practice, Weight/Height Calculations (AA66 continuation, AA95 continuations)
BP value drawing tasks (S-6 style tasks)
Draw several BP values, label S and D for each.
Weight calculations (AA95 #1–#4)
Instructions to write resident’s weight in pounds and show calculation.
Page 36–38: Height Calculations and Practice (AA95 #1–#4; #1–#4 continued)
Height calculations (AA95 #1–#4)
Write height in inches; convert to feet and inches; show calculations.
Page 39–41: Intake Calculations – AA114-1 and AA114-2 (Intake Practice)
Intake Calculations – AA114-1 (Serving Sizes)
Use serving sizes to determine intake for listed fluids using fractions. Serving sizes include: 240 mL (water), 180 mL (tea), 120 mL (juice), 240 mL (milk), 240 mL (coffee), 360 mL (soft drink), 120 mL (gelatin), 180 mL (soup).
Example problems – AA114-1 (Show Fractions)
Example prompts: 1/2 of orange juice; 1/3 of tomato soup; 2/3 of coffee; 3/4 of gelatin; 1/4 of tea.
Intake Calculations – AA114-2 (Show Subtraction)
Partially consumed drinks measured with graduated container; subtraction to find intake. Examples include 45 mL left in container (so drank total − 45 mL), etc.
Chart Practice – Activity AA114-2 (Let’s Make a Chart)
A Fractions-to-mL chart exercise; first example given: 1/4 of 120 mL = 30 mL; chart with container sizes; students fill remaining entries.
Urine Output Practice – AA125 (Activity)
Simple data entry for urine output amounts (example table with three/or four entries).
Summary of Practical Concepts and Formulas (selected highlights)
Vital signs comprise Temperature, Pulse, Respiration, and Blood Pressure (BP).
Normal ranges to memorize (typical adult values):
Temperature oral: ext{Normal range} = 97.6^
deg ext{F} ext{ to } 99.6^
deg ext{F}, Baseline 98.6^
deg ext{F}, in Celsius roughly { ext{(use organization-specific conversions)}}.Pulse: 60–100 bpm, regular, strong.
Respirations: 12–20 breaths per minute, regular and quiet.
BP: Normal systolic 90 ext{ to } 119 ext{ mmHg}; diastolic 60 ext{ to } 79 ext{ mmHg}.
BP measurement notes:
Use brachial artery in upper arm; cuff width and arm size matter for accuracy.
BP reading is written as systolic/diastolic; example: 150/88.
Key artifacts that increase readings: full bladder, talking during measurement, limb with casts or edema, etc.
Equipment and procedures:
Analog watch helps count pulse/respirations; the second hand is used for timing.
Stethoscope, sphygmomanometer (manual or electronic), and thermometers (digital/electronic/tympanic/temporal/non-mercury glass).
For non-mercury glass thermometers, read at eye level; dispose after use; use protective sheath.
Temperature measurement sites and accuracy: rectal is most accurate; oral/temporal/tympanic/axillary have varying accuracy and patient considerations.
I&O fundamentals: measurement units in mL; 1 mL = 1 cc; 1 oz ≈ 30 mL; common containers in mL: 240 mL (water/milk), 180 mL (tea/soup), 120 mL (juice/gelatin).
Fractions in intake calculations: understand denominators/numerators to compute portions consumed; example: 2/3 of 240 mL coffee → 160 mL.
Measuring multiple outputs: urine, vomit, diarrhea, wound drainage, gastric suction material; use appropriate containers for accuracy.
Special cases: orthostatic BP measurements; avoid BP in arms with IVs or injuries; ensure patient comfort and safety throughout measurement.
If you would like, I can reorganize these notes into a shorter study guide or expand any section with more examples, step-by-step procedures, or practice questions (e.g., convert 8 oz to mL, read a sample BP value, or calculate intake from a given scenario).