Medical Assistant Practice Assessment Notes

Vital Signs: Definitions and Measurements

  • Body Temperature

    • Normal adult temperature range: 97°F - 100°F (about 36.1°C - 37.5°C)
    • Hypothermic: Temperature below 95°F (35°C)
    • Afebrile: Body temperature within normal range.
    • The most accurate method to measure temperature is Rectal.

  • Pulse

    • Normal resting adult pulse rate: 60-100 beats per minute.
    • Bradycardia: Pulse rate below 60 BPM
    • Tachycardia: Pulse rate above 100 BPM.
    • Common pulse points:
    • Radial: wrist
    • Carotid: neck
    • Apical: chest
    • Dorsalis pedis: top of the foot
    • Popliteal: behind the knee

  • Respirations

    • Normal adult respiratory rate: 12-20 breaths per minute.
    • Newborn respiratory rate: 30-60 breaths per minute.
    • Cheyne-Stokes respiration: characterized by periods of increasing and decreasing depth.
    • Documented as: Each rise and fall of the chest counts as one respiration.

  • Blood Pressure

    • Measured using a Sphygmomanometer.
    • Normal blood pressure: less than 120/80 mmHg.
    • Hypertensive crisis: Systolic > 180 mmHg or Diastolic > 120 mmHg.
    • Difference between systolic and diastolic pressure is pulse pressure.
    • Take readings in different positions to assess for orthostatic hypotension.
    • Korotkoff sounds: five phases heard during deflation of the cuff.
Important Points During Measurement
  • Ensure the blood pressure cuff bladder encircles about 80% of the arm.
  • Position cuff 1 inch above the antecubital space.
  • Avoid measuring blood pressure in an arm with:
    • A cast
    • An IV infusion
    • Recent breast surgery
Specific Considerations in Pediatric Patients
  • Height conversion: For a height of 5'7" (67 inches), conversion to centimeters is approximately 170 cm. (Use conversion factor: 1 inch = 2.54 cm).
  • Measure head circumference in infants in addition to height and weight.
  • If a child is unable to read, use a face pain scale for pain measurement.
Commonly Asked Questions
  • What does a pulse oximeter measure?
    • Measures oxygen saturation of the blood.
  • What is the usual ratio of pulse rate to respiratory rate?
    • Approximately 4:1.
  • Which temperatures should be reported?
    • Rectal temperature of 102.4°F should be reported.
Quick Reference Chart
  • Normal Adult Respiratory Rate: 12-20 breaths/min
  • Normal Infant Respiratory Rate: 30-60 breaths/min
  • Blood Pressure Measurement Positioning: Sitting, lying, standing to assess orthostatic hypotension
  • Pulse Pressure: Difference between systolic and diastolic.
  • Wheezing: Difficulty breathing with whistling sounds.
  • Rales: Crackling noises heard upon breathing.