NUR 151: Fundamentals of Nursing - Vital Signs

Required Readings

  • ATI: Engage Fundamentals RN 2.0

    • Vital Signs – All Lessons

    • Vital Signs – All Skills

Key Terminology

  • afebrile

  • apnea

  • auscultatory gap

  • blood pressure

  • bradycardia

  • bradypnea

  • diastolic pressure

  • dyspnea

  • dysrhythmia

  • eupnea

  • febrile

  • fever

  • hypertension

  • hyperthermia

  • hyperventilation

  • hypotension

  • hypothermia

  • hypoventilation

  • Korotkoff sounds

  • orthopnea

  • orthostatic hypotension

  • pulse

  • pulse deficit

  • pulse pressure

  • pyrexia

  • respirations

  • systolic pressure

  • tachycardia

  • tachypnea

  • temperature

  • vital signs

Lesson Outcomes

  1. Explain physiological processes in homeostatic regulation of vital signs (temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure).

  2. Compare factors influencing fluctuations in vital signs.

  3. Identify assessment sites for vital signs.

  4. Accurately assess vital signs.

  5. Describe pulse assessment sites and their significance.

  6. Demonstrate knowledge of normal ranges for vital signs across lifespan.

  7. Discuss factors affecting respiration and oxygen saturation.

  8. Understand basic respiratory assessment.

  9. Educate patients on home monitoring of pulse and blood pressure.

  10. Identify key terms relevant to vital signs.