Questions and Answers
Which of these are considered vital signs? (Select all that apply)
What are baseline vital signs?
The first set of measurements you take to which subsequent measurements can be compared.
Which equipment is used for taking vitals? (Select all that apply)
What is the normal breathing rate for adults and adolescents?
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What is the normal breathing rate for children ages 6-10?
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What is the normal breathing rate for infants from 30 days to 5 months?
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What are the normal breathing rates for newborns to 30 days?
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Match the following phrases to their definitions:
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Labored breathing is characterized by the absence of accessory muscles usage.
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What does skin color indicate regarding vital signs?
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What does PERRL stand for in pupil assessment?
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Fixed and dilated pupils could indicate which of the following? (Select all that apply)
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What could constricted pupils indicate?
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Study Notes
Vital Signs Overview
- Five key vital signs: breathing, pulse, skin condition, pupils, and blood pressure.
- Baseline vital signs serve as the initial measurement for future comparisons.
Equipment for Vital Signs Measurement
- Sphygmomanometer: device for measuring blood pressure.
- Stethoscope: used for listening to internal sounds.
- Wristwatch: for timing breathing and pulse rates.
- Penlight: assists in pupil examination.
- EMT shears: for cutting clothing in emergencies.
- Pen and notebook: for recording vital signs.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for safety.
Normal Breathing Rates
- Adults and adolescents: 12-20 breaths per minute.
- Children aged 6-10: 15-30 breaths per minute.
- Children aged 6 months to 5 years: 20-30 breaths per minute.
- Infants (30 days to 5 months): 25-40 breaths per minute.
- Newborns (up to 30 days): 30-60 breaths per minute, with at least 40 for newborns.
Characteristics of Normal Breathing
- Chest wall should expand at least 1 inch.
- No accessory muscle use during breathing.
- Normal rate with proportional inhalation and exhalation durations.
- Quiet breathing without abnormal sounds.
Abnormal Breathing Patterns
- Shallow breathing: minimal chest or abdominal expansion.
- Labored breathing: sounds and the use of accessory muscles during respiration.
Breath Sounds and Their Significance
- Snoring: tongue partially obstructing airway in pharynx.
- Wheezing: constriction of bronchioles in lungs.
- Gurgling: presence of fluid in the upper airway.
- Crowing/Stridor: partial obstruction in the upper airway at the larynx.
Pulse Rate Norms
- Adults: 60-100 beats per minute (bpm).
- Children: 80-100 bpm.
- Toddlers: 100-120 bpm.
- Newborns: 120-140 bpm.
- Tachycardia is defined as a pulse over 100 bpm.
- Bradycardia refers to a pulse under 60 bpm.
Characteristics of Pulse
- Bounding: very strong pulse.
- Strong: normal pulse strength.
- Weak and thready pulses indicate concern.
- Cardiac arrest presents as no detectable pulse.
Heart Function Definitions
- Systole: the phase when the heart contracts.
- Diastole: the phase when the heart is relaxed.
- Pulsus Paradoxus: decrease in pulse strength during inspiration, indicating potential cardiac or respiratory issues.
Skin and Pupil Assessments
- Skin color reflects blood oxygenation and circulation.
- Diaphoresis: excessive sweating.
- Nail beds, oral mucosa, and conjunctiva are critical areas for skin color assessment.
Pupil Assessment (PERRL)
- Pupils should be Equal, Round, Regular, and Light Reactive.
- Dilated pupils may indicate cardiac arrest or substance use.
- Constricted pupils can signal CNS disorders or opiate use.
- Unequal pupils may suggest stroke or head injury.
- Nonreactive pupils can indicate cardiac arrest or drug overdose.
Reflex and Movement Assessment
- Consensual reflex: both pupils respond similarly to light.
- Sluggish pupils may indicate hypoxia or brain injury.
- Fixed and dilated pupils are a sign of severe medical conditions.
- Ocular movement evaluation: checks for possible orbital fractures by ensuring both eyes track together.
Eye Movement
- Conjugate gaze: both eyes move together.
- (Additional types not specified in provided text).
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Description
This set of flashcards covers the five vital signs essential for assessing a patient's health, including breathing, pulse, skin, pupils, and blood pressure. It also explains the concept of baseline vital signs and lists the equipment needed for taking these measurements. Ideal for students and professionals in healthcare fields.
