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Questions and Answers
What range of breaths per minute is considered normal for adults?
What is the normal pulse rate range for adults?
Which method is recommended for counting pulse rate most accurately?
What should be avoided to ensure an accurate pulse reading?
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When documenting pulse observations, which aspect is essential to record?
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What is the primary reason for rechecking a patient's temperature during an examination?
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Which temperature measurement method is suggested for accurate readings?
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What characterizes a continuous fever?
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What is an example of a condition that may cause remittent fever?
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Which fever pattern involves alternating cycles of fever and periods of normal temperature?
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Study Notes
Breathing Assessment
- Observe characteristics of breathing: rate, rhythm, depth, and effort during rest or while taking blood.
- Count respirations for one minute using visual inspection or listening over the trachea; normal adult rate is 14-20 breaths per minute.
- Apply gentle pressure to locate pulse without occluding it, and avoid excessive pressure.
- Measure pulse rate by counting beats for 30 seconds and multiplying by 2; a full 60 seconds is recommended if irregular rhythms are suspected.
- Normal pulse rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute; assess both rhythm (regular vs. irregular) and quality (strong vs. weak).
- Document pulse rate, rhythm, and any abnormalities; consistency in pulse point measurement is essential for accurate monitoring.
Temperature Measurement
- Use an oral thermometer placed under the tongue for accurate body temperature readings.
- Recheck temperature if initial readings conflict with the patient's clinical presentation.
- Define fever thresholds: over 38-38.5°C (100.4-101.3°F) in Celsius and over 101-101.5°F in Fahrenheit.
- Types of fever include:
- Continuous Fever: Elevated temperature above normal with minimal fluctuation.
- Remittent Fever: Elevated temperature with daily fluctuations greater than 2°C.
- Pel-Ebstein Fever: Alternating cycles of fever and normal temperature, often over a 3-day pattern.
- Intermittent Fever: Temperature spikes with periods of normality; can vary in cycle.
- Septic Fever: Very high fever not responsive to antipyretics; requires prompt evaluation.
- Cyclical Recurrent Fevers: Recurring fever episodes separated by symptom-free intervals.
Blood Pressure and Hypertension
- Most patients with hypertension (HTN) are asymptomatic until target organ damage occurs over years.
- Primary hypertension is the most common, while secondary hypertension arises from treatable conditions (e.g., pheochromocytoma, renal artery stenosis).
- The majority of patients (>60%) require two or more medications for effective management.
- Initial drug treatment for BP between 140-160/80-100 typically starts with hydrochlorothiazide.
- For higher BP levels (>160/100), begin treatment with two medications simultaneously.
- Acute BP interventions are reserved for apparent acute symptoms from target organ damage, such as congestive heart failure.
Best Practices for Assessment
- Ensure accurate counting of respiratory rates by observing discreetly to avoid patient anxiety.
- Use same pulse measurement point for consistent monitoring and documentation.
- Take detailed notes of any irregularities or discrepancies for necessary further investigation.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the techniques for assessing breathing and pulse. It includes instructions on how to observe breathing patterns and count pulse beats, emphasizing gentle pressure and careful observation. Perfect for medical students or anyone interested in understanding vital signs.
