20 Questions
Which of the following is NOT considered a vital sign according to the text?
Pain level
When might a nurse assess vital signs more often for a client?
Before and after surgery
Why would a nurse assess vital signs more often for a client?
To monitor the functions of the body
What is the normal core body temperature?
36.5-37°C
Which factor could lead to an increased body temperature due to increased cellular metabolism?
Less epinephrine and norepinephrine stimulation
What physiological process takes place to increase body temperature when the skin becomes chilled over the entire body?
Shivering increases heat production
What is the normal range for body temperature in adults?
36°C - 37.5°C
What is the term used for a body temperature above the usual range?
Hyperthermia
What is the term for a fever that continuously fluctuates, sometimes ranging from hyperthermia to hyperpyrexia, without returning to normal levels?
Remittent fever
Which physiological mechanism contributes to hypothermia?
Impaired thermoregulation
Assessment of vital signs should only be based on the client's health status, not on agency policies.
False
Oxygen saturation is not commonly measured at the same time as the traditional vital signs.
False
Pain has not been designated as a fifth vital sign by any major healthcare agencies.
False
Conduction is the transfer of heat from a high-temperature molecule to a lower-temperature molecule.
True
The point of highest body temperature is usually reached between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
True
Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system can decrease the production of epinephrine and norepinephrine, thereby decreasing metabolic activity and heat production.
False
A fever with recurrent episodes of high fever that lasts for several days is called a relapsing fever.
True
The body temperature during an intermittent fever alternates at regular intervals between periods of fever and periods of normal or subnormal temperatures.
True
Hypothermia can result from impaired hypothalamic thermoregulation.
True
Rectal temperature readings are considered to be less accurate than axillary temperature readings.
False
Study Notes
Vital Signs
- Pain is considered a fifth vital sign by many healthcare agencies.
- Oxygen saturation is commonly measured at the same time as traditional vital signs.
Body Temperature
- Normal core body temperature is around 98.6°F (37°C).
- Normal range for body temperature in adults is between 97.7°F (36.5°C) and 99.5°F (37.5°C).
- Hyperthermia refers to a body temperature above the usual range.
- Hyperpyrexia is an extremely high body temperature.
- Fever is a term used to describe a body temperature above the usual range.
Factors Affecting Body Temperature
- Increased cellular metabolism can lead to an increased body temperature.
- Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system can increase the production of epinephrine and norepinephrine, thereby increasing metabolic activity and heat production.
Physiological Processes
- Vasoconstriction occurs to increase body temperature when the skin becomes chilled over the entire body.
- Conduction is the transfer of heat from a high-temperature molecule to a lower-temperature molecule.
- Hypothermia can result from impaired hypothalamic thermoregulation.
Fever Types
- Intermittent fever: body temperature alternates at regular intervals between periods of fever and periods of normal or subnormal temperatures.
- Relapsing fever: recurrent episodes of high fever that lasts for several days.
Temperature Measurement
- Rectal temperature readings are considered to be more accurate than axillary temperature readings.
- The point of highest body temperature is usually reached between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
Assessment of Vital Signs
- Vital signs should be assessed based on the client's health status, as well as agency policies.
- A nurse may assess vital signs more often for a client who is at risk of experiencing changes in their vital signs.
Test your knowledge of vital signs in nursing with this quiz. Explore questions about body temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and other important measurements. This quiz covers essential concepts for nursing students and professionals.
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