Podcast
Questions and Answers
When assessing vital signs, what consideration is most important regarding equipment?
When assessing vital signs, what consideration is most important regarding equipment?
- The equipment should be easy to use.
- The equipment should be modern
- The equipment should be readily available
- The equipment should be reliable. (correct)
A patient's medical diagnosis includes heart failure and renal insufficiency. How should the nurse tailor the vital sign assessment?
A patient's medical diagnosis includes heart failure and renal insufficiency. How should the nurse tailor the vital sign assessment?
- By choosing larger equipment to ensure accurate assessment.
- By excluding pulse oximetry due to potential inaccuracies in renal patients.
- By prioritizing speed to minimize patient discomfort.
- By selecting equipment based on the patient's condition and characteristics. (correct)
Why is it important for nurses to understand the normal ranges of vital signs?
Why is it important for nurses to understand the normal ranges of vital signs?
- To reduce the need for frequent vital sign checks.
- To accurately interpret and respond appropriately to abnormal findings. (correct)
- To provide quick and efficient care.
- To avoid consulting with physicians.
How do environmental factors most significantly impact the assessment of vital signs?
How do environmental factors most significantly impact the assessment of vital signs?
Under which circumstance is the frequent monitoring of vital signs most critical for a patient's well-being?
Under which circumstance is the frequent monitoring of vital signs most critical for a patient's well-being?
Which physiological process does body temperature regulation primarily depend on?
Which physiological process does body temperature regulation primarily depend on?
During assessment, a patient reports feeling cold despite a room temperature of 24°C. What factor should the nurse consider that may influence the patient’s body temperature?
During assessment, a patient reports feeling cold despite a room temperature of 24°C. What factor should the nurse consider that may influence the patient’s body temperature?
A patient's body temperature is being monitored in response to a fever. Which thermoregulatory mechanism would the body likely initiate to reduce heat when the temperature is elevated?
A patient's body temperature is being monitored in response to a fever. Which thermoregulatory mechanism would the body likely initiate to reduce heat when the temperature is elevated?
What condition is indicated by a body temperature of 34°C?
What condition is indicated by a body temperature of 34°C?
Why are mercury thermometers no longer recommended for measuring body temperature?
Why are mercury thermometers no longer recommended for measuring body temperature?
A nurse is preparing to measure a patient's body temperature orally. Which action is most appropriate to unsure accurate results?
A nurse is preparing to measure a patient's body temperature orally. Which action is most appropriate to unsure accurate results?
In which situation is it most appropriate to avoid taking an oral temperature?
In which situation is it most appropriate to avoid taking an oral temperature?
How does the measurement technique differ when using a tympanic thermometer compared to other types of thermometers?
How does the measurement technique differ when using a tympanic thermometer compared to other types of thermometers?
While preparing to take a rectal temperature on an adult patient, what step is most important to ensure patient safety and comfort?
While preparing to take a rectal temperature on an adult patient, what step is most important to ensure patient safety and comfort?
A patient's axillary temperature reading is consistently lower than their oral temperature. What factor is most likely contributing to this discrepancy?
A patient's axillary temperature reading is consistently lower than their oral temperature. What factor is most likely contributing to this discrepancy?
A nurse is taking a patient’s pulse and notes that the number of heartbeats per minute is outside of the normal range. What aspect of the pulse is the nurse assessing?
A nurse is taking a patient’s pulse and notes that the number of heartbeats per minute is outside of the normal range. What aspect of the pulse is the nurse assessing?
When assessing a patient's pulse, the nurse is evaluating whether the beats are evenly spaced or irregular. Which characteristic of the pulse is being assessed?
When assessing a patient's pulse, the nurse is evaluating whether the beats are evenly spaced or irregular. Which characteristic of the pulse is being assessed?
Why is it important to evaluate the pulse when assessing a patient's health status?
Why is it important to evaluate the pulse when assessing a patient's health status?
What is a normal pulse rate per minute for a newborn?
What is a normal pulse rate per minute for a newborn?
Which condition is characterized by a pulse rate consistently below 60 beats per minute?
Which condition is characterized by a pulse rate consistently below 60 beats per minute?
A patient with a known heart condition is experiencing an irregular pulse rhythm. When assessing the pulse, what additional step should the nurse take?
A patient with a known heart condition is experiencing an irregular pulse rhythm. When assessing the pulse, what additional step should the nurse take?
What does the term 'pulse deficit' refer to when assessing a patient’s cardiovascular function?
What does the term 'pulse deficit' refer to when assessing a patient’s cardiovascular function?
What does a 'thready' or 'weak' pulse typically indicate about a patient's circulatory status?
What does a 'thready' or 'weak' pulse typically indicate about a patient's circulatory status?
When a nurse assesses a patient's radial pulse and finds it difficult to palpate, which alternative pulse site is most appropriate to assess next?
When a nurse assesses a patient's radial pulse and finds it difficult to palpate, which alternative pulse site is most appropriate to assess next?
During an emergency, which pulse point is typically assessed in a 1-year-old to quickly determine the heart rate?
During an emergency, which pulse point is typically assessed in a 1-year-old to quickly determine the heart rate?
Which action is the most appropriate initial step when preparing to take a patient’s peripheral pulse?
Which action is the most appropriate initial step when preparing to take a patient’s peripheral pulse?
When measuring a patient’s pulse, the healthcare provider finds the pulse irregular for the first time. What action should the healthcare provider perform?
When measuring a patient’s pulse, the healthcare provider finds the pulse irregular for the first time. What action should the healthcare provider perform?
Which primary function is served by the organs of the respiratory system?
Which primary function is served by the organs of the respiratory system?
What occurs during external respiration?
What occurs during external respiration?
What two components are classified as ventilation?
What two components are classified as ventilation?
During which phase of respiration does oxygen move from the alveoli into the lung capillaries, and carbon dioxide moves from the capillaries into the alveoli?
During which phase of respiration does oxygen move from the alveoli into the lung capillaries, and carbon dioxide moves from the capillaries into the alveoli?
The medulla oblongata and which other location in the brain play an important role in respiration?
The medulla oblongata and which other location in the brain play an important role in respiration?
What are some vital things to consider when a nurse is measuring respiratory function?
What are some vital things to consider when a nurse is measuring respiratory function?
What is the typical respiratory rate for an adult?
What is the typical respiratory rate for an adult?
What indicates a patient assessment of 'normal' for respiratory depth?
What indicates a patient assessment of 'normal' for respiratory depth?
What condition is described as the bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to tissues near the skin surface having low oxygen saturation?
What condition is described as the bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to tissues near the skin surface having low oxygen saturation?
In what order should patient’s respiration be observed to enhance accuracy and prevent alteration of the breathing pattern:
In what order should patient’s respiration be observed to enhance accuracy and prevent alteration of the breathing pattern:
Which best describes the overall aim of assessing oxygen saturation?
Which best describes the overall aim of assessing oxygen saturation?
A patient consistently has oxygen saturation readings below 90%. How would you describe this assessment?
A patient consistently has oxygen saturation readings below 90%. How would you describe this assessment?
What is necessary with the finger probe used to measure the oxygen level in the blood?
What is necessary with the finger probe used to measure the oxygen level in the blood?
What does blood pressure measure?
What does blood pressure measure?
What is the term for pressure when the heart pushes blood out?
What is the term for pressure when the heart pushes blood out?
What is considered ideal blood pressure?
What is considered ideal blood pressure?
For a patient with a resting blood pressure reading of 120/80, what would their pulse pressure be?
For a patient with a resting blood pressure reading of 120/80, what would their pulse pressure be?
How can the nurse confirm the reliability of vital signs equipment before using it for patient assessment?
How can the nurse confirm the reliability of vital signs equipment before using it for patient assessment?
Which factor is most important for a patient to consider when self-monitoring vital signs at home?
Which factor is most important for a patient to consider when self-monitoring vital signs at home?
A patient's vital signs unexpectedly deviate from their baseline. Beyond immediate reassessment, what initial action should the nurse prioritize?
A patient's vital signs unexpectedly deviate from their baseline. Beyond immediate reassessment, what initial action should the nurse prioritize?
How might a patient's psychological state influence the interpretation of vital signs?
How might a patient's psychological state influence the interpretation of vital signs?
A patient is scheduled for a diagnostic procedure. How should the nurse integrate vital sign assessment into the patient's care?
A patient is scheduled for a diagnostic procedure. How should the nurse integrate vital sign assessment into the patient's care?
What is the physiological basis for maintaining a consistent and balanced body temperature?
What is the physiological basis for maintaining a consistent and balanced body temperature?
A patient is experiencing an elevated body temperature due to heatstroke. Which physiological response is least likely to be effective in this situation?
A patient is experiencing an elevated body temperature due to heatstroke. Which physiological response is least likely to be effective in this situation?
A patient has a consistently low body temperature of 35°C. Beyond covering the patient with warm blankets, what intervention addresses the primary underlying mechanism to restore normal temperature?
A patient has a consistently low body temperature of 35°C. Beyond covering the patient with warm blankets, what intervention addresses the primary underlying mechanism to restore normal temperature?
What is the most important consideration when selecting a method for measuring body temperature?
What is the most important consideration when selecting a method for measuring body temperature?
A patient is recovering from oral surgery. What temperature measurement method is most appropriate?
A patient is recovering from oral surgery. What temperature measurement method is most appropriate?
When measuring tympanic temperature, what technique minimizes the risk of inaccurate readings?
When measuring tympanic temperature, what technique minimizes the risk of inaccurate readings?
What is the primary reason for using lubricant during rectal temperature measurement?
What is the primary reason for using lubricant during rectal temperature measurement?
In a stable patient, which site is usually preferred for routine body temperature measurement and why?
In a stable patient, which site is usually preferred for routine body temperature measurement and why?
What indicates the pulse rhythm when assessing a patient's pulse?
What indicates the pulse rhythm when assessing a patient's pulse?
What information can be gained from assessing a patient for a pulse deficit?
What information can be gained from assessing a patient for a pulse deficit?
Which pulse characteristics would most indicate poor perfusion to a body region?
Which pulse characteristics would most indicate poor perfusion to a body region?
Which patient condition would warrant avoiding radial pulse assessment?
Which patient condition would warrant avoiding radial pulse assessment?
What is the first step when assessing a patient's peripheral pulse?
What is the first step when assessing a patient's peripheral pulse?
What actions should the healthcare provider perform if a patient has an irregular pulse during assessment?
What actions should the healthcare provider perform if a patient has an irregular pulse during assessment?
Which process is responsible for the movement of oxygen from the lungs into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide from the bloodstream into the lungs?
Which process is responsible for the movement of oxygen from the lungs into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide from the bloodstream into the lungs?
Which of the following is considered part of 'Ventilation' during respiration?
Which of the following is considered part of 'Ventilation' during respiration?
What main areas should a nurse consider when measuring respiratory function?
What main areas should a nurse consider when measuring respiratory function?
What respiratory rate would be considered outside/abnormal for a healthy adult?
What respiratory rate would be considered outside/abnormal for a healthy adult?
What indicates a shallow respiratory depth during patient assessment?
What indicates a shallow respiratory depth during patient assessment?
What triggers cyanosis?
What triggers cyanosis?
How should a nurse go about observing a patient's respiration to ensure accuracy and prevent any changes?
How should a nurse go about observing a patient's respiration to ensure accuracy and prevent any changes?
What does having oxygen saturation readings below 90% indicate?
What does having oxygen saturation readings below 90% indicate?
When using a finger probe to measure the oxygen level in the blood, what should be considered?
When using a finger probe to measure the oxygen level in the blood, what should be considered?
What is measured in blood pressure?
What is measured in blood pressure?
Which value indicated the 'systole' pressure?
Which value indicated the 'systole' pressure?
Which blood pressure puts a patient at risk/limit for hypertension?
Which blood pressure puts a patient at risk/limit for hypertension?
What average is the pressure between systolic and diastolic blood pressure?
What average is the pressure between systolic and diastolic blood pressure?
What is the primary reason for avoiding oral temperature measurements in patients with dyspnea?
What is the primary reason for avoiding oral temperature measurements in patients with dyspnea?
When assessing an adult patient's respiration, the nurse notes a rate of 10 breaths per minute with shallow chest movement. What term best describes this?
When assessing an adult patient's respiration, the nurse notes a rate of 10 breaths per minute with shallow chest movement. What term best describes this?
What should a nurse do to count a patient's respiration accurately?
What should a nurse do to count a patient's respiration accurately?
The measurement of body temperature should always be consistent and?
The measurement of body temperature should always be consistent and?
When is the rectal temperature measurement route used?
When is the rectal temperature measurement route used?
How should a nurse prioritize communicating changes in a patient's vital signs to other healthcare providers?
How should a nurse prioritize communicating changes in a patient's vital signs to other healthcare providers?
When assessing vital signs, what is the impact of understanding a patient's medical history?
When assessing vital signs, what is the impact of understanding a patient's medical history?
Which aspect of patient interaction is most enhanced through effective communication during vital sign assessment?
Which aspect of patient interaction is most enhanced through effective communication during vital sign assessment?
The body balances which two mechanisms to maintain its temperature?
The body balances which two mechanisms to maintain its temperature?
What is the body's response to a temperature change?
What is the body's response to a temperature change?
What is the best way to enhance the accuracy of tympanic temperature readings?
What is the best way to enhance the accuracy of tympanic temperature readings?
In which instance would a rectal temperature be contraindicated?
In which instance would a rectal temperature be contraindicated?
What is the primary purpose of assessing the pulse, and what does it tell you about the heart?
What is the primary purpose of assessing the pulse, and what does it tell you about the heart?
An adult's resting pulse measurement is observed to be 130 bpm. What do you call this condition, and what could be some factors affecting pulse rate?
An adult's resting pulse measurement is observed to be 130 bpm. What do you call this condition, and what could be some factors affecting pulse rate?
There is a difference between the apical pulse and peripheral pulse. What is this called, and what is the significance of assessing for it?
There is a difference between the apical pulse and peripheral pulse. What is this called, and what is the significance of assessing for it?
Which of the following is the best description of pulse volume, and what could a weak, thready pulse indicate?
Which of the following is the best description of pulse volume, and what could a weak, thready pulse indicate?
When counting respirations, what is the FIRST consideration, and what is INCLUDED in the process?
When counting respirations, what is the FIRST consideration, and what is INCLUDED in the process?
The patient needs to be unaware that their respiration is being observed/measured. How can the nurse do this and obtain an accurate measurement?
The patient needs to be unaware that their respiration is being observed/measured. How can the nurse do this and obtain an accurate measurement?
What is a normal respiratory rate for a newborn?
What is a normal respiratory rate for a newborn?
Respiratory rate is VERY important. What else needs to be considered and measured during respiratory assessment?
Respiratory rate is VERY important. What else needs to be considered and measured during respiratory assessment?
What value or level of oxygen saturation (SpO2) is considered below normal?
What value or level of oxygen saturation (SpO2) is considered below normal?
Pulse oximetry measures the maximum amount of ______________ pulsating/vibrating through the blood vessels.
Pulse oximetry measures the maximum amount of ______________ pulsating/vibrating through the blood vessels.
Blood pressure is measured using a blood pressure monitor. Which answer correctly states the description of blood pressure?
Blood pressure is measured using a blood pressure monitor. Which answer correctly states the description of blood pressure?
There is a certain blood pressure value that is considered ideal. Which blood pressure is considered ideal?
There is a certain blood pressure value that is considered ideal. Which blood pressure is considered ideal?
Hypertension is a serious condition. According to the World Health Organization, what blood pressure reading indicates hypertension in adults?
Hypertension is a serious condition. According to the World Health Organization, what blood pressure reading indicates hypertension in adults?
Flashcards
What are vital signs?
What are vital signs?
Indicators of health status include body temperature, pulse, respiration, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure.
Factors Changing Vital Findings
Factors Changing Vital Findings
Changes can result from different times of day, age, ovulation, seasons, environmental heat, stress and disease.
What is body temperature?
What is body temperature?
It is the balance between heat produced and heat consumed by the body.
Heat production vs consumption
Heat production vs consumption
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What is the normal body temperature?
What is the normal body temperature?
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Factors Influencing Body Temperature
Factors Influencing Body Temperature
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What regulates body temperature?
What regulates body temperature?
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What is hypothermia?
What is hypothermia?
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What is hyperthermia?
What is hyperthermia?
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Measurements sites to take body temperature
Measurements sites to take body temperature
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What is Pulse?
What is Pulse?
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Assessing the Pulse
Assessing the Pulse
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Pulse Rate By Ages
Pulse Rate By Ages
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What is tachycardia?
What is tachycardia?
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What is bradycardia?
What is bradycardia?
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What is pulse deficit?
What is pulse deficit?
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What is weak pulse?
What is weak pulse?
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What is Respiration
What is Respiration
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External vs Internal Respiration
External vs Internal Respiration
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What is Ventilation
What is Ventilation
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What is Diffusion?
What is Diffusion?
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Measuring Ventilation
Measuring Ventilation
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What controls respiration?
What controls respiration?
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What is hyper/hypoventilation?
What is hyper/hypoventilation?
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What is Anoxia?
What is Anoxia?
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What is Dyspnea?
What is Dyspnea?
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What is Oxygen Saturation?
What is Oxygen Saturation?
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Normal Pulse Oximeter Reading
Normal Pulse Oximeter Reading
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What is hypotension?
What is hypotension?
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What is pulse pressure?
What is pulse pressure?
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What is systolic pressure?
What is systolic pressure?
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What is diastolic pressure?
What is diastolic pressure?
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Pulse Presure Average
Pulse Presure Average
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What affects blood pressure?
What affects blood pressure?
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Study Notes
- Vital signs are indicators of an individual's health status.
- Factors such as time of day, age, ovulation state, seasons, physical activity, clothing, environmental heat, stress, and disease can change vital signs.
- Nurses should know how to obtain vital signs, evaluate them, and communicate information to other team members.
- Equipment used to measure vital signs must be reliable and selected based on patient condition and characteristics.
- Knowledge of normal vital sign values and the patient's medical diagnosis, treatment, and medications are needed.
- Environmental factors should be considered during vital sign assessment.
- Vital signs should be measured systematically at regular intervals.
- Nurses should communicate effectively with the patient and cooperate with the physician.
- Vital signs that are measured should be analyzed completely.
Frequency of Vital Signs Measurement
- When preparing the patient for admission.
- Frequency increases before and after surgery.
- Before and after diagnostic procedures.
- Before and after administering drugs affecting the heart and respiratory system.
- When there is a sudden deterioration of the patient's condition.
- Before and after medical interventions that may affect life signs.
- When the patient feels different.
Body Temperature
- Body temperature reflects the balance between heat produced and heat consumed.
- Body temperature should be consistent and balanced
- Heat production and consumption should be equal.
- Heat is produced through food.
- Heat loss occurs through the lungs, skin, and body wastes, including urine, feces, vomit, and blood.
- Factors affecting temperature include age, exercise, hormone level, stress, environment, emotional state, basal metabolic rate, digestion, nutrition, sleep, diseases, and sympathetic nervous system activity.
- The thermoregulation center is the hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature like a thermostat.
- Vasodilation decreases heat, while sweating, muscle tremor, and piloerection increase heat production.
- Hypothermia is when body temperature is 35 °C and below.
- Hyperthermia is when body temperature is above 38 °C.
Normal Body Temperature Values and Measurement Sites:
- Oral: 36.5°C to 37.5°C, average 37°C
- Ear: 36.5°C to 37.5°C, average 37°C
- Axillary/Forehead: 36°C to 37°C, average 36.5°C
- Rectal: 37°C to 38°C, average 37.5°C
- Mercury thermometers are toxic
- Mercury thermometers were forbidden in 2009.
- Before measuring body temperature, materials should be prepared, hands washed, and patient informed.
- Permission should be obtained from the patient
- Oral temperature is measured by placing thermometer under the tongue.
- Disposable parts are available
- Oral temperatures should not be taken on patients with dyspnea, children, the elderly, and those with psychiatric diseases, non-conscious patients, after surgery, in mouth operations, in case of infection or on continuous oxygen.
- Key points for oral measurements: use a personal thermometer; avoid hot or cold food/drinks before; place thermometer under tongue; close mouth, but do not squeeze the teeth.
- Tympanic (ear) temperature: measurement is made in 1-2 seconds.
- Place receiver inside outer ear and use a disposable plastic cover.
- Rectal temperature is used when heat cannot be taken by the oral/axillary route.
- For rectal measurement: close room, position patient & flex upper leg, wear gloves.
- Apply lubricant, separate hips and tell patient to breathe slowly; insert and wait for signal.
- Rectal temperatures should not be taken during rectal bleeding, rectum surgeries, maternity, continuously for pediatric patients, or during diarrhea cases.
- Axillary measurements are most common
- Infection is unlikely through the axillary route
- The armpit should not be sweaty.
- Special digital thermometers are used for forehead measurements.
Pulse
- Pulse is the number of heartbeats per minute.
- Assessment includes: rate, rhythm, and volume.
- Pulse is counted to assess rate, rhythm, and contraction of heart
- Pulse helps to identify peripheral vascular diseases
- Normal pulse rates, are: Newborn: 120-160/min, Children: 80-120/min, Adult: 60-100/min.
- Bradycardia is when pulse rate is below 60 beats per minute.
- Tachycardia is when pulse rate is above 100 beats per minute.
- Factors affecting pulse rate: exercise, hyperthermia, hypothermia, acute pain/anxiety, chronic pain, drugs, age, gender, metabolism, bleeding, posture.
- Pulse rhythm, if there is arrythmia, both apical pulse and radial pulse
- A pulse deficit develops in arrhythmia.
- The pulse deficit is the difference between the apical and peripheral pulse rates.
- Apical radial pulses indicate arrythmia
- A "weak pulse" is difficult to palpate and vanishes easily
- A weak pulse is also called a "filiform pulse" or "thready pulse"; found in bleeding, shock or heart failure
- Weak pulse= filiform pulse=thready pulse when pulse rate is over 130 per minute
- Emergency pulse points: 0-1yr = apical / brachial/femoral artery; >1yr = carotid artery
- Hands are washed, the patient is informed about the application
- Factors that may affect pulse are evaluated before measurement.
- The patient should not be standing.
- Findings are recorded.
- To measure pulse. the sign, middle, and ring fingers are placed on the artery gently
- Assess irregular pulses carefully for a full minute.
- Assess regular pulses carefully for 30 seconds.
Respiration
- Respiration is a process that begins with breathing and involves the organism taking in and using O2 and releasing CO2.
- External respiration is gas exchange between lungs and atmosphere.
- Internal respiration is gas exchange between blood and cells.
- Breathing involves ventilation, diffusion and perfusion.
- Ventilation includes inspiration and expiration.
- During diffusion, O2 passes from alveoli to lung circulation.
- At the same time during diffusion, CO2 passes from the lung circulation to the alveoli.
- During perfusion, O2 from lung circulation is carried in blood to tissues and CO2 from tissues enters the lungs.
- Respiratory rate, depth and rhythm is examined during ventilation
- Regulation: respiratory center is located in medulla oblongata and pons of brainstem
- Respiratory rate is very important in respiratory measurements
- Normal RR's: Newborn: 30-60/min Adult: 12-20/min.
- Respiratory depth is assessed as deep, superficial or normal
- Factors affecting respiratory depth: body position, some medications, exercise, fear, anxiety
- The diaphragm increases 1 cm in normal breathing
- The costa extend 1.5-2.5 cm forward during normal breathing
- Hyperventilation: incrased rate and depth of breathing
- Hypoventilation: decreased rate and depth of breathing, irregular
- Anoxia - absence of oxygen
- Hypoxia - cells and tissues can not get enough oxygen
- Dyspnea - difficult breathing
- Cyanosis - bluish or purplish discolouration of skin due to low oxygen saturation.
- Cyanosis is clearly observed from the lips, ear lobes, nails and oral mucosa
Assessing Respiration
- After counting pulse count respiratory rate by observing chest wall
- Count each complete cycle, which equals one respiration
- Do not tell the patient that respirations are being counted
- Evaluate patient's exercise, fatigue, and eating status
- Position rib cage to be visible.
- Check your watch, use a value to start
- Expiration and inspiration = 1 breath
- Assess a regular breathing pattern for 30 seconds and multiply by 2
- Assess an irregular breathing pattern for 1 minute.
- Respiratory depth should be observed
- Take precautions for abnormal findings.
Oxygen Saturation
- Pulse oximetry is a procedure used to measure oxygen saturation in the blood
- Pulse oximetry is noninvasive, painless, general indicator of oxygen delivery to the peripheral tissues (such as the finger, earlobe, or nose)
- The pulse oximeter test relies on identifying hemoglobin pulsating through the blood vessels.
- Normal readings are 95-100%
- Values of under 90% are low
- Hypoxemia: describes a lower than normal level of oxygen in your blood.
- Finger should be placed so light source of probe is aligned with finger.
Blood Pressure
- Blood pressure is a measure of the force that the heart uses to pump blood around the body.
- Systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart pushes blood out
- Diastolic pressure is the pressure when the heart rests between beats
- Ideal blood pressure: between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg
- High blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher
- Low blood pressure is considered to be 90/60mmHg or lower
- Pulse pressure is the numeric difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
- For example, if resting blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, pulse pressure is 40.
- The average pulse pressure is between 30-50mmHg.
- Factors Affecting Blood Pressure: age, stress, race, gender, daily life, medicines, foods, exercise
- WHO limit for hypertension in adults - 140/90mmHg.
Hypotension
- Arterial blood pressure is below normal.
- It is called "hypotension".
- Systolic blood pressure value is 90mmHg or lower.
Measuring Blood Pressure
- Blood Pressure Monitor (Sphygmomanometer), Stethoscope, disinfectant, pen, waste container.
- Position: supine, semi fowler-fowler
- The elbow should be flexed at the level of the heart.
- Check mercury level before taking a measurement
- Wait minutes before taking the pressure.
- Blood pressure cuff should be placed 2-3 cm above the antecubital area
- Brachial artery should not be closed.
- Palpate the brachial artery.
- Hold stethoscope disc firmly on arm when taking measurement
- Maintain even pressure
- Rapidly inflate the cuff to 200-250 mmHg.
- Release air from the cuff at a moderate rate (3mm/sec).
- Listen and watch dial.
- First knocking sound = systolic pressure and when sound stops = diastolic pressure
- First, take measurements from both arteries. Measure both arms and use arm with the higher pressure. Check manufacturer instructions
- Follow similar protocol for each arm reading, leaving intervals of 1-3mins.
- If it is the individual's first measurement, repeat each measure on the other arm (leaving interval of 1-3 mins)
- After the readings, wash hands and record the results
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