Vital Signs and Body Temperature

Questions and Answers

What is the normal core body temperature range?

38.0°C to 39.0°C

36.0°C to 37.5°C (correct)

35.0°C to 37.0°C

37.0°C to 38.0°C

Which of the following is NOT a factor to consider before taking a patient's temperature?

Recent use of chewing gum

Recent smoking

Recent surgery on the nose or mouth

Recent exercise (correct)

How much higher is a rectal temperature typically compared to an oral temperature?

1.0°C

1.5°C

0.25°C

0.5°C (correct)

What is the correct procedure for shaking a mercury thermometer before use?

Shake the thermometer until the chemical line reaches at least 35°C Signup and view all the answers

How long should a thermometer be left in place for an oral temperature?

3 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way to clean a thermometer after use?

Wash with soap and water and rinse with cool water Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the hypothalamus in regulating body temperature?

To control the amount of heat produced and lost by the body Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a surface body temperature measurement site?

Rectal Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range for an adult's pulse rate?

60-100 beats per minute Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred method of pulse assessment for infants and children less than 2 years of age?

Apical pulse Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the pulse that can be assessed by palpation?

Temperature Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common site for obtaining a peripheral pulse?

Radial artery Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range for an adult's respiratory rate?

12-20 breaths per minute Signup and view all the answers

When assessing respiration, what should you do to avoid letting the patient know you are counting respirations?

Move immediately from the pulse assessment to counting the respiratory rate. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an advantage of taking an oral temperature?

It is the most comfortable method of temperature measurement. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of hypothermia?

A body temperature below 36 degrees Celsius. Signup and view all the answers

Why should patients be unaware during the respiratory assessment?

So they do not alter their breathing patterns Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step when assessing respiratory rate?

Count the respirations for 30 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What does systolic pressure represent?

The highest pressure in the arteries during heart contraction Signup and view all the answers

What is used to measure blood pressure?

Stethoscope and sphygmomanometer Signup and view all the answers

Where should the cuff for blood pressure measurement be positioned?

3-5 cm above the elbow Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if respirations are abnormal during assessment?

Count the respirations for at least 1 full minute Signup and view all the answers

What happens to blood pressure during the relaxation phase of the heart?

Diastolic pressure is at its lowest Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to ensure proper cuff placement during the blood pressure measurement?

Remove any tight clothing from the arm Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vital Signs Overview

Vital signs include temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respirations, and oxygen saturation.
These measurements are essential for assessing a patient's health status.

Body Temperature

Defined as the balance between heat produced and lost by the body.
Core temperature, regulated by the hypothalamus, ranges from 36.0°C to 37.5°C.
Core temperatures can be measured via tympanic (ear) or rectal methods; surface temperatures through oral, axillary, or skin measurement.
Rectal temperatures are approximately 0.5°C higher than oral; axillary and tympanic are about 0.5°C lower.

Assessing Temperature

Consider oral cavity conditions, ear issues, recent surgeries, and habits like smoking or drinking before measurement.
Proper thermometer cleaning: wipe dry with a tissue, shake to at least 35°C, and read at eye level.
Temperature measurement times vary: 3 minutes for oral, 2-3 minutes for rectal, and 10 minutes for axillary.
Oral temperature measurement is easily accessible, comfortable, provides accurate readings, and shows rapid core temperature changes.
Hyperthermia occurs above 37.5°C; hypothermia refers to temperatures below 36°C.

Peripheral Pulses

Pulse is a throbbing sensation easily palpated at peripheral arteries (e.g., radial, carotid).
Characteristics include rate (60-100 beats per minute for adults) and rhythm, impacting heart and blood flow effectiveness.
Equipment required: watch with a second hand and gloves if needed.

Assessing Pulse

Radial pulse is the most commonly used site; apical pulse preferred for infants and children under age 2.
Use first three fingers to palpate the artery, counting for 30 seconds, and multiply by 2 for rate per minute.
In case of irregularities, count for a complete minute.

Respiration Assessment

Healthy adult respiratory rates range from 12 to 20 breaths per minute, characterized by depth and rhythm.
Avoid letting the patient know about the respiratory count to prevent altered breathing patterns.
Assess respirations immediately after pulse count, noting chest movements.

Assessing Blood Pressure

Blood pressure measures the force of blood against arterial walls, consisting of systolic (highest pressure during heart contraction) and diastolic (lowest pressure during heart relaxation).
Measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) using a stethoscope and sphygmomanometer.

Blood Pressure Measurement Techniques

Position cuff 3-5 cm above the elbow with the cuff marker over the brachial artery.
Ensure snug cuff placement without obstruction from clothing.
Palpate the brachial or radial pulse while inflating the cuff for accurate application.

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Description

This quiz covers the basics of vital signs, including body temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respirations, and oxygen saturation, and how they are measured and controlled by the body.