Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT typically considered a vital sign?
Which of the following is NOT typically considered a vital sign?
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) (correct)
- Pulse rate
- Respiratory rate
- Body temperature
What does the palpable pulse in an artery primarily reflect?
What does the palpable pulse in an artery primarily reflect?
- The speed at which blood flows through the artery
- The amount of oxygen in the blood
- The pressure wave generated by the ejection of blood from the left ventricle (correct)
- The constriction and dilation of the artery walls
When assessing a patient's pulse, which characteristic refers to the pattern or regularity of the pulses?
When assessing a patient's pulse, which characteristic refers to the pattern or regularity of the pulses?
- Volume
- Character
- Rhythm (correct)
- Rate
Which pulse point is located on the foot?
Which pulse point is located on the foot?
Why is it important to avoid palpating both carotid pulses simultaneously?
Why is it important to avoid palpating both carotid pulses simultaneously?
What term describes a pulse rate greater than 100 beats per minute?
What term describes a pulse rate greater than 100 beats per minute?
Which of the following conditions is LEAST likely to cause tachycardia?
Which of the following conditions is LEAST likely to cause tachycardia?
What is the normal respiration rate for an adult at rest?
What is the normal respiration rate for an adult at rest?
A patient is breathing at a rate of 25 breaths per minute. Which term BEST describes this condition?
A patient is breathing at a rate of 25 breaths per minute. Which term BEST describes this condition?
What is the average normal body temperature in Celsius?
What is the average normal body temperature in Celsius?
At what body temperature (Celsius) is a person generally considered to have a fever?
At what body temperature (Celsius) is a person generally considered to have a fever?
When measuring axillary temperature, how long should the thermometer typically be left in place for an accurate reading?
When measuring axillary temperature, how long should the thermometer typically be left in place for an accurate reading?
If an oral temperature reading is 37°C, what would you expect the rectal temperature reading to be?
If an oral temperature reading is 37°C, what would you expect the rectal temperature reading to be?
In managing a patient with a fever, what temperature range (in Celsius) is recommended for tepid water used for sponging?
In managing a patient with a fever, what temperature range (in Celsius) is recommended for tepid water used for sponging?
What does blood pressure measure?
What does blood pressure measure?
Which of the following BEST describes diastolic blood pressure?
Which of the following BEST describes diastolic blood pressure?
How is blood pressure typically recorded?
How is blood pressure typically recorded?
If you can only palpate a radial pulse, what is the estimated systolic blood pressure?
If you can only palpate a radial pulse, what is the estimated systolic blood pressure?
According to the information provided, what blood pressure reading is considered elevated in adults aged 18-60?
According to the information provided, what blood pressure reading is considered elevated in adults aged 18-60?
What is indicated by a systolic blood pressure lower than 90 mmHg and/or a diastolic pressure less than 60 mmHg in symptomatic individuals?
What is indicated by a systolic blood pressure lower than 90 mmHg and/or a diastolic pressure less than 60 mmHg in symptomatic individuals?
Which artery is typically palpated on the anterior triangle of the neck to assess pulse?
Which artery is typically palpated on the anterior triangle of the neck to assess pulse?
A trained athlete may have a resting pulse rate of 55 beats per minute. Which term BEST describes this?
A trained athlete may have a resting pulse rate of 55 beats per minute. Which term BEST describes this?
Which of the following factors can influence normal vital sign ranges, requiring adjustments in interpretation?
Which of the following factors can influence normal vital sign ranges, requiring adjustments in interpretation?
A patient presents with a respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute and expresses feelings of anxiety. How should this respiratory rate be interpreted?
A patient presents with a respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute and expresses feelings of anxiety. How should this respiratory rate be interpreted?
When would a palpated blood pressure be more appropriate to assess than an auscultated blood pressure?
When would a palpated blood pressure be more appropriate to assess than an auscultated blood pressure?
Flashcards
Vital Signs
Vital Signs
Physical signs indicating an individual is alive, including pulse, breathing, temperature and blood pressure.
Pulse
Pulse
The pressure wave generated by the ejection of blood into circulation from the left ventricle, felt in an artery.
Pulse Rate
Pulse Rate
Number of pulses occurring per minute.
Pulse Rhythm
Pulse Rhythm
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Pulse Volume
Pulse Volume
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Pulse Character
Pulse Character
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Carotid Pulse
Carotid Pulse
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Brachial Pulse
Brachial Pulse
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Radial Pulse
Radial Pulse
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Tachycardia
Tachycardia
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Bradycardia
Bradycardia
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Respiratory Rate
Respiratory Rate
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Normal Respiratory Rate
Normal Respiratory Rate
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Tachypnea
Tachypnea
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Bradypnea
Bradypnea
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Body Temperature
Body Temperature
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Fever
Fever
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Blood Pressure (BP)
Blood Pressure (BP)
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Systolic Pressure
Systolic Pressure
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Diastolic Pressure
Diastolic Pressure
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Hypertension
Hypertension
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Hypotension
Hypotension
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Study Notes
Vital Signs
- Vital signs are physical indicators that an individual is alive
- Vital signs include pulse, breathing, temperature, and blood pressure
- Normal vital signs vary based on age, sex, weight, exercise, and health status
Pulse
- Palpable pulse in an artery reflects the pressure wave from the heart's left ventricle ejecting blood
Pulse Assessment
- Rate: Count the pulses per minute
- Rhythm: Note the pattern or regularity of pulses
- Volume: Determine the perceived degree of pulsation
- Character: Take an impression of the pulse waveform or shape
Pulse Points
- Common pulse points include:
- Carotid
- Brachial
- Radial
- Femoral
- Popliteal
- Dorsalis Pedis
- Posterior Tibial (posterior and slightly inferior to medial Malleolus)
Carotid Pulse Measurement
- Expose the patient's anterior and lateral neck
- Place finger pads on the anterior triangle of the neck
- Locate lateral to the larynx and anterior to the sternocleidomastoid, just under the angle of the jaw
- Palpate gently to avoid a vagal reflex; never assess both carotids simultaneously
Pulse Rate
- Normal pulse rate is 60-100 pulses per minute for a resting adult
- Tachycardia: Pulse rate above 100 pulses per minute
- Bradycardia: Pulse rate below 60 pulses per minute
Abnormal Pulse Rate Causes
- Tachycardia causes: fever, pain, exercise, etc.
- Bradycardia causes: sleep, athletic training, etc.
Respiratory Rate
- Respiratory rate: the number of breaths a person takes per minute
- Respiration rates may increase with fever, illness, and exertion
- Note any difficulty breathing when checking respiration
Respiratory Rate Norms
- Resting rate is normally 12-15 breaths per minute
- Anxious patients may breathe at 15-20 breaths per minute
- Tachypnea: A rate of over 20 breaths per minute is abnormal for an adult
- Bradypnea: A rate of less than 12 breaths per minute
Temperature
- Measured in Celsius or Fahrenheit
- Average body temperature: 37°C or 98.6°F
- Feverish: Body temperature exceeds 38°C or 100.4°F
- Measurement sites: skin, oral, rectal, axillary, and tympanic membrane
Temperature Measurement Times
- Oral: Leave thermometer in place for 3 minutes
- Axillary: Leave thermometer in place for 5-10 minutes; measures 0.5°C lower than oral
- Rectal: Leave thermometer in place for 2-3 minutes; measures 0.5°C higher than oral
Fever Management
- Paracetamol (acetaminophen) should be administered
- Combine paracetamol with sponging with tepid water (29-33°C) if it doesn't upset the person or cause shivering
- Encourage rest and fluid intake
- Dress lightly and avoid excessive covering
Blood Pressure (BP)
- The pressure exerted by circulating blood against arterial walls
- Systolic: Pressure on the arterial wall when the heart contracts
- Diastolic: Pressure on the arterial wall when the heart is at rest
- BP is measured in mmHg as systolic pressure/diastolic pressure
Blood Pressure Assessment
- Auscultated BP - Listen for both the systolic and diastolic values
- Palpated BP - Feel for the systolic pressure only
Abnormal Blood Pressure
- Hypertension: BP elevated in adults aged 18-60 when it is 140/90 mmHg or above
- Hypotension: Systolic BP lower than 90 mmHg and/or diastolic pressure less than 60 mmHg in symptomatic individuals
Estimating Blood Pressure
- Radial pulse felt: systolic BP is > 80
- Femoral pulse felt: systolic BP is > 70
- Carotid pulse felt: systolic BP is > 60
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