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Questions and Answers
What is the axillary temperature range?
What is the axillary temperature range?
What blood pressure reading is considered high?
What blood pressure reading is considered high?
What blood pressure reading indicates low blood pressure?
What blood pressure reading indicates low blood pressure?
What is considered normal blood pressure?
What is considered normal blood pressure?
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What is the normal pulse rate range?
What is the normal pulse rate range?
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What does a rectal thermometer usually indicate?
What does a rectal thermometer usually indicate?
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What is the medical term for severe sub-normal body temperature?
What is the medical term for severe sub-normal body temperature?
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What is the average temperature of the human body?
What is the average temperature of the human body?
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Blood pressure is measured with a device called a sphygmomanometer.
Blood pressure is measured with a device called a sphygmomanometer.
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As long as a stethoscope is used, the placement of the blood pressure cuff on the arm does not matter.
As long as a stethoscope is used, the placement of the blood pressure cuff on the arm does not matter.
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Blood pressure readings may be taken while a resident is lying down, sitting up, and standing if he has orthostatic hypotension.
Blood pressure readings may be taken while a resident is lying down, sitting up, and standing if he has orthostatic hypotension.
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Why is pain sometimes referred to as the fifth vital sign?
Why is pain sometimes referred to as the fifth vital sign?
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How does a person's age affect body temperature?
How does a person's age affect body temperature?
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Match the following temperature measurement methods with their definitions:
Match the following temperature measurement methods with their definitions:
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Which of the following may be indicated if the radial pulse is less than the apical pulse?
Which of the following may be indicated if the radial pulse is less than the apical pulse?
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What does the abbreviation BPM stand for?
What does the abbreviation BPM stand for?
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What is bradycardia?
What is bradycardia?
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What is tachycardia?
What is tachycardia?
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The absence of breathing is called ___.
The absence of breathing is called ___.
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Normal respirations are referred to as ___.
Normal respirations are referred to as ___.
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Difficulty breathing is termed ___.
Difficulty breathing is termed ___.
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Study Notes
Vital Signs Overview
- Axillary temperature ranges from 96.6 to 98.6°F.
- Normal blood pressure is defined as 119/79 or lower.
- High blood pressure, or hypertension, is indicated by readings of 140/90 or above.
- Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is characterized by readings below 90/60.
Temperature Measurements
- Oral temperature is normally between 97.6 to 99.6°F.
- Rectal temperature ranges from 98.6 to 100.6°F and is considered the most accurate.
- Temporal artery temperature ranges from 97.2 to 100.1°F using a non-invasive method.
- Tympanic temperature measures from the ear, where the thermometer is inserted no more than one inch.
Pulse and Respiratory Rates
- Normal pulse rate is between 60 to 100 beats per minute.
- Normal respiratory rate ranges from 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
- Bradycardia refers to a slow heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute.
- Tachycardia describes a rapid heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute.
- Tachypnea indicates rapid respirations of over 20 breaths per minute.
Special Conditions
- Cheyne-Stokes respiration involves alternating periods of slow and rapid respirations, potentially with apnea.
- Orthopnea refers to shortness of breath when lying down, relieved by sitting.
- Apnea describes the absence of breathing.
Measurements and Instruments
- Blood pressure is taken using a sphygmomanometer.
- The top number in a blood pressure reading is the systolic pressure, while the bottom number is diastolic.
- A sudden drop in blood pressure when standing is known as orthostatic hypotension.
- Pulse is commonly counted at the radial pulse site.
Importance of Monitoring
- Nursing assistants should report vital sign changes because nurses and doctors rely on this information for patient care decisions.
- Blood pressure readings should be avoided on arms with casts or being used for dialysis.
Pain as a Vital Sign
- Pain is often referred to as the fifth vital sign, emphasizing its importance similar to temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, and blood pressure.
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Description
This quiz covers essential definitions related to vital signs, including temperature readings and blood pressure categories. Test your knowledge of normal, high, and low blood pressure as well as body temperature standards. Perfect for students in health-related courses or certifications.
