Vital Signs Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the normal range for body temperature?

97 F to 98 F

A temperature of 100 F is classified as?

Low grade fever

A temperature of 103 F is classified as?

Pyrexia

A temperature of 97.6 F is classified as?

Normal Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to a fever?

Febrile Signup and view all the answers

How do you account for the difference in body temperature readings taken at 7:00 a.m. (97.8°F) and 3:30 p.m. (99°F)?

During sleep, body metabolism slows down Signup and view all the answers

What symptoms are experienced when a patient's temperature begins to rise?

Coldness and chills Signup and view all the answers

What is the name given to the type of fever with wide temperature fluctuations above normal?

Remittent Signup and view all the answers

Which symptoms may occur during a fever?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

A vague sense of body discomfort, weakness, and fatigue is known as?

Malaise Signup and view all the answers

Before taking body temperature with an electronic thermometer, what must happen?

The probe must be covered with a disposable cover Signup and view all the answers

Which age group is recommended for taking temperature at the axilla (underarm)?

A preschooler Signup and view all the answers

When taking axillary body temperature, why should the arm be held close to the body?

Prevent air currents from affecting the reading Signup and view all the answers

If an axillary temperature of 100 F was taken orally, it would register as?

101 F Signup and view all the answers

Why must a rectal thermometer be lubricated before insertion?

To prevent irritation of the rectal mucosa Signup and view all the answers

How far should the probe be inserted when measuring the rectal temperature of an infant?

1/2 Inch Signup and view all the answers

The temporal artery site can be used to measure body temperature in?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

How does a temporal artery temperature reading compare with an oral body temperature reading?

Approximately 1 F higher than an oral reading Signup and view all the answers

What could result in an inaccurate temporal artery temperature reading?

Quickly scanning the forehead Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not included in the purpose of measuring pulse?

To determine if the patient is developing hypertension Signup and view all the answers

Why should excessive pressure not be applied when measuring radial pulse?

It could close off the radial artery, and the pulse may not be felt Signup and view all the answers

Which individual has the fastest pulse rate?

Infant Signup and view all the answers

Where is the radial pulse located?

On the thumb side of the wrist Signup and view all the answers

Which pulse site can be used to assess circulation to the foot?

Posterior tibial Signup and view all the answers

How should you record a normal rhythm and volume of pulse?

Regular and strong Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean if the pulse feels weak and rapid?

Thready Signup and view all the answers

If the pulse feels extremely strong and full, how would you record this?

Bounding Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe an irregularity in the heart's rhythm?

Dysrhythmia Signup and view all the answers

Internal respiration is the?

Signup and view all the answers

What term describes an abnormal decrease in the rate and depth of respiration?

Hypopnea Signup and view all the answers

What term describes temporary cessation of breathing?

Apnea Signup and view all the answers

What abbreviation is used to record oxygen saturation as measured by a pulse oximeter?

SpO2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the oxygen saturation level of a healthy individual?

95-99% Signup and view all the answers

What term designates a decrease in the oxygen saturation of the blood?

Hypoxemia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following will NOT cause a decrease in the SpO2 reading?

Gastritis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT affect the SpO2 reading?

Darkly pigmented skin Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Body Temperature

Normal body temperature range is 97°F to 98°F.
A temperature of 100°F is considered a low-grade fever.
Pyrexia is classified as a body temperature of 103°F.
A temperature reading of 97.6°F is within normal limits.
The term "febrile" is used to describe a fever.

Temperature Measurement Insights

Early morning body temperatures may be lower due to decreased metabolism during sleep.
Rising temperatures in patients can cause sensations of coldness and chills.
A remittent fever exhibits significant temperature fluctuations above normal.
Symptoms accompanying fever may include malaise, which refers to a vague sense of discomfort and fatigue.

Thermometer Usage

An electronic thermometer's probe must be covered with a disposable cover before use.
The axillary site is preferred for taking temperatures in preschoolers.
Arm position is crucial during axillary measurements to prevent air current interference.
Axillary temperatures typically register lower; a reading of 100°F axillary translates to 101°F orally.

Rectal and Temporal Measurements

Rectal thermometers require lubrication to avoid irritation of the rectal mucosa.
For infants, the rectal probe should be inserted ½ inch for accurate readings.
The temporal artery can be used for temperature measurement in various age groups and readings are usually about 1°F higher than oral temperatures.
Inaccurate temporal artery readings may result from quickly scanning the forehead.

Pulse Measurement

Measuring pulse excludes determining hypertension development as a purpose.
Excessive pressure on the radial pulse can obstruct arterial flow, making pulse detection difficult.
Infants generally have the fastest pulse rates.
The radial pulse is found on the thumb side of the wrist.

Assessing Circulation and Characteristics of Pulse

The posterior tibial site is useful for assessing circulation to the foot.
A pulse with normal rhythm and volume is recorded as "regular and strong."
A weak and rapid pulse is described as "thready."
An extremely strong and full pulse is characterized as "bounding."

Respiratory Terms and Oxygen Saturation

Dysrhythmia signifies any irregular heart rhythm.
Hypopnea indicates an abnormal decrease in the depth and rate of breathing.
Apnea refers to temporary cessation of breathing.
SpO2 is the abbreviation used for recording oxygen saturation via a pulse oximeter.
Normal oxygen saturation levels in healthy individuals range from 95% to 99%.
Hypoxemia denotes decreased oxygen saturation in the blood.
Conditions like gastritis do not typically affect SpO2 readings.
Darkly pigmented skin does not influence SpO2 measurements.

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Description

Test your knowledge of normal body temperature ranges and classifications of fever with these flashcards. This quiz covers essential concepts related to vital signs, including temperature definitions and categorizations. Perfect for students in health-related fields or anyone interested in human physiology.