Vital Signs in Medical Surgical Nursing

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Why is the popliteal artery used for assessing blood pressure?

When the brachial artery is too narrow to use

When the patient has a history of leg injuries

When the patient has low blood pressure

When the brachial artery is not accessible (correct)

What is the usual difference in systolic blood pressure between the popliteal artery and the brachial artery?

5 - 20 mmHg higher in the popliteal artery

10 - 40 mmHg lower in the popliteal artery

5 - 20 mmHg lower in the popliteal artery

10 - 40 mmHg higher in the popliteal artery (correct)

What can cause falsely low blood pressure assessments?

Using a cuff that is too tight

Using a cuff that is too small or too narrow

Using a cuff that is too big or too wide (correct)

Using a cuff that is too loose

What is pulse oximetry used for monitoring?

Oxygen saturation levels Signup and view all the answers

What percentage range is considered normal for oxygen saturation?

95% - 100% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors affects oxygen saturation?

Hemoglobin, circulation, and activity Signup and view all the answers

What does VS stand for in the context of healthcare?

Vital signs Signup and view all the answers

What does nutrition refer to in the context of healthcare?

Intake of food and how it nourishes our bodies Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to assess height and weight?

To calculate BMI and assess nutritional status Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Phase 1 of Korotkoff sounds?

It represents the first appearance of faint tapping and is the systolic pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the auscultatory gap?

The temporary disappearance of sounds in the latter part of Phase 1 and during Phase 2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of taking vital signs?

To monitor the patient's response to therapy Signup and view all the answers

Which phase of Korotkoff sounds represents the last sound before continuous silence and is used to define diastolic pressure?

Phase V Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Phase III of Korotkoff sounds?

Loud sounds as the blood flows freely through the open artery Signup and view all the answers

How is blood pressure defined?

The force exerted by the blood against a vessel wall Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of oxygen saturation measurement?

To measure the utilization of oxygen in the body Signup and view all the answers

What does Phase IV of Korotkoff sounds indicate?

Abrupt muffled sounds with a soft blowing sound considered to be the first diastolic pressure Signup and view all the answers

When does the muffled or swishing sound that may disappear for up to 40mmHg long then reappear occur according to Korotkoff sounds?

Phase II Signup and view all the answers

Why are vital signs considered important in patient care?

They help identify normal patterns for patients Signup and view all the answers

What are the Korotkoff sounds?

Sounds heard as bp cuff pressure is released, indicating different phases of blood flow Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of pulse in vital signs?

To indicate a wave of blood traveling through arteries with each heartbeat Signup and view all the answers

Why is pain considered as one of the vital signs?

To reflect health status Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of assessing vital signs?

To identify patients at risk for deterioration Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of taking vital signs as part of the nursing assessment?

To reflect health status and identify normal patterns for patients Signup and view all the answers