19) Key Concepts Flashcards
1
Q
What vital signs are measured?
A
- Temperature
- Pulse
- Blood pressure
- Respiration
- Oxygen saturation
2
Q
When are vital signs measured?
A
- During complete physical exams
- To review patient’s condition
3
Q
How are vital sign changes evaluated?
A
- With other physical assessment findings
- Critical decision point determines measurement frequency
4
Q
Why is knowledge of influencing factors important?
A
- Assists in determining and evaluating abnormal values
5
Q
What do vital signs provide a basis for?
A
- Evaluating response to nursing/medical interventions
6
Q
When should vital signs be measured?
A
- When patient is inactive
- In a controlled, comfortable environment
7
Q
How should temperature be managed?
A
- Assist with interventions for heat loss, production, conservation
8
Q
What is a fever?
A
- One of the body’s normal defense mechanisms
9
Q
What is the best temperature measurement method?
A
- Temporal artery (least invasive, most accurate for core temp)
10
Q
What does respiratory assessment determine?
A
- Effectiveness of ventilation, perfusion, diffusion
11
Q
How is respiration assessed?
A
- Observing ventilatory movements through respiratory cycle
12
Q
What influences oxygen saturation?
A
- Variables affecting ventilation, perfusion, diffusion
13
Q
How are heart rate/rhythm assessed?
A
- Measured at radial or apical pulses
- Documented to assess cardiac function
14
Q
When is hypertension diagnosed based on electronic measurement?
A
- Mean systolic ≥180 mmHg and/or diastolic ≥110 mmHg
- If lower but still high, additional out-of-office measurements required
15
Q
What does Hypertension Canada recommend for BP measurement?
A
- Use validated electronic digital oscillometric devices over auscultation
