Basic General Observations

Question 1

What are vital signs?

Answer 1

Physical signs that indicate an individual’s well being

Question 2

Provide some examples of vital signs

Answer 2

1. Respiratory Rate
2. Heart Rate
3. Temperature
4. Blood Pressure
5. Oxygen Saturation (where appropriate)
6. Level of conscious

Question 3

What do you need to think about before performing basic observations?

Answer 3

1. Preparation of the patient - informed consent
2. Equipment
3. Look at the patient in their entirety
4. Prior to measuring vital signs, the patient should sit for approximately five minutes

Question 4

Name the different types of pulse sites on the body

Answer 4

1. Carotid
2. Brachial
3. Radial
4. Fermoral
5. Popliteal
6. Dorsalis Pedis

Question 5

Where is the Carotid pulse?

Answer 5

Side of the neck

Question 6

Where is the Brachial pulse?

Answer 6

inner aspect of the forearm at the anti-cubital space (used for B/P)

Question 7

Where is the Radial pulse?

Answer 7

Inner aspect of the wrist below the thumb (commonest place)

Question 8

Where is the fermoral pulse?

Answer 8

Inner aspect of the upper thigh

Question 9

Where is the Popliteal pulse?

Answer 9

behind the knee

Question 10

What is the pulse rate?

Answer 10

Number of beats per minute

Question 11

Where is the Dorsalis Pedis pulse?

Answer 11

Top of the foot arch

Question 12

What is the pulse rate for adults?

Answer 12

60 - 90 bpm

Question 13

What is the pulse rate for children >6 - 12