Block 1 Objectives part 2 Flashcards
Purpose of taking heart rate (pulse)
Number of cardiac cycles/minute may give clues to cardiovascular or neurologic status, psychogenic factors, or drug use
Adult average pulse
60-90 bmp
How to take pulse
Most common site: radial pulse. Palpate lateral flexor surface of wrist with pads of 2nd & 3rd fingers. Count pulsations over 15 seconds then multiply x 4
Purpose of taking temperature
Used to assess severity of illness
Standard “normal” temperature range for adults
97.3 - ~99.5 (oral)
Most average (oral) temperature
98.6F/37C (decreases with age)
Average rectal temperature
99.6
Average axillary temperature
97.6
Average tympanic membrane temperature
99.6
Most accurate temperature measurement method
rectal
How to take respiratory rate
Without patient’s knowledge, observe rise and fall of chest for 15 seconds. Multiply x 4. May be performed while still holding wrist after taking pulse.
Normal respiratory rate range for adults
12-20 respirations/minute
4 parameters to assess for respiration
(1) respiratory rate (2) respiratory pattern (3) respiratory depth (4) signs of distress
Signs of distress in respiration
nasal flaring, cyanosis, labored breathing, tensed accessory muscles, wheezing, tachypnea or bradypnea
Purpose of taking blood pressure
Measure of cardiovascular function
Represents force of blood against arterial walls
Adult blood pressure range
<90
Systole
Maximal ventricular contraction (top number)
Diastole
Maximal ventricular relaxation (bottom number)
Cardiac outout
Stroke volume x heart rate
Stroke volume
Blood pumped by left ventricle in 1 contraction
How to measure cuff size for BP
Bladder length must cover 80% circumference of upper arm, width should be ⅓ - ½ circumference
How to take BP
Locate brachial artery and center cuff (arrow toward) artery
While palpating radial pulse, inflate cuff until pulse disappears, deflate cuff
Re-inflate cuff to 20-30 mm Hg above reading when pulse disappeared (this is the auscultatory gap)
Deflate cuff slowly, note mm Hg when Korotkoff sounds start and stop
Repeat in other arm (right tends to be higher)
What can affect BP?
Anxiety, hyper/hypotension, vascular resistance, pain, fever, weight, lifestyle, caffeine, alcohol, drugs
BMI formula
weight (kg) / height (m^2)