bpc vital signs Flashcards
What is the normal range for body temperature?
Between 97°F and 99°F
What is the average normal body temperature?
Around 98.6°F
Define Hyperpyrexia.
Extreme elevation of body temperature, exceeding 106.7°F (41.5°C)
What does Pyrexia commonly refer to?
Fever, a condition where body temperature rises above normal
What is Hypopyrexia?
Condition where body temperature is lower than normal, but not as severe as hypothermia
What does the term ‘febrile’ mean?
Describes a state of having a fever or associated with fever
What does ‘afebrile’ indicate?
Absence of fever; body temperature is within the normal range
What is a Remittent Fever?
A fever that remains above normal throughout the day and fluctuates more than 1°C within 24 hours
What characterizes an Intermittent Fever?
Episodes of elevated temperature followed by intervals where temperature returns to normal
Define Continuous Fever.
A fever where temperature remains consistently above normal with minimal fluctuation (less than 1°C)
What is Malaise?
A general feeling of discomfort or uneasiness, often the first sign of an infection or illness
What is the purpose of measuring pulse?
To assess heart function, diagnose symptoms, monitor blood flow, manage medications, evaluate fitness levels, establish baseline health, and detect irregularities
How does exercise affect the pulse?
During exercise, heart rate increases to meet heightened demand for oxygen and nutrients
Where is the Radial Pulse located?
On the wrist, just below the thumb, along the radial bone
Where is the Apical Pulse found?
At the apex of the heart in the fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line on the left side of the chest
Where is the Popliteal Pulse located?
In the popliteal fossa, behind the knee
Where is the Femoral Pulse found?
In the groin area, midway between the pubic bone and the anterior superior iliac spine
Where is the Ulnar Pulse located?
On the inner side of the wrist, near the ulna bone
What is the normal resting pulse rate for an adult?
Typically ranges between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm)
Define Tachypnea.
Abnormally rapid and shallow breathing, exceeding 20 breaths per minute in adults
What is a Bounding pulse?
A strong, forceful throbbing felt over an artery, often associated with anxiety or fever
What does a Thready pulse indicate?
A weak and difficult to detect pulse, indicative of reduced cardiac output or severe conditions
Define Tachycardia.
A heart rate that exceeds 100 beats per minute in adults
What is Bradycardia?
A slower-than-normal heart rate, usually under 60 beats per minute
What does Dysrhythmia refer to?
Any disturbance in the normal rhythm of physiological processes, commonly associated with the heart
What does one respiration consist of?
Two phases: inspiration (inhaling) and expiration (exhaling)
What is the function of Hemoglobin?
Transport oxygen and carbon dioxide, regulate blood pH, and transport nitric oxide
What does Diastole measure?
Pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats
What does Systole measure?
Pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood
Define Pulse Pressure.
The difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP − DBP)
What is Baseline Recording in blood pressure measurement?
Measuring blood pressure multiple times to establish an average range
What is the normal blood pressure for an adult?
Systolic pressure less than 120 mm Hg and diastolic pressure less than 80 mm Hg
What is the category for Systolic pressure 130–139 mm Hg?
Stage 1 Hypertension
What is the category for Systolic pressure 140 or higher?
Stage 2 Hypertension
What is a Hypertensive Crisis?
Systolic pressure higher than 180 mm Hg and diastolic pressure higher than 120 mm Hg
True or False: High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
True
What maintains body temperature?
Balance of heat produced and heat lost from the body.
What role does the hypothalamus play in temperature regulation?
Senses minor changes in temperature and makes adjustments to maintain normal range.
How is heat produced in the body?
Through voluntary and involuntary muscle contractions and cell metabolism.
What are examples of involuntary muscle contractions that produce heat?
- Digestion
- Beating of heart
- Shivering
How is heat lost from the body?
Through urine, feces, moisture from lungs, perspiration, radiation, conduction, and convection.
Define radiation in the context of heat loss.
Transfer of heat in the form of waves to cooler surroundings.
What is conduction regarding heat loss?
Transfer of heat from one object to another by direct contact.
Describe convection as a method of heat loss.
Transfer of heat through air currents.
What is the normal body temperature range?
97º F to 99º F (36.1º C to 37.2º C).
What is considered a fever (pyrexia)?
Above 100.4º F (38º C).
What is hyperpyrexia?
Temperature above 105.8º F (41º C) and generally fatal above 109.4º F (43º C).
Define hypothermia.
Temperature below 97º F (36.1º C), classified as subnormal.
What factors can affect body temperature?
- Age
- Diurnal variations
- Emotional states
- Environment
- Exercise
- Pregnancy
What is a febrile person?
A person who has a fever (above 100.4º F).
What is a pyrogen?
Any substance that produces fever and resets the hypothalamus.
What are the stages of a fever?
- Onset
- Course
- Subsiding stage
What are the characteristics of the onset stage of a fever?
Temperature begins to rise, may experience coldness and chills.
What are the three patterns of fever during its course?
- Continuous
- Intermittent
- Remittent
What happens during the subsiding stage of a fever?
Temperature returns to normal, patient may perspire and become dehydrated.
What are common assessment sites for measuring body temperature?
- Mouth
- Axilla
- Rectum
- Ear
- Forehead
What is the axillary temperature measurement recommended for?
Toddlers, preschoolers, mouth-breathing patients, and patients with oral inflammation.
How does rectal temperature compare to oral temperature?
Measures 1º F higher than oral route.
What is the purpose of using a tympanic membrane thermometer?
To detect thermal energy from the tympanic membrane.
What are the four types of thermometers?
- Electronic
- Tympanic
- Temporal artery
- Chemical
Describe the electronic thermometer.
Measures oral, axillary, and rectal temperature; results displayed digitally.
What is the unique feature of a tympanic membrane thermometer?
Detects thermal energy radiated from the tympanic membrane.
What is the procedure for using a temporal artery thermometer?
Scan button is depressed while moving the probe across the forehead.
What should be avoided when measuring earlobe temperature?
Sweating of the forehead can cause inaccurate readings.
What is the care and maintenance requirement for thermometers?
Store in clean, dry area, protect from extremes in temperature and direct sunlight.
What is a chemical thermometer primarily used for?
Home use, less accurate than other thermometers.
What happens to the pulse when the left ventricle of the heart contracts?
Blood is forced into the aorta, creating a pulsating wave known as the pulse.
What factors affect pulse rate?
- Age
- Gender
- Physical activity
- Emotional states
- Metabolism
- Fever
How does age affect pulse rate?
As age increases, the pulse rate decreases.
Who generally has a faster pulse rate, children or adults?
Children have a faster pulse rate than adults.
Which gender tends to have faster pulse rates?
Women tend to have faster pulse rates than men.
What effect does physical activity have on pulse rate?
Increases pulse rate temporarily.
What emotional states can increase pulse rate?
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Excitement
- Anger
How does metabolism affect pulse rate?
Increased body metabolism increases pulse rate.
What is an example of a condition that can increase pulse rate?
Fever increases pulse rate.
What are the effects of medications on pulse rate?
Medications may increase or decrease pulse.
What medication decreases pulse rate?
Digitalis.
What medication increases pulse rate?
Epinephrine.
Where is the radial pulse located?
In a groove on the inner aspect of the wrist just below the thumb.
Who commonly uses the radial pulse site?
- Athletes
- Patients taking heart medications
- Individuals starting an exercise program
Where is the apical pulse taken?
Apex of the heart.
When should the apical pulse be taken?
If having difficulty feeling radial pulse or if pulse is abnormally slow or rapid.
How is the apical pulse measured?
Using a stethoscope placed over the apex of the heart.
Where is the brachial pulse located?
In the antecubital space at the front of the elbow.
What are the uses of the brachial pulse site?
- Take BP
- Measure pulse in infants during cardiac arrest
- Assess circulation to lower arm
Where is the ulnar pulse located?
On the little finger side of the wrist.
Where is the temporal pulse located?
In front of the ear just below eye level.
Where is the carotid pulse located?
On the anterior side of the neck, slightly to one side of midline.
What is the femoral pulse used for?
- Measure pulse in infants, children, and adults during cardiac arrest
- Assess circulation to lower leg
Where is the popliteal pulse located?
At the back of the knee.
Where is the posterior tibial pulse located?
Inner space of the ankle, posterior to the ankle bone.
Where is the dorsalis pedis pulse located?
Upper surface of foot between the first and second metatarsal bones.
What is the purpose of measuring pulse?
To establish patient’s baseline pulse rate and assess pulse following procedures, medications, or diseases.
What technique is used to locate the pulse?
Palpation.
What should be avoided when palpating the pulse?
Do not use thumb as it has its own pulse.
What are the components of pulse assessment?
- Pulse rate
- Rhythm
- Volume
What is the normal adult pulse rate range?
60 to 100 beats per minute.
What is tachycardia?
An abnormally fast heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute.
What conditions can cause tachycardia?
- Hemorrhaging
- Heart disease
- Vigorous exercise
- Strong emotional states
What is bradycardia?
An abnormally slow heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute.
When does bradycardia normally occur?
- During sleep
- In trained athletes
What is pulse rhythm?
The time interval between heartbeats.
What is dysrhythmia?
Unequal or irregular intervals between beats.
What is the purpose of an apical-radial pulse?
To determine if a pulse deficit is present.
What is a pulse deficit?
When radial pulse rate is less than the apical pulse rate.
What does pulse volume indicate?
The strength of the heartbeat.
What is a thready pulse?
A weak pulse indicating decreased blood volume.
What is a bounding pulse?
An extremely strong and full pulse indicating increased blood volume.
What is the primary purpose of respiration?
Exchange of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) between the atmosphere and blood.
What happens during inhalation?
Diaphragm descends, lungs expand, air with O2 moves into lungs.
What happens during exhalation?
Diaphragm ascends, lungs return to original state, CO2 is expelled.
What is external respiration?
Exchange of O2 and CO2 between alveoli and blood.
What is internal respiration?
Exchange of O2 and CO2 between body cells and blood.
What controls involuntary respiration?
Medulla oblongata.
How is voluntary respiration controlled?
By the individual (e.g., singing, talking).
What is the normal adult respiratory rate range?
12 to 20 respirations per minute.
What is tachypnea?
Abnormal increase in respiratory rate of more than 20/min.
What is bradypnea?
Abnormal decrease in respiratory rate of less than 12/min.
What factors can affect respiratory rate?
- Age
- Physical activity
- Emotional state
- Fever
- Medications
What should normal respiration rhythm be like?
Even and regular.
What is the depth of respiration?
Amount of air inhaled or exhaled.
What is eupnea?
Normal respiration.
What characterizes hyperpnea?
Abnormal increase in rate and depth.
What is hyperventilation?
Abnormally fast and deep breathing associated with anxiety.
What is hypopnea?
Abnormal decrease in rate and depth.
What is hypoxia?
Reduction in oxygen supply to tissues.
What is cyanosis?
Bluish coloration of skin and mucous membranes.
What is apnea?
Temporary absence of respirations.
What is dyspnea?
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
What is orthopnea?
Condition in which breathing is easier when sitting or standing.
What are normal breath sounds?
Quiet and barely audible.
What are adventitious sounds?
Abnormal breath sounds indicating a respiratory disorder.
What is the purpose of pulse oximetry?
To measure oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in arterial blood.
What does SpO2 stand for?
Saturation of peripheral oxygen.
What does SaO2 stand for?
Saturation of arterial oxygen.
What does SpO2 stand for?
Saturation of peripheral oxygen
It is measured by a pulse oximeter.
What does SaO2 represent?
Saturation of arterial oxygen
It is measured through arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis.
What is the oxygen saturation reading for fully saturated hemoglobin?
100%
This indicates that hemoglobin is carrying four oxygen molecules.
What is considered a normal oxygen saturation level for healthy individuals?
95% to 99%
It is unusual for hemoglobin to be 100% saturated with oxygen.
What oxygen saturation level indicates respiratory failure?
Between 85% and 90%
This can result in tissue damage.
What is hypoxemia?
Decrease in the oxygen saturation of the blood (less than 95%)
It can lead to hypoxia.
What is hypoxia?
A reduction in the oxygen supply to tissues
It can lead to tissue damage and death if not treated.
What are common symptoms of hypoxia?
- Headache
- Mental confusion
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Tachycardia
What is the primary purpose of pulse oximetry?
To assess oxygen saturation in patients with respiratory problems
It aids in diagnosis and treatment.
What can cause a decreased SpO2 value?
- Acute pulmonary disease (e.g., pneumonia)
- Chronic pulmonary disease (e.g., emphysema, asthma)
- Cardiac problems (e.g., congestive heart failure)
What is a common use of pulse oximetry in medical settings?
Spot-check measurement of oxygen saturation
It may also be used for short-term continuous monitoring.
What type of probe is commonly used in pulse oximeters?
Reusable or disposable probes
Most offices use reusable clip-on probes.
What is the effect of fingernail polish on pulse oximetry readings?
It may result in falsely low readings
Darker coatings are more likely to affect the SpO2 reading.
What can poor peripheral blood flow cause in pulse oximetry?
Weak pulse that may prevent obtaining a reading
Conditions like peripheral vascular disease can affect blood flow.
What is a common cause of inaccurate pulse oximetry readings?
Patient movement
It can prevent the probe from picking up the pulse signal.
What should be done to maintain pulse oximeter probes?
Clean periodically with a soft cloth and disinfectant
Never soak or immerse in liquid solution.
What does blood pressure (BP) measure?
Force exerted by blood on arterial walls
It is expressed as a fraction of systolic over diastolic pressure.
What is systolic pressure?
Point of highest pressure on arterial walls during systole
It is recorded when ventricles contract.
What is diastolic pressure?
Point of lesser pressure on arterial walls during diastole
It is recorded when the heart relaxes.
What is considered normal blood pressure according to new guidelines?
Less than 120/80 mm Hg
Prehypertension ranges from 120 to 139 mm Hg systolic.
What defines hypertension stage 1?
Sustained systolic: 140 to 159 mm Hg or sustained diastolic: 90 to 99 mm Hg
What is hypotension?
Low blood pressure, below 95/60 mm Hg
It indicates reduced pressure on arterial walls.
What does pulse pressure measure?
Difference between systolic and diastolic pressures
Normal range is 30 to 50 mm Hg.
What factors can affect blood pressure?
- Age
- Gender
- Emotional states
- Exercise
- Body position
- Medications
What equipment is needed for manual blood pressure assessment?
Stethoscope and sphygmomanometer
What is the function of the diaphragm on a stethoscope?
Most useful for hearing high-pitched sounds
Examples include lung and bowel sounds.
What is the function of the bell on a stethoscope?
Most useful for hearing low-pitched sounds
Examples include heart sounds and vascular system sounds.
What is the diaphragm of a stethoscope used for?
Most useful for hearing high-pitched sounds such as lung sounds and bowel sounds.
What is the primary use of the bell of a stethoscope?
Most useful for hearing low-pitched sounds such as heart sounds and vascular system sounds.
What must be done when a stethoscope chest piece has both diaphragm and bell?
Must rotate desired piece into position before use.
What is a sphygmomanometer?
Instrument for measuring arterial blood pressure.
What are the main components of a manual sphygmomanometer?
- Manometer
- Inner inflatable bladder
- Pressure bulb with a control valve
What is the purpose of the aneroid sphygmomanometer’s gauge?
Gauge with a round scale calibrated in millimeters.
What must the needle of an aneroid sphygmomanometer be at before taking blood pressure?
Needle must be at zero.
How far should the medical assistant be from the scale of the manometer?
No farther than 3 feet from the scale.
What is the proper fit for the inner bladder of a blood pressure cuff?
Should encircle 80% of arm circumference but not more than 100%.
What happens if the cuff is too small?
Reading is falsely high.
What happens if the cuff is too large?
Reading is falsely low.
Where should the center of the inflatable bag be positioned?
Directly over the brachial artery.
What can be used to measure blood pressure in obese patients?
Can use forearm and radial artery.
What are Korotkoff sounds used for?
Used to determine systolic and diastolic BP readings.
What occurs when the bladder of the cuff is inflated?
Brachial artery is compressed and no audible sounds are heard.
What happens as the cuff is deflated?
Sounds become audible until blood flows freely and sounds can no longer be heard.
What is an advantage of using an automatic blood pressure assessment method?
Automatically determines how much the cuff should be inflated.
What is a disadvantage of automatic blood pressure devices?
Certain factors like patient movement can cause the device to fail to obtain a reading.
What should patients avoid consuming 30 minutes before a blood pressure measurement?
Caffeine and tobacco.
What is the ‘white coat effect’?
Anxiety and apprehension that can cause spasm of brachial artery increasing blood pressure.
What should the cuff size be based on?
Size of the inner bladder rather than the outer covering.
What can happen if blood pressure is taken over clothing?
Interferes with ability to hear Korotkoff sounds, resulting in inaccurate BP.
How should the patient’s arm be positioned during blood pressure measurement?
At heart level, well supported, and palm facing upward.
What is the recommended inflation level for the cuff?
Approximately 30 mm Hg above the previously measured or palpated systolic pressure.
What is the recommended rate for releasing pressure in the cuff?
2 to 3 mm Hg per second.
What should be done if venous congestion is present?
Wait 1 to 2 minutes before taking BP again.
What is the normal difference in blood pressure readings between arms?
May normally be a difference of 5 to 10 mm Hg.
