Ch 10. Vitals

Question 1

General Survey

4 Specific Areas

Answer 1

Into to physical exam, works to get visual data

4 Specific Areas: Mobility, body structure, behaviour, physical appearance

PHYSICAL APPEARENCE 
Age
Sex
Level of consciousness
Skin colour
Facial features

BODY STRUCTURE
Stature
Nutrition
Symmetry
Posture
Position
Body build, contour

MOBILITY
Gait
Range of Motion (ROM)

BEHAVIOUR
Facial
Expression.
Mood and affect,
Speech
Dress
Personal hygiene

Question 2

4 Specific Areas in the general survey

Answer 2

Body Structure, Mobility, Physical Appearance, Behaviour

Question 3

What is thermostat mechanism

Answer 3

hypothalamus

Question 4

What are the 4 components to a pulse

Answer 4

Rate
Rhythm
Force
Elasticity

Question 5

What is the ratio of pulse to respiration rate?

Answer 5

4 bmp : 1 resp

Question 6

Influences on blood pressure

Answer 6

Age
Gender
Ethnocultural background
Diurnal rhythm
Weight
Exercise
Emotions
Stress

Question 7

Physiological factors controlling blood pressure

Answer 7

Cardiac output
Peripheral vascular resistance
Volume of circulating blood
Viscosity
Elasticity of vessel walls

Question 8

Instrument for measure blood pressure

Answer 8

Sphygmomanometer

Question 9

Common errors in blood pressure measurement

Answer 9

Related to patient status
Positioning - relaxed, 5 min of sitting, same arm, feet crossed (false high)
Cuff size - too narrow (false high) (less than 80% covered cuff can’t completely close off vessels ). Too big (false low)
Cuff inflation errors
Observer error

Question 10

How does Pulse oximetry work?

Answer 10

Sensor compares ratio of light emitted to light absorbed by hemoglobin and converts into a percentage of SpO2

Question 11

Older Adult considerations for vitals

Answer 11

Changes in body contour, posture, and gait related to age
Decrease in body weight and height
Vital signs
With age less likely to be febrile, but great risk for hypothermia
Pulse rate may be irregular
Shallower respiratory rate
Increase in blood pressure