ch 13 vital signs and monitoring devices Flashcards
When are vital signs taken?
During the secondary assessment.
What is a pulse?
Palpable pressure of the heart beating, which causes blood to move through arteries in waves.
How is a pulse felt?
Placing a fingertip over an artery that runs close to the surface of the body, and pressing it against a bone.
What is tachycardia?
Rapid heart rate; >100 BPM.
What is bradycardia?
Slow heart rate; <60 BPM.
What are the 2 factors that determine pulse quality?
Rhythm and and Force.
When would you get a pulse from the radial artery?
Patient is 1+ years old and patient is conscious.
When would you get a pulse from the brachial artery?
On an infant patient.
When would you get a pulse from the carotid artery?
Patient is unconscious.
When would you count a pulse for 60 seconds as opposed to 30 seconds.
When rate, rhythm or force are not normal.
What factors are included in respiration assessment?
Rate and quality.
What is considered a normal respiration rate?
12-20 in adults.
What factors should you look for when assessing a patients pupils?
Size, equality, and reactivity.
What can unequal pupils be a sign of?
Use of a topical drug (placed directly into the eye), or a head/eye injury.
What is blood pressure?
The force of blood against the walls of the blood vessels.
What is systolic pressure?
Pressure created when the heart contracts and forces blood into the arteries.
What is diastolic pressure?
Pressure remaining in the arteries when the left ventricle relaxes and refills.
What unit is BP measured in?
mmHg (millimeters of mercury).
What is SpO2?
The percentage of oxygen present in a patients blood.
What is hypovolemia?
Reduced level of fluid in the body.
Do you need permission from medical direction to use a blood glucose meter?
Yes.
What is considered a normal blood glucose level?
70-100 mg/dL
What is capnography?
A measurement of amount of CO2 that is exhaled.
What is considered a normal level of carbon dioxide exhaled?
35-45 mmHg.
