Chapter 11 Vital Signs Flashcards
Apical pulse
Heartbeat as measured with the bell or disk of stethoscope placed over the apex of the heart; represents the actual beating of the heart. Most authentic of all pulses.
Auscultate/auscultation
To listen for sounds within the body to evaluate the condition of the heart, lungs, pleura, intestines, or other organs or to detect fetal heart sounds.
Blood pressure
Pressure exerted by the circulation volume of blood on the arterial walls, veins, and chambers of the heart.
Bradycardia
Slow rhythm characterized by a pulse rate of fewer than 60 beats per minute.
Bradypnea
A slow respiratory rate of fewer than 12 breaths per minute.
Cheyne-Stokes respiration
An abnormal pattern of respiration characterized by alternating periods of apnea and deep, rapid breathing.
Diastolic pressure
The second number recorded in the blood pressure reading; represents the minimum level of blood pressure measured between the contractions of the heart.
Dyspnea
Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing; may be caused by disturbances in the lungs, certain heart conditions, and hemoglobin deficiency.
Dysrhythmia
Any disturbance or abnormality in a normal rhythmic pattern, specifically irregularity in the normal rhythm of the heart.
AKA: arrhythmia
Febrile
Body temperature above normal.
Hypertension
Occurs when the elevated blood pressure is above normal.
Hyperthermia
Condition of abnormally high body temperature.
Hypotension
Occurs when the blood pressure is below normal.
Hypothermia
Condition of abnormally low body temperature.
Korotkoff sounds
Sounds heard while measuring blood pressure when using a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope.
Orthostatic hypotension
A drop of 25 mm Hg in systolic pressure and a drop of 10 mm Hg in diastolic pressure when moving from a lying to sitting position.
Pulse
A rhythmic beating or vibrating movement; regular recurrent expansion and contraction of an artery produced by waves of pressure caused by the ejection of blood from the left ventricle of the heart as it contracts.
Pulse deficit
A condition that exists when the radial pulse rate is less than the ventricular rate as auscultated at the apex of the heart.
Pulse pressure
Difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressures, usually 30 to 40 mm Hg.
Respiration
The taking in of oxygen, its use in the tissues, and the icing off of carbon dioxide; the act of breathing. (Inhaling and exhaling)
Sphygmomanometer
Device for measuring arterial blood pressure.
Stethoscope
Instrument placed against patient’s body to hear heart, lung, or bowel sounds.
Systolic
the number or reading that represents ventricles contracting, forcing blood into the aorta and pulmonary arteries. In blood pressure readings, it is the higher of the two readings.
Tachycardia
An abnormal condition in she has the myocardium contracts regularly but at a rate greater than 100 beats per minute.