Chapter 15 Vital Signs: Key Terms

Question 1

Afebrile

Answer 1

Without fever

Question 2

Antipyretic

Answer 2

Substance or procedure that reduces fever

Question 3

Apical Pulse

Answer 3

Heartbeat as listened to with the bell or diaphragm of a stethoscope placed on the apex of the heart

Question 4

Apnea

Answer 4

Cessation of airflow through the nose and mouth

Question 5

Auscultatory Gap

Answer 5

Disappearance of sound when obtaining a blood pressure; typical occurs between the first and second Korotkoff sounds

Question 6

Bradycardia

Answer 6

Slower than normal heart rate: fewer than 60 beats per minute

Question 7

Bradypnea

Answer 7

Abnormally slow breathing rate

Question 8

Core Temperature

Answer 8

Temperature of deep structures of the body

Question 9

Diaphoresis

Answer 9

Secretion of sweat, especially profuse secretion associated with an elevated body temperature, physical exertion, or emotional stress

Question 10

Diastolic Pressure

Answer 10

Pertaining to diastole, or the blood pressure at the instant of maximum cardiac relaxation

Question 11

Digital Thermometers

Answer 11

Thermometer with digital numbers

Question 12

Dysrhythmia

Answer 12

Deviation from the normal pattern of the heartbeat

Question 13

Eupnea

Answer 13

Normal respirations that are quiet, effortless, and rhythmical

Question 14

Febrile

Answer 14

Pertaining to or characterized by an elevated body temperature

Question 15

Fever

Answer 15

Elevation in the hypothalamic set point, so that body temperature is regulated at a higher level

Question 16

Heat Stroke

Answer 16

Continued exposure to extreme heat raising the core body temperature to 40C (105F) or higher

Question 17

Hypertension

Answer 17

Disorder characterized by an elevated blood pressure persistently exceeding 120/80 mm Hg

Question 18

Hyperthermia

Answer 18

Situation in which body temperature exceeds the set point

Question 19

Hypotension

Answer 19

Abnormal lowering of blood pressure that is inadequate for normal perfusion and oxygenated tissues

Question 20

Hypothermia

Answer 20

Abnormal lowering of body temperature below 35C (95F), usually caused be prolonged exposure to cold

Question 21

Infrared Thermometer

Answer 21

Thermometer that the numeral values are displayed as colors

Question 22

Korotkoff Sound

Answer 22

Sound heard during the taking of blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope

Question 23

Nonshivering thermogenesis

Answer 23

Occurs primarily in neonates. Because neonates cannot shiver, a limited amount of vascular brown adipose tissue present at birth can be metabolized for heat production

Question 24

Orthostatic Hypotension

Answer 24

Abnormally low pressure occurring when a person stands up

Question 25

Oxygen Saturation

Answer 25

The amount of hemoglobin fully saturated with oxygen, given as a percent value

Question 26

Perfusion

Answer 26

Passage of fluid through a specific organ or an area of the body: Therapeutic measure whereby a drug intended for an isolated part of the body is introduced via blood stream

Question 27

Pulse Pressure

Answer 27

Difference between the systolic and diastolic pressures, normally 30 mmHg to 40mmHg

Question 28

Tachycardia

Answer 28

Rapid regular heart rate ranging between 100 and 150 beats per minute

Question 29

Tachypnea

Answer 29

Abnormally rapid rate of breathing

Question 30

Vasoconstriction

Answer 30

Narrowing of the lumen of any blood vessel, especially the arterioles and the veins in the blood reservoirs of the skin and abdominal viscera

Question 31

Vasodialation

Answer 31

Increase in the diameter of a blood vessel caused by inhibition of its vasoconstrictor nerves or stimulation of dilator nerves

Question 32

Ventilation

Answer 32

Respiratory process by which gases are moved into and out of the lung

Question 33

Vital Signs

Answer 33

Temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure