Chapter 29 - Vital Signs Flashcards
Where can an apical pulse be found on a patient?
Apical: at the apex of the heart. In an adult, this is located on the left side of the chest, about 3 in. To the left of the sternum at the fifth intercostal space.
Where can the apical pulse be found in older adults?
In older adults, the apex may be further left if conditions are present that have led to an enlarged heart.
____ _____ reflects the balance between the heat produced and the heat lost from the body, and is measured in degrees.
Body temperature
____ ____ is the temperature of the deep tissues of the body, such as the abdominal cavity and pelvic cavity.
Core temperature
____ ____ is the temperature of the skin, the subcutaneous tissue, and fat. It rises and falls in response to the environment.
Surface temperature
The body produces heat as a byproduct of metabolism. When the amount heat the body produces equals the amount of heat lost, the person is in ______ ______.
Heat balance
What are the 5 most important factors that affect the body’s heat production?
- Basal metabolic rate
- Muscle activity
- Thyroxine output
- Epinephrine, norepinephrine and sympathetic stimulation stress response
- Fever
________ is the transfer of heat from the surface of one object to the surface of another without making contact.
Radiation
__________ is the transfer of heat from one molecule to a molecule of a lower temperature. It cannot take place without contact between the molecules and normally accounts for minimal heat loss.
Conduction
*the amount of heat transferred depends on the temperature difference and the amount and duration of contact.
________ is the dispersion of heat by air currents. The body usually has a small amount of warm air next to it. This warm air rises and is replaced by cooler air.
Convection
Define: afebrile
No fever present
