Clinic Theory Week 10 Flashcards
Temperature assessment
Measurement of the degree of heat in a body measured with a thermometer
When should an oral temp not be taken
Pt recently had oral surgery
Pt is under 5 (might bite)
Pt is confused or sedated
Anything hot or cold to drink within the last 30 minutes affects
Pts temperature
Placing thermometer intraorally
Ask client to open and raise tongue
Place bulb of thermometer on heat pocket
Rest stem on anterior teeth in opposing arch
Average normal oral temperature
37°
Pyrexia aka
Fever
Any reading above ___ is considered a fever (pyrexia)
37.6°
Variables affecting temperature
Time of day (lowest in am)
Exercise
Age (if 70+ avg temp 36°)
Environment
Stress
Smoking
Hot/cold liquids
Hormones
Infection
A temperature above 101F or 38.3C usually indicates
Active disease process
A temperature above 105.8F or 41C is considered a
Medical emergency
Pulse rate is an indication of
An individuals heart rate
Normal adult pulse rate is between
60 and 100 beats per minute
Ages 2-6 have a higher approximate range of pulse than adults
True (2-6 yrs=75-120)
Who tend to have a slower pulses at rest
Athletes
Increased pulse rate can be a normal response to
Stress
Exercise
Pain
Factors affecting pulse rate
Age
Medication
Stress
Exercise
Most common pulse point used in dental assessments is over the
Radial artery in the wrist
Brachial artery
Main artery of upper arm
(Divides into the radial and ulnar arteries at the elbow)
Radial artery
Begins below the elbow and extends down the forearm on the thumb side of the wrist onto the hand
Normal amplitude refers to
Full, strong pulse that is easily felt
Regularly irregular refers to
Regular pattern overall with “skipped” beats
Irregularly irregular refers to
No real patter, difficult to measure accurately
To assess amplitude of pulse use a numerical scale to characterize its strength
0- absent no pulse
1- weak/thready pulse hard to feel
2- normal pulse easily felt
3 bounding, forceful that is readily felt
Palpating for pulse
Use finger pads of your first 3 index fingers
Apply only enough pressure so that the radial artery can be felt
What finger should not be used due to having its own pulse
Thumb
You should not tell patient when you are taking this vital
Respiration
(They may change breathing pattern if they are aware it is being assessed)
Normal breathing allows a person to inhale and exhale how much air (ml)
500mL of air
Children use their diaphragms when breathing so watch their
Abdomen (as opposed to chest)
Normal respiration for an adult is between
12-20 breaths per minute
Some Variables that contribute to respiratory rate
Excitement
Exercise
Pain
Fever
Age
Medication
Gender
Body position
Stress
Breathing is an unconscious function; can be brought under bolstering control by
Holding breath
Panting
Singing
Sighing