Clinical Skills 4a

Question 1

What are vital signs?

Answer 1

pulse rate, blood pressure, body temperature, rate of respiration

Question 2

What is the significance of vital signs?

Answer 2

usually assessed to obtain a quick evaluation of a persons general physical condition

Question 3

What is the arterial pulse?

Answer 3

• heart ejects blood into arterial system with every contraction of LV
• ejected blood travels peripherally throughout arterial system
• ejected volume of blood stretches artery creating a pulsation in arterial wall
• pulsation can be palpated over sites where the artery is situated superficially

Question 4

common sites for palpating pulse when assessing vital signs

Answer 4

radial artery (wrist) , carotid artery (neck)

Question 5

common sites for palpating pulse when assessing signs for peripheral arterial disease

Answer 5

brachial artery (elbow), aorta (abdomen), femoral artery (groin), popliteal artery (knee), Posterior tibial artery (med surface of ankle), dorsalis pedis artery (foot)

Question 6

Characteristics of the arterial pulse

Answer 6

Rate, Rhythm, volume

Question 7

What is a normal pulse rate for an adult?

Answer 7

60-100bpm

Question 8

What does arrhythmia mean?

Answer 8

any abnormal HR

Question 9

When do we refer to a GP for adult pulse rates?

Answer 9

< 50bpm (non athletes), >120bpm (resting)

Question 10

What is the respiratory rate?

Answer 10

How many breaths are taken in a minute

Question 11

Characteristics of respiratory rate

Answer 11

rate, character (