LECTURE: VITAL SIGNS Flashcards
What are the 4 main vital signs
BP
Pulse
Respiration rate
pulse ox
What are some of the other diagnostic signs?
SKIN TEMPERATURE AND CONDITION • PUPILLARY REACTION • CAPILLARY REFILL • LOC • ABILITY TO MOVE (PMSC) • REACTION TO PAIN (PMSC)
When should vital signs be taken initially
when should vital signs be taken after the secondary ?
Initially: if medical condition
Secondary: if trauma
What is blood pressure and what is it necessary for>
BP is the pressure of circulating blood against artery walls
necessary for proper circulation and perfusion
What are the parts of a sphygomomanometer?
cuff bladder tubing valve bulb
What are the parts of a stethescope?
HEADSET
Earpieces
ear tube
tubing
CHEST PIECE
stem
bell
diaphrahm
Where do the earpeices have to be facing?
FORWARD / away from you
What are the korotkoff sounds
phse 1: sharp thud phase 2: blowing/swishing sound 3) thumping 4) Softer sound that dissapears 5) silence
Explain Hypotension and the possible explanations for it
Decreased BP Below90/60mmofHg
Loss of blood or tissue fluid Loss of arterial constriction Cardiac problem Adissons disease (serious adrenal gland disorder) Hypothyroidism
Explain hypertension and possible explanations for it
Increased BP
Arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis
From head injuries
How does the body compensate for low BP
Heart rate increases
Arteries constrict
less Blood flow to extremities, greater Blood flow to organs
Treat for shock
What are the normal values for BP
Adult: 90 - 140 mm Hg (Systolic) 120
60 - 90 mm Hg (Diastolic) 80
Critically low systolic BP…
Male adult/Adolescent: < 90 mm Hg F
emale adult/Adolescent: < 80 mm Hg
Children: < 70 mm Hg = Critical Hypotension
What are the normal carotid pulse values
- Adults: 60 - 100 beats per minute (bpm)
- Children 60 – 90 bpm (10 – 15yrs)
- Children: 80 - 100 bpm (5 – 10 yrs)
- Children: 80 - 120 bpm (1 – 8 yrs) (CRC)
Define tachycardia and bradycardia
and define the normal and irregular characters of pulse
At rest
tachy: HR above 100
brady: HR below 60
Normal character: bounding strong
Irregular: weak or thready, premature or late beat
What are the normal respiration values
adult: 12-20
child 15-30
infant 30-40