Maternal Vital Signs Flashcards
What are maternal vital signs?
Maternal vital signs are measures of various physiological statistics, often taken by health professionals, in order to assess the most basic body functions
What are the 2 main reasons why vital sigs are recorded?
- To establish a baseline on admission or to monitor ongoing condition
- To help identify any abnormalities
What is a maternal pulse?
A pressure wave which is transmitted through arteries, directly linked to cardiac output (caused by contraction of the ventricle)
How do record the maternal pulse?
Can be felt at any point where the artery is close to the body surface
What information can be gained from the maternal pulse?
Rate, volume, strength, regularity
What is the normal resting maternal pulse?
60-100bpm
In which 2 places can you find the maternal pulse?
The neck (carotid artery) and the wrist (radial artery)
What is tachycardia?
> 100bpm
What is bradycardia?
<60bpm
What is a respiratory rate?
The intake of oxygen necessary for metabolic function and the elimination of carbon dioxide which is a by-product of that metabolism
How do you calculate respiratory rate?
By counting the number of breaths a person takes per minute
What is the normal respiratory rate?
10-20
Why is respiratory rate a vital sign?
Changes in RR in pregnant women is one of the most sensitive indicators of deterioration of wellbeing
What is tachypnoea?
RR higher than 20
What is bradypnoea?
RR lower than 10
What is body temperature?
Body temp is achieved by balance between heat gain and heat loss
How is body temp measured?
By using a thermometer, can be inserted into mouth, rectum, ear or placed under the armpit
What can influence body temperature?
Stress, dehydration, exercise, being in a hot or cold environment, drinking hot or cold beverage, and thyroid
What is the normal body temperature?
36-37.4 degrees Celsius
What is blood pressure?
The pressure exerted on the walls of the blood pressure (two readings)
What is systolic blood pressure (top reading)?
- Arterial blood pressure changes throughout the cardiac cycle
- Contraction of the ventricles during systole ejects blood into the aorta and raises the arterial pressure
What is diastolic blood pressure (bottom reading)?
- As the heart relaxes during diastole, blood leaves the main arteries and the blood pressure falls, this is affected by peripheral resistance, therefore depends on the level of systolic blood pressure, the elasticity of the arteries and the viscosity of the blood
What is the normal blood pressure for a pregnant woman?
SYS 110-140 and DIA 70-90
What can alter blood pressure?
Baroreceptors and chemoreceptors
