OSCE Year 1 Flashcards
What is the normal range for systolic and diastolic blood pressure in an adult?
140/90 - 90/60
Define blood pressure including a systole and a diastole.
Blood pressure is the force exerted on the arterial vessel wall. Systolic pressure is the maximum force exerted on the vessel wall during left ventricular contraction. Diastolic is the resting pressure that the blood exerts between ventricular contractions.
State three signs of hypotension.
Hypotension is low blood pressure that is less than 90/60. Signs of hypotension include dizziness, cold clammy and pale skin, confusion, agitation, low urine output.
State three risks of hypertension.
Hypertension is high blood pressure above 140/90. Risks of hypertension include stroke, heart failure, premature death, cognitive decline, chronic kidney failure, aneurysm.
What is the normal range for heart rate in an adult?
60 to 90 bpm.
Define tachycardia.
Tachycardia is a fast heart rate above 90 bpm.
Define bradycardia.
Bradycardia is a slow heart rate below 60 bpm.
State five sites to palpate a pulse.
Radial (outer wrist), brachial (inner arm), femoral (inner thigh), temporal (in front of ear), carotid (neck).
What is the normal range for body temperature?
35.5 to 37.5 degrees
Define pyrexia.
Pyrexia is fever, a raised body temperature.
Define apyrexia.
Absence of fever. Normal body temperature.
State three reasons why a person may have pyrexia.
Infection, post trauma, post blood transfusion.
Define hypothermia.
Low body temperature below 35.5 degrees.
Define hyperthermia.
High body temperature above 37.5 degrees.
State three reasons why a person may have hypothermia.
Cold exposure, old age, post surgery, post-immersion in cold water.
