Practical 1_Vitals Flashcards
1
Q
- Using your index and middle fingers, apply slight pressure on the respective arteries.
- For the apical pulse be sure to ask for consent to place the stethoscope on your partner‘s chest (close to the top of the heart).
- Count the number of beats for 30 seconds.
- Multiply that number by 2.
A
Heart Rate
Take and record your partner’s pulse at their:
a. Carotid artery
b. Dorsalis Pedis artery
c. Radial artery
d. Apex of the heart (apical pulse)
Normal (Adults) - 60 to 100 bpm
2
Q
- Ask partner to sit up straight with their neck and spine in alignment. Encourage them to relax and breathe normally.
- Count the number of breaths your partner takes in 30 seconds. Remember, one complete breath consists of two phases: inhalation (chest cavity expands) and exhalation (chest cavity contracts).
- Multiply that number by 2.
A
Respiratory Rate
Normal (Adults) - 12 to 18 breaths per minute
3
Q
- Have your partner roll up their sleeve, approximately five inches above their elbow, be sure it’s not too tight and creating a tourniquet effect.
- Place the blood pressure cuff on the section of the arm approximately one and a half inches above their elbow. The arrow on the cuff should be centered on the inside of the arm and aligned with the middle finger. The tubing should also run down the inside of the arm.
- Wrap the cuff firmly in place using the closure strip. Make sure the cuff is secure, but not too tight or uncomfortable.
- Position your partner‘s arm so that it is supported and relaxed with the palm facing up.
- Be sure their feet are flat on the ground, and their legs are not crossed.
- Using a stethoscope, follow the steps to hear the reading.
- While slowly releasing the air in the cuff (2 mm Hg per second), listen for clear tapping sounds (Korotkoff’s sounds).
- The first tapping sound is recorded as the SYSTOLIC pressure. The DIASTOLIC pressure is recorded at the level where the sound disappears.
- Record the systolic over the diastolic pressure (i.e., 140/65).
A
Blood Pressure
Normal (Adults) - Less than 120 and Less than 80
