Temp, pluse and blood pressure Flashcards
Average normal adult temperature?
37 degrees
What is pyrexia?
Persistent raised temperature of 38 degrees or above, normally a fever.
Define hypothermia
Low body temperature, normally below 35 degrees
How is body temperature regulated?
Via the processing centre in the brain- the hypothalamus
How is temperature affected during pregnancy?
- Normally have a higher core temperature throughout
- Higher need for water
- At greater risk of hyperthermia
Name the 3 common places to take a temperature
Armpit (Axilla)
Mouth (Oral)
Rectal
Define pulse
The rhythmic throbbing of arteries as blood is propelled through them
What sites can you take a pulse from?
Radial artery
Brachial artery
Carotid artery
Normal pulse rate for an adult?
60 - 100 beats per minute
Factors that can influence your pulse rate?
- Exercise
- Medication
- Body position (sat or stood)
- Illness
- Air temperature
Define tachycardia
Abnormally rapid heart rate
Define bradycardia
Abnormally slow heart action
What is blood pressure?
The pressure of the blood in the circulatory system
What is a systolic pressure?
The initial contraction of the heart
What is diastolic pressure?
The relaxing contraction
How is blood pressure regulated?
- Blood
- Pumping action of the heart
- Blood volume
What is the normal blood pressure for an adult
120 / 80
What factors affect blood pressure?
- Age
- Weight
- Gender
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Stress
- Physical activity levels
What are the 5 stages of Kortokoff
- Clear “tapping” sounds as the cuff begins to deflate (systolic)
- Sound becomes softer and longer
- Crisp sound
- Muffles and much softer sound
- Silence (diastolic)
Define temperature
The degree or intensity of heat present in a substance of object according to a scale shown by a thermometer
