Untitled Deck Flashcards
(105 cards)
What are vital signs?
Critical indicators of a patient’s health status used to evaluate health status, provide comparison information, and determine changes in body function and response to treatment.
When should vital signs be taken?
Before, during, and after treatment.
What factors can affect vital signs?
Sleepiness, activity level, noise, fear, and anxiety can all affect readings.
What is important to do before taking vital signs?
Always verify the patient’s identity prior to taking vital signs.
Why is it important to eliminate noise when taking vital signs?
To ensure accuracy.
What should you do if you are unsure about a reading?
Ask the nurse to verify.
What does temperature indicate?
A vital sign indicating body heat.
What is considered febrile?
Temperature > 100°F.
What does afebrile mean?
Without fever.
What is hypothermia?
Low body temperature.
What is hyperthermia?
Increased body temperature.
What is pulse?
The rhythmic expansion and contraction of an artery as blood is pumped through it.
What is tachycardia?
Heart rate > 100 beats per minute.
What is bradycardia?
Heart rate < 60 beats per minute.
What is respiration?
The process of taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide.
What is apnea?
Absence of respiration.
What is dyspnea?
Difficulty breathing.
What is orthopnea?
Positional breathing (e.g., standing or sitting).
What is hyperventilation?
Rapid, deep breathing.
What is hypoventilation?
Slow, shallow, and irregular breathing.
What is Cheyne-Stokes respiration?
A pattern of increasing rate and depth, followed by slow/shallow breaths and a period of apnea (often associated with end-of-life).
What is blood pressure?
The pressure of circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels.
What is systolic blood pressure?
Top number (heart contraction) in a blood pressure reading.
What is diastolic blood pressure?
Bottom number (heart at rest) in a blood pressure reading.