Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Nursing Skills > Vital Observations > Flashcards

Vital Observations Flashcards

1
Q

What are vital observations?

A

Vital signs are measurements of the body’s most basic functions. The four main vital signs routinely monitored by medical professionals and health care providers.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Why are vital observations so vital?

A
  • Recognising the deteriorating patient (RCP, 2017, BTS, 2017)
  • Complete the procedure as per best evidence based practice (NMC 2018, HCPC 2012)
  • Referral if needed
  • Ensure any equipment used is properly serviced and maintained
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the purpose of respiration?

A

Respiration supplies the body with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Why measure respiration?

A
  • To determine per minute the rate, depth and pattern of respiration as a base measurement for future comparison
  • To monitor fluctuations in respiration
  • To evaluate the patients response to medications or treatments
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are the observations for respiration?

A

Rate: The rate and depth will together determine the type/quality of respiration
Depth: Indicates the volume of air moving in and out of the lungs with each respiration
Pattern: Changes in pattern are often due to problems with the respiratory centre in the brain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the terminology for irregular respiratory rates?

A
  • Bradypnoea
  • Tachypnoea
  • Dyspnoea
  • Hyperpnoea
  • Apnoea
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is Bradypnoea?

A

Abnormally slow

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is Tachypnoea?

A

Elevated and rapid

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is Dyspnoea?

A

Shortness of breath with an elevated, normal or decreased respiratory rate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is Hyperpnoea?

A

Abnormally deep and laboured- it may occur with or without rapid breathing

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

what is Apnoea?

A

Absence of breathing

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the average respiratory rate of a Newborn?

A

30-60 breaths per minute

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is the average respiratory rate of a 1-3 year old?

A

24-40 breaths per minute

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the average respiratory rate of a 4-5 year old?

A

22-34 breaths per minute

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is the average respiratory rate of a 6-12 year old?

A

18-30 breaths per minute

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is the average respiratory rate of an adolescent?

A

12-16 breaths per minute

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is the average respiratory rate of an adult?

A

12-20 breaths per minute

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is hypoventilation (bradypnoea)?

A

Below levels considered to be normal (RR<12)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is hyperventilation (Tachypnoea)?

A

Above levels considered to be normal (RR>90)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is a pulse?

A

The pulse is a pressure wave of blood caused by the alternating expansion and recoil of the elastic arteries during each cardiac cycle.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is the purpose of measuring a pulse?

A
  • To obtain a base measurement for future comparison
  • To monitor fluctuations in pulse
  • To determine per minute information regarding heart rate, pattern (rhythm), and amplitude (strength)
22
Q

How do you observe a pulse?

A
  • Felt anywhere an artery can be palpated against something firm
  • Rhythm: Normally regular, contained by contraction of the heart muscle in response to specific nerve stimulus
  • Amplitude: The reflection of the pulse strength and arterial elasticity
23
Q

What is the average pulse rate of a 1 week-3 month old?

A

100-160 beats per minute

24
Q

What is the average pulse rate of a 3 month-2 year old?

A

80-150 beats per minute

25
What is the average pulse rate of a 2-10 year old?
70-110 beats per minute
26
What is the average pulse rate of a 10 year old-adulthood?
50-90 beats per minute
27
What is Tachycardia? (pulse)
Above levels considered to be normal (>100 BPM)
28
What is Bradycardia? (pulse)
Below levels considered to be normals(<60 BPM)
29
What is a normal Capillary Refill Rate?
- Normal CFT is considered to be shown to return within 2-3 seconds - A delay in this return may be a sign of reduced skin perfusion, hypovolemic shock, circulatory diseases
30
What is blood pressure?
The force exerted by blood on the walls of the vessel in which it is contained.
31
What is the purpose of measuring blood pressure?
- To determine the patient’s blood pressure as a base for comparing future measurements - To monitor fluctuations in blood pressure
32
What is the measurement of blood pressure?
-mmHg (millimetres of mercury) is the unit of measurement
33
What is systolic pressure (blood pressure)?
Pressure exerted on the blood vessel walls following ventricular systole, when the arteries contain maximum pressure.
34
What is diastolic pressure (blood pressure)?
Pressure exerted on blood vessel walls during ventricular diastole, when the arteries contain least pressure.
35
What is hypertension (blood pressure)?
A BP above levels considered to be normal (BPS>140)
36
What is hypotension (blood pressure)?
A BP below levels considered to be normal (BPS<90)
37
What is body temperature?
Is the balance between heat gain and heat loss
38
What controls body temperature?
Hypothalamus- heat loss- heat conservation/ production
39
What is the body temperature range?
36-37.5 degrees- optimum core temp is 37 degrees
40
What are the temperature values?
- Hypothermia 35 degrees - Normal range in accordance with definitions: 35.1-37.9 degrees - Optimal range for homeostasis: 36.5-37.5 degrees
41
What are the 6 ways to measure core temperature?
- Tympanic - Nasalpharyngeal - Oesophageal - Rectal - Axillary - Sublingual
42
What is hyperthermia (pyrexia)?
Above levels considered to be normal (Above 38 degrees)
43
What is hypothermia?
Below 35 degrees
44
How do you measure oxygen saturation levels (SP02%)?
- Using a probe attached to the finger, ear or toe (depending on age or the patient) - Photodetector and light-emitting diodes (LED) on probe
45
What is considered a normal oxygen saturation level?
Normal pulse oximeter reading 94-98%. Below 94% requires investigation
46
What is NEWS?
National Early Warning Scores- National early warning system to identify "at risk" patients at an early age
47
What is MEWS?
Modified Early Warning Scores
48
What is PEWS?
Paediatric Early Warning Scores
49
What is a PAR score?
Patient at risk scoring
50
What should you do for all procedures?
- Gain consent - Decontaminate hands - Clean equipment - Dispose equipment safely - Record, report and act on results

Nursing Skills (9 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions