Vital Sign Abnormalities Flashcards
What is bradycardia?
• Bradycardia is a slower-than-normal heart rate, defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute in adults.
• It can be normal in healthy, athletic individuals, but in others, it may indicate problems like hypothyroidism, heart block, or side effects from medications.
• Symptoms might include fatigue, dizziness, fainting, or shortness of breath.
What is hypertension?
• Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is defined as a systolic pressure of 130 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 80 mmHg or higher.
• Causes include obesity, high salt intake, lack of physical activity, stress, genetic factors, and chronic conditions like kidney disease.
• It can lead to complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage if not managed.
• Management includes lifestyle changes (diet, exercise), medications, and regular monitoring.
What is hypotension?
• Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is generally defined as a blood pressure lower than 90/60 mmHg.
• Causes can include dehydration, heart problems, endocrine disorders, blood loss, or certain medications.
• Symptoms may include dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, and fatigue.
• Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and may involve increasing fluid intake, adjusting medications, or wearing compression stockings.
What is tachypnea?
• Tachypnea is an abnormally rapid breathing rate, typically defined as more than 20 breaths per minute in adults.
• It can be caused by conditions like fever, anxiety, lung disease, sepsis, or heart failure.
• Symptoms include shallow, rapid breathing and possible shortness of breath.
• Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve oxygen therapy, medications, or addressing the root cause of respiratory distress.
What is bradypnea?
• Bradypnea is an abnormally slow breathing rate, typically defined as fewer than 12 breaths per minute in adults.
• It can result from central nervous system depression, drug overdose, hypothyroidism, or sleep apnea.
• Symptoms may include shallow breathing, fatigue, or even respiratory arrest in severe cases.
• Management involves treating the underlying cause, which may include medications, respiratory support, or adjusting sedative doses.
What is hyperthermia?
• Hyperthermia occurs when the body temperature is significantly above normal, typically greater than 38°C (100.4°F).
• It can result from excessive heat exposure, heatstroke, certain infections, or malignant hyperthermia (a rare reaction to anesthesia).
• Symptoms include hot, dry skin, confusion, nausea, and in severe cases, organ failure.
• Treatment includes cooling measures (cool environment, hydration, cooling blankets) and addressing the underlying cause.
What is hypothermia?
• Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops below 35°C (95°F).
• Causes include prolonged exposure to cold, wet conditions, or inadequate heating in cold environments.
• Symptoms include shivering, slurred speech, slow breathing, confusion, and fatigue.
• Treatment involves warming the body gradually using blankets, warm fluids, and in severe cases, medical intervention.
What is hyperglycemia?
• Hyperglycemia is an abnormally high blood glucose level, often defined as fasting blood sugar over 126 mg/dL or random blood sugar over 200 mg/dL.
• Common in diabetes, it can be triggered by insufficient insulin, excess carbohydrate intake, stress, or illness.
• Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision.
• Management includes adjusting insulin or medications, dietary changes, and monitoring blood glucose levels.
What is hypoglycemia?
• Hypoglycemia is an abnormally low blood glucose level, typically defined as below 70 mg/dL.
• It can occur due to excess insulin, prolonged fasting, strenuous exercise, or certain medications.
• Symptoms include shakiness, sweating, confusion, irritability, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness.
• Treatment involves consuming fast-acting carbohydrates (glucose tablets, juice) and adjusting medication or diet to prevent recurrence.
What is oxygen saturation and what is hypoxemia?
• Oxygen saturation (SpO2) refers to the percentage of oxygen-saturated hemoglobin in the blood, typically measured using a pulse oximeter. Normal SpO2 ranges from 95-100%.
• Hypoxemia is an abnormally low level of oxygen in the blood, typically defined as SpO2 below 90%.
• Causes include respiratory disorders (COPD, asthma), heart conditions, high altitudes, and severe infections.
• Symptoms include shortness of breath, confusion, rapid heart rate, and cyanosis.
• Management involves oxygen therapy, treating the underlying condition, and monitoring oxygen levels.
What is tachycardia?
• Tachycardia is a condition where the heart rate exceeds the normal resting rate, typically defined as more than 100 beats per minute in adults.
• Causes include fever, stress, dehydration, anemia, hyperthyroidism, and heart conditions.
• Symptoms can include palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
• Management depends on the underlying cause and may include medications, lifestyle changes, or procedures to correct the heart rhythm.
