vital signs Flashcards
measurement of balance between heat lost and heat produced
temperature
strength of pulse
volume
pulse taken at apex of heart w a stethoscope
apical pulse
measurement of breaths taken by a patient
respirations
instrument used to take apical pulse
stethoscope
pressure of blood felt against wall of an artery
pulse
regularity of pulse or respirations
rhythm
number of beats per min
rate
measurement of the force exerted by the heart against arterial walls
bloodpressure
various determinations that provide info about body conditions
vitalsigns
5 vital signs
pain, temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiration
why is it essential that vital signs are measured accurately?
they are the first indication of a disease or abnormality in the patient
4 common sites where body temp can be measured
oral, armpit, rectal, ear
the pressure of the blood felt against the artery as the heart beats
pulse
3 factors recorded about pulse
rate, value, rhythm
3 factors noted about respiration
count, rhythm, character
2 readings noted on blood pressure
systolic and diastolic
pain
an uncomfortable feeling that tells you something may be wrong.
how to asses a patients pain level
Provocation, Quality/Quantity, Region/Radiation, Severity Scale, Timing, and Documentation
how often should pain be assesed
every 2 hours or dependent upon patient’s needs
3 times when you have to take apical pulse
illness, hardening of arteries, weak or rapid radial pulse
what should you do if you note any abnormal or change in vital signs
alert supervisor
