VITAL SIGNS Flashcards
bradypnea
rate of breathing is regular but abnormally slow. less than 12 breaths per minute.
Afebrile
not feverish
antipyretics
medications that reduce fever. Acetaminophen and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, salicylates, and indomethacin reduce fever by increasing heat loss.
auscultatory gap
blood pressure
the force exerted on the walls of an artery by the pulsing blood under pressure from the heart
bradycardia
abnormally slow heart rate, below 60 b/m
capnography
measurement of exhaled carbon dioxide throughout exhalation.
conduction
is the transfer of heat from one object to another with direct contact.
convection
transfer of heat away by air movement.
core temperature
relatively constant temperature of the deep tissue
diaphoresis
visible perspiration primarily occurring on the forehead and upper thorax, although it occurs in other places on the body.
diastolic pressure
the minimal pressure exerted against the arterial walls at all times.
dysrhythmia
An interval interrupted by an early or late beat or a missed beat indicates an abnormal rhythm
eupnea
The sigh, a prolonged deeper breath, is a protective physiological mechanism for expanding small airways and alveoli not ventilated during a normal breath.
Evaporation
the transfer of heat energy when a liquid is changed to a gas.
febrile
having or showing the symptoms of a fever.
fever
occurs because heat-loss mechanisms are unable to keep pace with excessive heat production, resulting in an abnormal rise in body temperature.
fever of unknown origin -FUO
fever with an undetermined cause
frostbite
occurs when the body is exposed to subnormal temperatures. Ice crystals form inside the cells, and permanent circulatory and tissue damage occurs.
heat exhaustion
profuse diaphoresis results in excess water and electrolyte loss
heatstroke
Heat depresses hypothalamic function. Prolonged exposure to the sun or a high environmental temperature overwhelms the heat-loss mechanisms of the body.
hematocrit
percentage of red blood cells in the blood which determines blood viscosity
hypertension
an elevated blood pressure
hyperthermia
an elevated body temperature related to the inability of the body to promote heat loss or reduce heat production