Vital signs Flashcards
The basic essentials are?
- There are certain essential prerequisites for a person to stay alive and function optimally
- Oxygen: O2 saturation > 95%, PaO2 >70 mmHg
- Water ~ 60% body wt. Urine Output 0.5 ml/kg/hr or > 30 ml/hr
- Energy (glucose/blood sugar 3.5 – 5.5 mmol/L)
- A core body temperature: 37 C
- pH between 7.35 – 7.45
- Electrolyte Balance (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, HCO3)
Vital Signs Indicate the Extent to which what?
- Oxygen is reaching the cells
- Water/Hydration/Fluid Balance are operating optimally
- Glucose is available for metabolism to provide energy
- Core Body Temperature is in the range for optimal function - pH and Electrolytes are normal
What is the normal respiratory rate?
12-20 breaths/min
What factors affect pulse?
hint:10
- age,
- fever,
- exercise,
- fear.
- anger,
- anxiety,
- excitement,
- heat,
- position,
- and pain.
Normal adult pulse rate is what?
60-100 beats/min
Normal average blood pressure is what?
120/80 mmHg
What are the factors that affect blood pressure?
hint: 11
- age
- gender
- blood volume
- stress
- pain
- exercise
- weight
- race
- diet
- medications
- position
How do you assess a person’s level of consciousness?
- Level of consciousness: AVPU (alert, voice, pain, unresponsive) n the Glasgow Coma scale (GCS 3-15)
- orientation: TPPE- time, place, person, event
- pupils: PERRL- equal, round, reactive to light
What are common causes of altered mental status?
low oxygen and/or low blood sugar, and drugs
whats tachypnea?
respiratory rate over 20
whats bradypnea?
respiratory rate below 12
whats dyspnea?
shortness of breath
whats apnea?
no breathing
whats hyperventilation?
fast and deep respirations
whats hypoventilation?
short and shallow respirations
women usually have a lower BP than men. T or F.
T
guidelines for taking BP?
- do not take BP on the arm someone has a cast, IV or dialysis shunt
- do not do it on the side someone had breast surgery on
- do it when the person is sitting or lying down
- do it on the bare arm
- make sure the room is quiet
what sounds are created by pulsatile blood flow through the compressed artery?
korotkoff sounds
