VITAL SIGNS

Question 1

Heart rate locations for pulse

Answer 1

1. Radial
2. Brachial
3. Cardotid
4. Femoral

Question 2

When do we calculate a heart rate over 60 secs?

Answer 2

If irregualr

Question 3

Normal heart rate range

Answer 3

60-100 BPM

Question 4

Normal respiratory rate range

Answer 4

12-20 breaths P/M

Question 5

Why is tachypnoea important?

Answer 5

Fast breathing is a subtle sign a patient may be unwell or injured

Question 6

Difference between systolic and diastolic BP

Answer 6

1. Systolic pressure is pressure within arterial system when the ventricles contract
2. Diastolic pressure is the pressure within the arterial system when the ventricles relax

Question 7

Define BP

Answer 7

Blood pressure represents the force of blood against the arteries walls as the heart contracts (systole) & relaxes (diastolic)

Question 8

Normal BP range

Answer 8

120/80 is textbook

Question 9

Pulse pressure

Answer 9

Difference between systolic & diastolic numbers represents the force the heart generates each time it contracts

Question 10

Normal pulse pressure range

Answer 10

30-40 mmHg

Question 11

Normal temp range

Answer 11

36.5-37.5 deg

Question 12

Potential complications of temp

Answer 12

May be inaccurate in patients with small ears or large amounts of wax

Question 13

When do we take a BGL?

Answer 13

1. Diabetic
2. Altered level of consciousness
3. Unwell with no obvious cause
4. Children with signs of infection
5. Poisoning with suspected hypoglycaemic agent like insulin
6. Signs of a stroke

Question 14

Normal BGL range

Answer 14

3.5-9 mmol