Vital Signs Flashcards
The pulse that is found when a stethoscope is placed on the chest wall over the apex of the heart; also may be found by palpation.
Apical pulse
Absence of oxygen in the tissues
Anoxia
The absence of breathing
Apnea
Variation from the normal rhythm
Arrhythmia
Listening for sounds produced within the body by using the unaided ear or a stethoscope.
Auscultation
A slow heartbeat (i.e., pulse rate less than 60 beats/min); may be a normal finding in a well-conditioned person or an abnormal finding.
Bradycardia
The amount of blood that is pumped from the heart during each contraction.
Cardiac output
Profuse perspiration
Diaphoresis
The period when the least amount of pressure is exerted on the walls or the arteries during the heartbeat; usually indicates the resting phase of the heart.
Diastole
Labored or difficult breathing.
Dyspnea
Disturbance of rhythm.
Dysrhythmia
Arising or produced abnormally
Ectopic
The passive phase of respiration when the person breathes out; also referred to as exhalation.
Expiration
Body temperature that is above the normal level; also referred to as pyrexia.
Fever
Abnormally high blood pressure.
Hypertension
Abnormally low blood pressure
Hypotension
Pertaining to the groin.
Inguinal
The active phase of respiration when the person breathes in; also referred to as inhalation.
Inspiration
The insertion of a tube into the larynx to maintain an open airway.
Intubation
Sounds heard during auscultatory determination of blood pressure; believed to be produced by the vibratory motion of the arterial wall as the artery suddenly distends when compressed by a pneumatic blood pressure cuff; the origin of the sound may be within the blood passing through the vessel or within the wall itself.
Korotkoff’s sounds
To fit close together; to close tight; to obstruct or close off
Occlude
condition in which breathing is easier when the person is seated or standing.
Orthopnea
A palpable wave of blood produced in the walls of the arteries with each heartbeat or
contraction.
Pulse
A medical device that measures levels of blood oxygen saturation, monitors pulse rate, and calculates heart rate
Pulse oximeter
An abnormal, discontinuous, nonmusical sound heard on auscultation of the chest, primarily
during inhalation; also called a crackle.
Rale
Pertaining to the rectum or the distal portion of the large intestine.
Rectal
The act of breathing.
Respiration
An instrument used to measure blood pressure; it may use a mercury column
or an enclosed air-pressure spring system.
Sphygmomanometer
An instrument used to convey sounds produced in the body of a person to the ears
of the examiner; it is comprised of a diaphragm, tubing, and earpieces.
Stethoscope