VITAL SIGNS Flashcards
What are vital signs?
Vital signs are measurements of essential bodily functions
Also referred to as ‘Cardinal Signs’.
What is VITAL SIGNS REFERRED AS?
CARDINAL SIGNS
WHAT ARE THE 4 VITAL SIGNS?
-Temperature,
-Respiration,
-Pulse
-Blood pressure.
Why must radiographers measure vital signs?
Radiographers must measure a patient’s vital signs as part of a physical assessment.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN THE PATIENT VITAL SIGNS IS CHANGING?
Changes in the patient’s vital signs may be an indication of a problem or a potential problem that may be or become life threatening.
When are vital signs taken in the radiology department?
Vital signs are taken when a patient undergoes an invasive procedure
-Before and after the patient recives any medication
-Anytime the patient’s condition changes suddenly,
-if the patient reports nonspecific symptoms of distress, SUCH AS NOT FEELING WELL OR FEELING DIFFERENT.
What is Temperature?
Temperature is the measurement of the degree of heat of the deep tissues of the body.
What is Thermoregulation ?
It describes the body’s heat production and heat loss.
What regulates body temperature?
The hypothalamus regulates body temperature.
What are the sites of temperature measurement?
The sites of measurement are
-Oral
-Axillary
-Tympanic
-Temporal
-Infrared
-Rectal.
What is the normal temperature range for adults?
Oral Fahrenheit (degree F) 97.7 – 99.5
Celsius (degree C) 36.5 – 37.5
Average - 98.6° F (37° C) ± 1° to 2° F
In Celsius, this is 36.5 – 37.5 °C.
How do axillary and rectal temperatures compare to oral readings?
-Axillary temperatures are slightly lower than oral readings
while
-Rectal temperatures are slightly higher than oral readings
Which temperature reading is the most accurate?
Rectal temperature readings are the most accurate.
What is considered a normal variation in temperature readings?
A variation of normal temperatures by + or - 1 degree is considered normal.
What should be done before taking a patient’s temperature?
-Wait at least 1 hour after vigorous exercise or a hot bath,
-Wait 20 or 30 minutes after smoking, eating, or drinking hot or cold liquids.
What indicates a fever? (DEGREE OF FEBRILE)
If the reading is more than 1 to 1.5 degrees above the patient’s normal temperature, the patient has a fever.
What are the symptoms of a fever (Febrile)?
Symptoms of a fever include
-Increased pulse
-Increased respiration
-General body discomfort and aching.
What is pyrexia?
Pyrexia is a fever or febrile condition.
What is Hyperthermia?
Hyperthermia is a high temperature (fever) with an oral reading above 99.5 °F
Signs of Hyperthermia – Dizziness, confusion, and coma
Signs include dizziness, confusion, and coma.
What is Hypothermia?
Hypothermia is a low temperature with an oral reading below 97.0 °F.
Signs of Hypothermia – Shivering, respiratory difficulties
Signs include shivering and respiratory difficulties.
MY NOTE: How does fever affect metabolic rate?
Fever produces changes in the metabolic rate of the patient and puts demands on the cardiopulmonary system.
What is metabolic rate?
Metabolic rate is the rate of utilization of energy
How is Metabolic Rate usually measured?
It is usually measured when the patient is at rest and fasting.
What is Diaphoresis?
Profuse sweating. A way that the body regulates temperature
-COOL AND CLAMMY SKIN
metabolic rate
Increase body temperature
Increased metabolic rate
=
More oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production at the cellular level.
TEMPERATURE RECORDIG VITAL SIGNS
Temperature
99.6 RECTAL
98.6 ORAL
97.6 AXILLARY
97.6 Tympanic
RESPIRATION MEASUREMENT FOR RESPIRATION
Normal Measurement of Respiration
Adult between 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
Children under 10 y/o between 20 to 30 breaths per minute.
Newborns between 30 to 60 breaths per minute.
RESPIRATION
To obtain an accurate measurement count the number of respirations for a full minute.
The patient should be at rest when measuring respirations.
Also observe the depth of the respiration: Shallow or Deep
Also observe the pattern of respiration: Regular or Irregular
Cells of the body require oxygen to function.
Respiration supplies oxygen to the blood and eliminates carbon dioxide from the body.
Rate of Respiration is taken by:
Observing the movement of the abdomen.
Observing the movement of the chest.
Procedure for assessing the respiration of a patient.
It is best that the patient is unaware that the respiration rate is being taken.
The movement of the chest or abdomen is observed and counted.
A hand may be placed on the patient’s abdomen or chest if observation alone is difficult.