Vital signs 3 Flashcards
Qualities of Normal Respirations
- 12-20 respirations per minute
- Quiet
- Effortless
- Regular
Factors Affecting Rate of Respirations
- Age
- Activity level
- Position
- Drugs
- Sex
- Illness
- Emotions
- Temperature
Measurement of Respirations
- Measure when a person is at rest.
- Count the number of breaths for one minute by counting chest rises.
- Document respiratory rate as the number of inhalations and exhalations per minute.
- Note rhythm (regular or irregular) and character (shallow, deep, labored).
Definition of Respiration
Respiration is the process of taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide from the lungs and respiratory tract
Normal Respiration Ranges by Age
- Birth to 6 months: 30-60 breaths/min
- 6 months: 25-40 breaths/min
- 3 years: 20-30 breaths/min
- 6 years: 18-25 breaths/min
- 10 years: 17-23 breaths/min
- Adult: 12-20 breaths/min
- Elderly (>65 years): 12-28 breaths/min
Procedure for Measuring Respirations
- Equipment: Wrist watch, chart for documentation.
- Do not inform the patient to avoid altering the breathing pattern.
- After assessing pulse rate, keep fingers on the patient’s wrist and observe chest rise and fall.
- Count one complete cycle (inspiration and expiration) and start counting.
- Note depth and rhythm of the respiratory cycle.
Document the reading and inform the patient.
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries.
What is systolic pressure?
Systolic pressure is the greatest force exerted when the heart is contracting. It is measured during the “lub” sound of ventricular contraction.
What is diastolic pressure?
Diastolic pressure is the least force exerted as the heart relaxes. It is measured during the “dub” sound of ventricular relaxation.
What are the normal blood pressure values for different age groups?
Newborn: Systolic 60-90 mmHg, Diastolic 20-60 mmHg
Infant: Systolic 74-100 mmHg, Diastolic 50-70 mmHg
Toddler: Systolic 80-112 mmHg, Diastolic 50-80 mmHg
Preschooler: Systolic 82-100 mmHg, Diastolic 50-78 mmHg
School-age: Systolic 84-120 mmHg, Diastolic 54-80 mmHg
Adolescent: Systolic 94-140 mmHg, Diastolic 62-88 mmHg
Adult: Systolic 90-139 mmHg, Diastolic 60-90 mmHg
What factors influence blood pressure?
weight, sleep, age, emotions, sex, heredity, viscosity of blood, and illness/disease.
What equipment is used to measure blood pressure?
sphygmomanometer
which includes a cuff, pressure control bulb, and pressure gauge.
What are the guidelines for measuring blood pressure?
*Measure on the upper arm with the correct size cuff.
- Identify the brachial artery for correct placement of the stethoscope.
- The first sound heard is the systolic pressure.
The last sound heard or change is the diastolic pressure. - Record the systolic/diastolic values.
Ensure the patient is in a relaxed position, sitting or lying down. - Blood pressure is usually taken in the left arm
Why is the left arm preferred for measuring blood pressure?
- The left arm is preferred because the heart is slightly to the left of the central midline of the chest,
- The subclavian artery from the aorta has a better angle in the left arm.
This makes it a more reliable source for measuring blood pressure
What should be avoided when measuring blood pressure?
Do not measure blood pressure in an arm with an IV, A-V shunt (dialysis), cast, wound, or sore.
The cuff should be applied to a bare upper arm, not over clothing, and the room should be quiet.
