Vital Signs Flashcards
What is core temperature?
Temp of deep tissues that stays relatively constant during sleep, cold, and excessive exercise
What are the 5 Vital Signs?
Temperature, pulse, respiration, BP, SpO2
What is Vasodilation?
Widening of blood vessels.
Vasoconstriction
Natrowing of surface blood vessels
Nonshivering thermogenesis is what?
The neonate metabolizes vascular brown adipose tissue for heat production.
Diaphoresis is?
Excessive sweating. Drastically lowers body temp and typically presents in the forehead, upper chest, and arms
Pyrexia is also known as?
Fever
Pyrexia is what?
Occurs because heat loss mechanisms are unable to keep pace with excess heat production, resulting in an abnormal ride in Body temp.
Antipyretics are?
Medications that reduce fever.
Ex) acetaminophen
Salicylates
Ibuprofen
Hyperthermia is when?
An elevated boys temp related to the inability of the boys to promote heat loss or reduce heat production.
Educate PT) avoid exercise in hot conditions.
Drink fluid before during and after exercise.
A heat stroke is?
A dangerous heat emergency defined as a boys temp of 40.2C (104.4f)
Signs and symptoms of a heat stroke are?
Giddiness Confusion Delirium Excess thirst Nausea Muscle cramps Visual disturbances Incontinence HOT, dry skin
Cause of heat stroke?
Prolonged exposure to the sun or high environmental temps overwhelms the heat loss mechanisms if the body
What is hypothermia
Heat loss during exposure to cold and overwhelms the ability to produce heat.
How is hypothermia classified
Mild 93.2-96.8
Moderate 86* - 93.2*
Severe <86*
PT can experience what?
Uncontrolled shivering Loss of memory Depression Poor judgment 93.2*F
What are the four types of thermometers?
Electronic
Infrared
Digital
Disposable chemical dot
What is the formula to convert *F -> *C?
Ex: (104F-32F) x 5/9 =40*C
What is the formula to convert *C -> *F?
Ex: (9/5 x 40C + 32) = 104F
What is the normal pulse rate in an Adult?
80-100 beats/min
Where is the apical and carotid arteries?
Apical is chest
Carotid is neck
What are two main abnormalities in heart rate and describe them
Tachycardia- elevated heart rate more than 100 beats/min
Bradycardia- slow heart rate less than 60 beats/min
Dysrhythmia is?
A regular interval interrupted by an early beat, late beat, or missed beat.
:alters function
:assess how often it occurs
Pulse deficit is?
And inefficient contract in if the heart that fails to transmit a pulse wave to the pulse site.
How to asses a pulse deficit?
Ask another nurse to assess the radial pulse while you assess the apical pulse.
What is a pulse deficit associated with?
Dysthythmia
Systolic pressure is?
The peak pressure
Diastolic pressure is?
the minimal pressure
What is BP measure in?
mm Hg
What is pulse pressure?
the difference between systolic and diastolic pressures.
What is hypertension?
Elevated blood pressure.
Systolic blood pressure greater than 140mm Hg or Diastolic blood pressure greater than 90 mm Hg
Hypotension?
A SBP less than 90 mm Hg or a DBP less than 60mm Hg
Signs and symptoms of hypotension include?
Pallor Skin mottling Clamminess Confusion Dizziness Chest pain Increased heart rate Decrease urine output
Orthostatic hypotension is?
Also known as postural hypotension
A reduction of a SBP of at least 20 mm Hg or a reduction in DBP of at least 10 mm Hg within 3 minutes of quiet standing
Factors that affect BP
Age Gender Ethnicity Meds and treatment Activity Diet Smoking
Kortkoff sound is?
A clear rhythmic tapping series that corresponds to the pulse rate and gradually increases in intensity.
Ausculatory gap
Temporary disappearance of sound
What are the 3 processes of respiration?
Ventilation
Diffusion
Perfusion
Ventilation is?
He mechanical movement of gases into and out of the Lungs.
Asses by determining rate depth and rhythm.
Diffusion is?
The movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide between alveoli and the red blood cells
Perfusion is?
The distribution of RBCs to and from the pulmonary capillaries.
Normal rate of breaths for adult per minute are?
12 to 20 breaths/min
What is eupnea?
The normal rater and depth of ventilation
Bradypnea?
Less than 12 breaths/min
Tachypnea?
Respiratory rate of 20 or more.
Apnea is?
The lack of respiratory movements
SpO2 should be around?
95%-100%
What does ETCO2 measure?
It measures the exhaled carbon dioxide
