Vital Signs

Question 1

What is the normal body temperature?

Answer 1

36.4-37.6 degrees Celsius.

Question 2

Define Pyrexia.

Answer 2

Significant rise in body temperature above 37.6°C.

Question 3

Define Apyrexia.

Answer 3

Absence or intermission of fever.

Question 4

Define hypothermia.

Answer 4

Body temperature below 35°C.

Question 5

Define hyperpyrexia.

Answer 5

Body temperature above 40°C.

Question 6

What is the normal pulse rate of an adult?

Answer 6

60-100 bpm

Question 7

What do you need to take note of when taking a pulse?

Answer 7

Rate, rhythm, amplitude.

Question 8

Define bradycardia.

Answer 8

Slow heart rate (pulse rate of less than 60 bpm)

Question 9

Define tachycardia.

Answer 9

Fast heart rate (pulse rate of more than 100 bpm)

Question 10

What is the normal respiratory rate of an adult?

Answer 10

12-18 rpm.

Question 11

Define Bradypnoea, tachypnoea, dyspnoea and apnoea.

Answer 11

• slow respiratory rate
• fast respiratory rate
• shortness of breath
• suspension of external breathing

Question 12

What is the normal oxygen saturation levels in their blood of an adult?

Answer 12

95-98%

Question 13

What is the normal blood pressure of an adult?

Answer 13

120/80 mmHg

Question 14

Define mean arterial pressure (MAP)

Answer 14

Average pressure required to push blood through the circulatory system. Indicates perfusion of the major organs and tissues.

Question 15

Define hypotension.

Answer 15

Low blood pressure (systolic below 100 mmHg).

Question 16

Define hypertension.

Answer 16

High low pressure (BP persistently above 140/90 mmHg)

Question 17

Where are the temperature measurement sites?

Answer 17

• Oral
• Axilla
• Tympanic
• Rectal
• Peripheral/skin