Vital Signs Flashcards
What are normal systolic and diastolic BPs?
systolic- less than 120 mm Hg
diastolic- less than 80 mm Hg
What are prehypertensive systolic and diastolic Bps? Stage 1 hypertension?
Stage 2 hypertension?
systolic- 120-139 mm Hg
diastolic- 80-89 mm Hg
systolic- 140-159
diastolic- 90-99
systolic- above 160
diastolic- above 100
T or F. BP should be red at each office visit
T.
What side of a stethoscope should be used?
the bell side
Rules of BP taking
Patient’s legs should be uncrossed and supported on the floor
Arm should be uncovered and proper sized cuff should be used
arm free of clothing
arm should be positioned so that the brachial artery is at the antecubital crease (at heart level)- roughly AT 4TH INTERSPACE (if the artery is 7-8cm below the heart, the blood pressure will read ~6cm higher- if 7 cm higher, it will read lower)
How should a cuff be worn?
width should be about 40% OF UPPER ARM CIRCUMFERENCE
standard size is 12x23cm
Clinical observations are influenced by what factors?
the instrument and its accuracy and precision, the patient, and the observer
What does WDWN NAD mean?
Well-developed, well nourished in no apparent distress
Good descriptors for dirty people?
disheveled or unkempt, don’t say dirty or unclean
Risks for DM, HTN, and CVD increase significantly for waist >35 inches in women and 40 inches in men
Risks for DM, HTN, and CVD increase significantly for waist >35 inches in women and 40 inches in men
Rapid shallow breathing is called?
tachypnea
Rapid deep breathing is called?
hyperpnea/hyperventilation
What is Ataxia Breathing (biot’s)?
Unpredictably irregular; respiratory depression and brain damage (usually at medullary level)
T or F. Rectal temperatures are usually slightly higher than oral temps
T. about 0.7-0.9F higher
T or F. Axillary temperatures are usually slightly higher than oral temps.
F. about 1F lower
Tips for taking a rectal temp.
Lie in decubitus position (on side) with hip flexed
- Use probe with stubby tip
- Lubricate and insert 3-4cm into anal canal pointing toward umbilicus
- 3 minutes for regular thermometer; 10 seconds for digital
T or F. Ear temps are usually higher than oral temps
T. about 1.4F higher
What is orthostatic hypotension?
a fall in systolic pressure of 20mm Hg or more, especially when accompanied by symptoms and tachycardia, indicates orthostatic hypotension
Causes of orthostatic hypotension?
drugs, blood loss, prolonged bed rest, and diseases of autonomic nervous system