Vital Signs Flashcards
vital signs
measurements of the body’s most basic functions.
What are the 4 main vital signs?
Pulse
Temp
Respiration rate
Blood pressure
Why are vital signs taken?
to help assess the general physical health of a person, give clues to possible diseases, show progress toward recovery
Normal ranges for vital signs
vary with age, weight, gender, and overall health
Pulse rate
key indicator of cardiovascular function
temperature
reflects inflammation or infection
respiration rate
key indicator of pulmonary function
Blood pressure
another key indicator of cardiovascular health
What forms the cornerstone of dx?
history and physical examination. Vital signs are considered to be the foundation of the physical exam
What does pulse measure?
the surge of arterial blood that occurs with each contraction of the heart muscle. Primarily indicates the force, rate, rhythm of the heartbeat
Where can pulse be taken?
- radial artery
- temporal artery
- carotid artery
Normal pulse rate
- 60-100bpm
- there are variations due to things such as exercise or being an athlete
tachycardia
pulse too fast
bradycardia
pulse too slow
causes of tachycardia
- inflammation
- symp stimulation or parasym inhibition
- meds
- cardiac abnormalities
tachycardia: inflammation
- causes fever
- for every degree increase, there is an increase of 10 bpm
tachycardia: symp stim/parasym inhibition
- fight or flight reaction
- systemic diseases (anemia, hyperthyroidism, tumors)
tachycardia: meds
- systemic (anit-depressants, diet pills, asthma meds, ritalin)
- ocular (phenylephrine, cyclopentolate)
tachycardia: cardiac abnormalities
MI
CHF
atrial fibrilation
causes of bradycardia
-parasymp stimulation or symp inhibition
-meds
cardiac abnormalities
bradycardia: symp inhibition/parasymp stimulation
systemic disease (hypothyroidism, etc)
bradycardia: meds
ocular: pilocarpine, B-blockers (timolol, etc)