Vital Signs Flashcards
1
Q
Respirations
A
RATE Watch the chest/abdomen and count for no less than 30 seconds. If abnormal respirations are present count for a full 60 seconds. QUALITY Normal Shallow Any unusual pattern? Labored? Deep Noisy breathing?
2
Q
Pulse
A
RATE
Check the radial pulse. If pulse is regular, count for 30 seconds and multiply x 2. If it is irregular, count for a full 60 seconds.
QUALITY
Regular, Strong, Irregular, Weak
3
Q
Skin
A
Color • Normal (unremarkable) • Cyanotic • Pale • Flushed • Jaundice Temperature • Warm • Hot • Cool • Cold Condition • Wet • Dry`
4
Q
Blood Pressure
A
Blood pressure should be measured in all patients over the age of 3. Auscultate the blood pressure. In a high noise environment, palpate (only the systolic reading can be obtained)
5
Q
Pupils
A
use a penlight to check reactivity of the pupils; also assess for size
• equal or unequal
• normal, dilated, or constricted
• reactive - change when exposed to light
• non-reactive - do not change when exposed to light
• Equally or unequally reactive when exposed to light
