vital signs Flashcards
Vital signs are comprised of:
•Temperature (36.5-37.2) •Pulse •Respirations •Blood pressure Systolic- 100-140mmHg Diastolic- 60-90 mmHg
blood pressure is
The force exerted by the blood on the walls of the blood vessels as the heart contracts and relaxes.
Systolic blood pressure is the pressure that the blood exerts against the arterial walls during contraction of the left ventricle.
Diastolic blood pressure is the pressure the blood exerts against the arterial walls during left ventricular relaxation.
normal bp : Systolic- 100-140mmHg
Diastolic- 60-90 mmHg
HYPERTENSION and causes
Blood pressure of greater than 140/90. age smoking obesity stress
HYPOTENSION and causes
Blood pressure of less than 100/60
blood loss
meds
heart failure
Postural Hypotension
This refers to the significant drop in blood pressure a patient may experience when standing up.
It is usually accompanied by dizziness, light headedness and/or collapse
When lying, the patient may have a BP of 120/70
When standing, the BP may drop to 75/50
where to find a pulse
Radial artery - forearm
Brachial artery - upper arm
Carotid artery - neck
Femoral artery - leg
normal pulse rates
new born/infant: 110-160 beats per minute
child: 90-110 bmp
Adults: 60-100 beats per minute (bpm)
tachycardia
Heart rate of greater than 100 bpm Causes: Strong emotions e.g anger, stress, fear Pain Exercise Certain medical conditions
bradycardia
Heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute. Causes may include: Relaxation/sleep Age Certain medical conditions Fitness level Medications
Inspiration process
(breathing in) occurs as the diaphragm contracts (flattens) and the ribs are pulled up, enlarging the thoracic cavity.Air is drawn into the lungs through the airways. Oxygen enters the bloodstream through the single cell membranes of the alveoli
Exhalation or expiration process
(breathing out) occurs when the thoracic muscles relax and the chest returns to pre-inhalation size.
•Air is expelled through the airways and out into the atmosphere.
•Carbon dioxide exits the bloodstream by passing through the single cell membranes of the alveoli.
normal resp rate
Adult 12-20 breaths per minute
Child 20-28 breaths per minute
Infant >2 20-30 breaths per minute
Infant <2 28-40 breaths per minute
always measured for one full min
tachypnoea is
High respiratory rate is caused by: Stress Exercise Anxiety Hypoxia
Bradypnoea is
A slow respiratory rate is caused by:
Sedation
Medications
Head injury
responsibilities of EN
Measure vital signs accurately and correctly
Understand and interpret the values
Communicate the findings
Begin interventions under guidance of in/ charge RN
Always record findings immediately
Immediately report abnormalities
Maintain confidentiality
