Vital Signs Flashcards
Why do nurses take vital signs?
Part of physical examination, determine abnormalities in any body systems
When do nurses take vital signs (6)?
- Admission into faculty
- Before/after surgical procedure
- Before/during/after administration of medications
- Physician’s order
- Any changes in condition of patient
- Before/after procedures affecting vitals
What are the vital signs (5)?
- Temp.
- Pulse
- Respiration
- Oxygen saturation
- Blood pressure
What is the normal range for body temp?
35.9°C - 38.1°C
Rectal & temporal artery temps are ____ than oral, while axillary temp is ____ than oral
higher, lower
What are the 4 characteristics of a pulse?
- Rate
- Rhythm
- Amplitude
- Elasticity
What is the normal heart rate for adults?
60-100 bpm
Name some common pulse sites:
- Temporal
- Carotid
- Apical
- Brachial
- Radial
- Ulnar
- Femoral
- Popliteal
What is the normal respiration rate for adults?
12-20 breaths/min`
What is the normal oxygen saturation for adults?
> 92%
BP is ____ pressure / ____ pressure
systolic, diastolic
What are the 5 factors that contribute to BP?
- Cardiac output
- Peripheral vascular resistance
- Circulating blood volume
- Viscosity
- Elasticity of vessel walls
Which artery is commonly used for measuring BP?
Brachial artery
In children, what additional vital signs should be taken (2)?
- Length
- Head circumference
How to calculate pulse pressure:
Systolic pressure - diastolic pressure
How to calculate mean arterial pressure:
1/3 systolic + 2/3 diastolic
[PRACTICE]
You are preparing to assess the vital signs of a 62-year-old woman following hip surgery. When you arrive, the patient is sitting in her chair having just finished breakfast. What is the appropriate nursing action?
A) Take vital signs as planned
B) Wait 20-30 mins and then take vital signs
C) Assess vital signs
D) Take rectal temp.
B
[PRACTICE]
The pulse pressure for a patient with a BP of 144/86 is:
A) 58
B) 86
C) 144
D) 230
A
[PRACTICE]
You are caring for a patient who is elderly and confused. When assessing temp., you will obtain a reading using a(n):
A) Oral thermometer
B) Rectal thermometer
C) Tympanic thermometer
D) Mercury thermometer
C
[PRACTICE]
Which actions will result in an accurate BP reading? Select all that apply.
A) Applying the centre of the bladder of the cuff directly over the brachial artery
B) Raising the arm to the level of the heart
C) Using the bell to assess the BP
D) Pumping the cuff 60mm Hg above the estimated BP
A, B, C
What is the normal BP for adults?
120/80 mm Hg
What are the 3 components of Cushing’s Triad?
- Increasing BP with widening PP
- Bradycardia
- Irregular respiration
What sounds are heard when listen to BP?
Korotkoff
What is the BP range for hypertension?
> 140/90
