vital signs recordings for adults

Question 1

importance of using the same site when recording vital signs?

Answer 1

if you use different sites to obtain vital sign recordings, you will obtain unreliable results, due to different outcomes.

Question 2

importance of vital signs?

Answer 2

to gain a baseline measurement that will give us indication of someone’s general health & well-being.

identifying changes in one’s condition, e.g. deterioration or recovery.

allow us to plan interventions

Question 3

temp; normothermia?

Answer 3

temperature within normal range; 36-37.5*C

Question 4

temp; pyrexia ranges?

Answer 4

hyperpyrexia; CBT > 40*C

moderate-high grade pyrexia; CBT> 38-40*C

low-grade pyrexia; CBT normal to high, 37.5C-38C

Question 5

low temp ranges?

Answer 5

hypothermia; CBT< 35*C

mild hypothermia; CBT< 32C-35C

moderate hypothermia; CBT< 28-32*C

severe hypothermia; CBT< 28*c

Question 6

pulse parameters?

Answer 6

Normal; 60-100BPM

bradycardia; <60BMP

tachycardia; >100BPM

Question 7

respiration ranges;

Answer 7

normal; 12-18r/m

bracynpea; <12r/m

tachynpea; >20r/m

dysnpea; difficulty breathing/discomfort breathing

apnoea; cessation/stopping of breathing

hypoventilation; decreased rate & depth of ventilation

hyperventilation; increased rate & depth of ventilation

orthopnoea; inability to breathe when laid flat, only improved when sat upright

Question 8

BP parameters?

Answer 8

Normal;

• systolic; 100-130
• diastolic; 60-90

Hypotension; low BP

• systolic; <100
• diastolic; <60

Hypertension; high BP

• systolic; >140
• diastolic; >90

Optimal;

• systolic; <120
• diastolic;<80

Question 9

O2 saturation target ranges;

Answer 9

SPO2 Scale1; typical breathing- 95-98%

SPO2 Scale 2; hypercapnia/COPD- 88-92%

Question 10

ACVPU Scale

Answer 10

Alert
Confusion- refers to new onset, acute or worsening confusion (not delirium)
Voice
Pain
Unresponsive/unconscious