Vital Signs Terminology Flashcards
Antropometry
the science of size, proportion, weight, height
Vital Signs
indicators of the body’s ability to maintain homeostasis
Hyperpyrexia
a very high fever resulting from a regulated rise in core body temperature, usually a response to a physiological threat, such as an infection
Hypothermia
a body temperature below 95˚F (35˚C) and it is a result of the body losing more heat than it is producing
Pyrexia
a body temperature above 100.4˚F (38˚C)
Febrile
a condition caused by fever
Afebrile
a condition not caused by fever
Frenuium Linguae
is the longitudinal fold of mucous membrane connecting the tongue to the bottom of the mouth
Tympanic Membrane Thermometer
aural thermometer used for an aural (ear) temperature through heat waves within the external ear canal near eardrum
Tachycardia
a resting pulse rate above 100 bpm, rapid pulse rate
Bradycardia
a resting rate below 60 bpm, slow pulse rate
Rate
the number of pulse beats per minute (bpm)
Bounding Pulse
indicating an increase in blood volume
Thready Pulse
indicating a barely perceptible force or blood volume
Volume
Strength of the pulse when the heart contracts
Rhythm
regulatory, or equal spacing of all the beats of the pulse
Dysrhythmia
rhythm of the heartbeat is irregular/abnormal
Arrhythmia
the rhythm of your heartbeat is too fast or too slow, variation in normal rhythm
Intermittent Pulse
occurs when heart occasionally skips a beat
Apical
pulse rate counted at the apex (lowest point) of the heart with the use of stethoscope that is placed over
Pulse Deficit
my indicate that the heart contractions are not strong enough to produce a palpable radial pulse
Respiratory Cycle
consists of one expiration (exhalation) and one inspiration (inhalation)
Bradypnea
an adult respiratory rate below 12
Tachypnea
An adult respiratory rate above 20
Apnea
the absence of breathing for a period lasting longer than 19 seconds
Eupnea
normal breathing
Hyperventilation
deep and rapid respiration
Hypoventilation
shallow, slow respirations
Pulse Pressure
the difference between systolic and diastolic readings and calculated by subtracting the diastolic reading from the systolic reading
Cyanosis
where the skin around the mouth and the nail beds of the hands and feet may appear bluish in color because of oxygen deprivation and increase of CO2
Systolic Blood Pressure
the highest pressure that occurs as the left ventricle of the heart is contracting
Diastolic Blood Pressure
Lowest pressure level that occurs when the heart is relaxed and the ventricle is at rest and refilling with blood
Hypertension
Systolic above 120mmHg and diastolic above 80 mmHg are considered abnormal increases
Asymptomatic
without any symptoms
Hypotension
low blood pressure may be a result of emotional shock, trauma, central nervous system disorders, or medications
Syncope
Fainting
Korotkoff Sounds
Rhythmic, tapping sounds heard while taking blood pressure as the arterial wall distends under the compression of the cuff. These sounds appear and disappear as the BP cuff is inflated and deflated
Orthostatic Hyportension
a drop in blood pressure that occurs when a patient changes positions from lying down or sitting to standing
Sphygmomanometer
BP cuff, instrument used for measuring the blood that exerts against the walls of the artery
Manometer
a scale that registers the actual pressure reading
Oxygen Saturation
oxygen content of the blood
Pulse Oxymeter
A pulse oximeter is a device that is usually placed on a fingertip. It uses light beams to estimate the oxygen saturation of the blood and the pulse rate.
Hyperthermia
Body temperature exceeds 106.7°F (41°C) unregulated rise in body temperature
