Vital Signs Vocabulary

Question 1

Febrile

Answer 1

Pertaining to or characterized by an elevated body temperature

Question 2

Afebrile

Answer 2

Without fever

Question 3

Fever of unknown origin (FUO)

Answer 3

Refers to a fever with an underdetermined cause

Question 4

Conduction

Answer 4

The transfer of heat from one object to another with direct contact

Question 5

Evaporation

Answer 5

Is the transfer of heat energy when a liquid is changed to get a gas

Question 6

Radiation

Answer 6

Is the transfer of heat from the surface of one object to the surface of another without direct contact between the two

Question 7

Convection

Answer 7

Is the transfer of heat from one object to another with direct contact

Question 8

Diaphoresis

Answer 8

Visible perspiration primarily occurring on the forehead and upper thorax

Question 9

Tympanic

Answer 9

One of the most rapid means of measurement

Question 10

Temporal

Answer 10

Most accurate compared to core temperature, fast read of 2-3 seconds, fewer errors

Question 11

Dyspnea

Answer 11

SOB

Question 12

Orthopnea

Answer 12

Abnormal condition in which a person must sit or stand to breath comfortably

Question 13

Eupnea

Answer 13

Normal respirations that are quiet, effortless, and rhythmical

Question 14

Hypothermia

Answer 14

Heat loss during prolonged expiate to cold overwhelms the ability of the body to produce heat

Question 15

Hyperthermia

Answer 15

An elevated body temp related to the inability of the body to promote heat loss or reduce heat production

Question 16

Diffusion

Answer 16

The movement of 02 and CO2 between the alveoli and RBCs

Question 17

Perfusion

Answer 17

The distribution of RBCs to and from the pulmonary capillaries

Question 18

Korotkoff sounds

Answer 18

Sound heard during the taking of BP