Week 1 - vital signs Flashcards
when to take vital signs?
before
during
after mobilization
When pt. is under stress, even if not assigned
Why take vital signs?
Gives general info about general health
Identifies abnormalities
tracks progress
4 major vital signs
HR
BP
Oxygen saturation
RR
Heart Rate - expressed in…
bpm (Beats per minute)
Normal HR for adults and children
Adults: 60-100
Children: 80–200 (the younger, the faster)
Factors affecting HR
body position
medication
caffeine
stress
Why measure HR
Gives frequency at which the heart is pumping out blood
rhythm and strength of pulse are good indication of what is happening internally
Indicator of how someone is reacting to exercise
3 different ways of measuring HR
radial check
pulse oximeter
telemetry - heart monitor
How would I document HR
HR 40 bpm at [level of exertion] (rest, mobilization, etc.)
Bradycardia
Slow HR of less than 50 bpm
Tachycardia
fast HR of more than 100 bpm at rest
Arrythmias
irregular heart beats
Heart beats out of rhythm
Blood Pressure expressed in…
mm Hg
millimeters of mercury
BP - good indicators of what?
Force and rate of heartbeat and diameter and elasticity of arterial walls
Systolic number
Top number
peak pressure produced by contracting ventricles
Diastolic number
bottom number
Pressure in arteries when ventricles are relaxed
Ranges of BP - Normal
120/80
Ranges of BP - Pre-hypertension
Systolic # 120-150
Diastolic # 80-89