Week 7 - Vitals Flashcards
What is the normal range for adult pulse rate?
60 to 100 beats per minute.
What are the key vital signs measured in a healthcare assessment?
Temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiration rate, and blood oxygen saturation.
Why might it be necessary to measure a pulse for a full 60 seconds?
To minimize error if the pulse rate is particularly slow or fast.
What does pulse regularity refer to?
Whether the time between beats is constant; irregular rhythms can be common.
What can a low pulse volume indicate?
Hypovolemia, as it reflects changes in stroke volume.
How is pulse deficit calculated?
By subtracting the radial pulse rate from the apical pulse rate.
What temperature values define normal, fever, and hypothermia?
Normal: 37°C, Fever: 38-38.5°C, Hypothermia: below 35°C.
What is the typical normal respiratory rate range?
13-15 breaths per minute at rest.
At what respiratory rate is considered abnormal for adults at rest?
Below 12 or above 25 breaths per minute.
What activities should a patient avoid before a blood pressure measurement?
Coffee, smoking, and any unprescribed drugs with sympathomimetic activity.
What is the correct patient position for an accurate blood pressure reading?
Sitting with back and arm supported, feet firmly on the floor.
How should the patient’s arm be positioned during a blood pressure reading?
The brachial artery should be at the same height as the heart for accurate measurement.
What do the systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings represent?
Systolic: pressure when ventricles contract.
Diastolic: pressure in the artery between beats.
How is pulse pressure calculated?
By finding the difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressure values.
What is the significance of orthostatic (postural) measurements?
They are used to assess for hypovolemia by comparing readings when the patient is supine and standing.
