Heart Rate
What does pulse measure?
Heartbeats per minute
What does blood pressure measure?
The force of blood against the walls of the arteries
What does temperature measure?
How much heat is in the body.
What does respiration rate measure?
The number of breaths per minute
Give an example of a symptom.
runny nose, coughing, body aches, diarrhea, upset stomach, sneezing, rash, headache.
What unit is commonly used to record pulse?
BPM (beats per minute)
What are the two numbers in a blood pressure reading called?
Systolic and diastolic
What piece of equipment is used to measure body temperature?
Thermometer
What unit is used to record respiration rate?
Breaths per minute
Why shouldn't a Medical Detective make a conclusion using only ONE vital sign?
One piece of evidence does not tell the whole story. Additional evidence and context are needed.
What is a commonly used resting reference range for adolescent pulse?
About 60–100 BPM
In a blood pressure reading of 120/80, which number is systolic?
120
What temperature is commonly used as a reference for normal body temperature?
98.6°F
What is a commonly used resting reference range for adolescent respiration?
About 12–20 breaths per minute
A patient has a temperature of 102°F. You can conclude the patient may have an_______.
Infection
Name TWO things that can cause someone's pulse to increase.
Exercise, stress, illness, excitement, etc.
In a blood pressure reading of 120/80, what does the bottom number represent?
Diastolic pressure—the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats.
Name TWO things that can cause body temperature to change.
Illness, exercise, environment, time of day, etc.
Name TWO things that can cause respiration rate to increase.
Exercise, stress, illness, excitement, etc.
A student has a pulse of 120 BPM after running. Is that the same evidence as a pulse of 120 BPM while sitting quietly?
No. Context matters. Exercise can increase pulse.
What question would you ask if the pulse is high?
Did you just exercise? Are you stressed or nervous?
What question would you ask if the blood pressure is high?
What is your diet like? Are you stressed?
What question would you ask if someone has a high temperature?
What question would you ask if the respiration is high?
Did you just exercise? Are you stressed or nervous?
Pulse: 89 bpm
Blood pressure: 128/83 mmHg
Temperature: 98.8 degrees fahrenheit
Respiration: 22 breaths/min
What questions are you going to ask the patient? Why?
None. All the vitals are normal.