Vital Signs Vocab
Low blood pressure
hypotension
What does po mean
by mouth (orally)
This is how fluids and morphine are given
IV
Most common place to take a pulse
radial
relieves pain
analgesic
Normal oxygen saturation
95-100%
Injections: vaccines are often given this way; into a large muscle
IM
A normal respiratory rate for an adult is:
12-20 bpm
A patient is instructed to take a medication q2h. What does this mean?
every two hours
prevents pain
anesthetic
A pulse of 45 would be called
bradycardia
nicotine patch is an example of
transdemal
*Type of fever: elevated for several hours followed by an interval when temperature drops back to normal
intermittent
The nurse takes an axillary temperature on the patient. Where did she take his temperature?
armpit
This type of medication prevents blood clotting
anticoagulant
Which terms means an absence of breathing:
apnea
Where is the MOST accurate place to take a temperature?
rectal
What gauge needle is typically used for phlebotomy and IV insertions?
21 gauge
A nurse takes a patient's blood pressure. How far above the elbow should he place the cuff?
2 inches
What type of medication constricts blood vessels?
vasoconstrictor
Which terms means difficulty breathing:
dyspnea
*Medication administered under the tongue follows the:
sublingual
By what route of administration is insulin taken?
SC- subcutaneous
Place where a pulse is taken for CPR
carotid artery
This type of medication is used for congestive heart failure; it reduces fluid by increasing urine output out of the body
diuretic