A
What is the top number of a resident's blood pressure?
(Systolic or Diastolic?
Systolic
What is Bradycardia?
A low heart rate.
This can mean the heart is not working properly or there is a medication problem.
What is the normal temperature range for Adult Vital signs?
97.6° F - 99.6° F
What is the bottom number of a resident's blood pressure?
(Systolic or Diastolic?
Diastolic
What is Tachycardia?
A high heart rate.
This can indicate atrial fibrillation, medication problems, stimulate use, pain, anxiety, or cardiac disease.
What is the normal Oral Temperature?
98.6° F
What is the normal Axillary temperature?
97.6° F
What is the normal Rectal temperature.
99.6° F
What is the normal Tympanic temperature?
97.6° F
What is the normal Temporal Artery temperature?
99.6° F
What is Bradypnea?
(Hint. Respiration)
Slow breathing.
Medication, narcotic drugs, or alcohol usually cause this.
What is Hypertension?
(hint. Blood Pressure)
Higher than 140/90.
It can result in heart attacks, stroke, kidney disease/failure, or congestive heart failure.
Any temperature greater than 100° F.
What is Tachypnea?
(Hint. Respiration)
This is fast, shallow breathing.
This is often caused by respiratory infection or disease, an imbalance of resident pH, pain, or fever.
What is Hypotension?
(hint. Blood Pressure)
Lower than 90/60.
Can result in falls and injuries.
How many times are vitals signs taken after a resident falls?
Once per shift for 72 hours after a fall (or per facility protocol).
What are some factors that affect body temperature?
- Infection
- Environment
- Exercise
- Smoking
- Stress
What are some factors that affect pulse?
- Age
- Fitness Level
- Medications
- Stress
- Some Chronic Illness
What are some factors that affect respiration?
- Age
- Exercise
- Medication
- Pain
- Emotions
What should you do after taking vital signs?
- Document in the patient chart
- Update nurse if results do not follow residents' trending normal values
- Orally report any vital signs that are outside of normal limits or do not follow residents' normal value trend.