TEMP
What term describes the body’s ability to maintain internal balance through constant adaptation?
Homeostasis works to keep all functions of the body within normal range.
How do you convert 38.6°C into Fahrenheit?
The conversion formula is °F = (°C x 1.8) + 32.
101.5 F
What is a common pediatric pulse arrhythmia that changes with breathing?
Sinus arrhythmia is a normal variation of the pulse rate that accompanies respirations in young children.
Which symptoms may indicate a patient has hypertension?
Complications of hypertension may include nosebleeds, headache, dizziness, and chest pain.
Which assessments are not typically referred to as cardinal signs in health assessment?
Anthropometric measurements are not considered vital signs but usually are obtained at the same time as vital signs. These measurements include height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and other body measurements, such as fat composition and an infant’s head circumference. The vital signs are the patient’s temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure.
When documenting a temperature reading, how should you indicate that the temperature was taken orally?
When obtaining an oral temperature, you do not have to indicate the site when documenting the reading in the patient’s health record. However, if you use an alternative site, you should write (or put in the correct window in the EHR) the following identifiers after recording the temperature: (T) for tympanic, (A) for axillary, or (TA) for temporal artery.
What is the best method for taking the temperature of a 3-year-old with ear infections?
The temporal artery reading is most accurate and easiest to use in young children.
Which pulse is typically measured in young children and infants and is heard with a stethoscope?
The apical heart rate, or the heartbeat at the apex of the heart, is heard with a stethoscope. It is used for infants and young children because the radial pulse is difficult to palpate in young patients.
What is the goal blood pressure for patients with kidney complications or diabetes mellitus?
Management of high blood pressure is more aggressive in patients with diabetes and/or kidney disease to prevent further complications.
What is the process called that produces heat in the body through chemical and physical changes?
Metabolism is the process of chemical and physical change in the body that produces heat.
Which thermometer provides the quickest and most accurate temperature reading?
Tympanic measurement systems obtain accurate readings in less than 2 seconds. Digital thermometers sound a beep when the process is complete (10 to 60 seconds). Temporal artery scanners record an accurate temperature in about 3 seconds.
What is the safest and most accurate way to take a 6-month-old infant's temperature?
The temporal artery thermometer is recommended for infants and is safer than rectal methods.
When measuring a pulse, what are the three key characteristics to consider?
When measuring a pulse, you must note three important characteristics: rate, rhythm, and volume.
How does using a blood pressure cuff that is too large affect the readings?
To obtain a correct blood pressure reading, the proper-sized cuff must be used. The systolic and diastolic blood pressures can be lowered by as much as 5 mm Hg if the cuff is one size larger than appropriate; the blood pressure can be elevated by up to 6 mm Hg if the cuff is one size smaller.
What blood pressure reading is typically associated with hypotension in an adult?
A systolic BP below 90 mm Hg indicates hypotension.
How would you convert a 99°F oral temperature to Celsius?
Fahrenheit temperatures are converted to Celsius using the following formula: °C = (°F – 32) x 1.8
41.4°C
What is the typical range for diurnal (daily) temperature variation in a healthy individual?
Diurnal rhythm varies from 97.6°F to 99.5°F (36.5°C to 37.5°C); the average daily temperature is 98.6°F (37°C). Body temperature is lowest in the morning and highest in the late afternoon
What is a common rhythm irregularity in children and young adults?
A common irregularity found in children and young adults is sinus arrhythmia, in which the heart rate varies with the respiratory cycle, speeding up at the peak of inspiration and slowing to normal with expiration.
How would you check blood pressure in a patient suspected of having orthostatic hypotension?
Orthostatic hypotension is diagnosed if a significant drop in BP occurs when the patient moves from a lying down position to standing.
What pulse rate is commonly found in well-conditioned athletes?
Well-conditioned athletes tend to have pulse rates of 50 to 60 beats per minute because consistent aerobic exercise strengthens the heart muscle (the myocardium) so that each heart contraction ejects an increased volume of blood into the arterial system.
What is the medical term for an oral temperature above 100.5°F?
Pyrexia
What type of fever fluctuates significantly, with a temperature never returning to normal?
Remittent fever fluctuates considerably (i.e., by more than 3 degrees) and never returns to the normal range.
Which pulse is palpated on either side of the eyes?
The temporal pulses are located on the side of the head at eye level.
What would you expect a pulse to feel like in a patient with uncontrolled hypertension?
Hypertension causes excessive pressure on blood vessel walls; therefore, the pulse would feel very strong.
What is the classification for persistent blood pressure readings of 90/60 mm Hg or lower?
Persistent readings of 90/60 mm Hg or lower usually are considered hypotensive.