The Vital 5
This vital sign is controlled by the hypothalamus, also known as the body's thermostat.
TEMPERATURE
Healthy adult respiration rate
12-20 breaths per minute
This term refers to an adult heart rate >100bpm.
Tachycardia
Just like music, this vital sign has rhythm, volume, and can be counted by beats per minute.
HEART RATE or PULSE RATE
Healthy adult heart rate
60-100 beats per minute
An adult with heart disease whose blood pressure is 160/95 is experiencing ______.
Hypertension
Like a pump is vital to a car's engine function, this vital sign measures the pumping of blood through a body's cardiovascular system.
BLOOD PRESSURE
Healthy adult body temperature
36.5-37 degrees Celsius
An adult rescued from an avalanche whose body temperature is 34.5'C is experiencing ______.
Hypothermia
While trees absorb carbon dioxide to survive, this vital sign measures the essential gas needed for human survival.
OXYGEN SATURATION
Healthy adult oxygen saturation
93-100%
An adult with opioid overdose taking 8 breaths per minute is experiencing _____.
Bradypnea
Muscles such as the diaphragm and intercostals drive the movement of air in & out of the lungs, producing this vital sign.
RESPIRATORY RATE
Healthy adult blood pressure
Systolic 110-130 mmHg
Diastolic 75-85 mmHg
An adult with pneumonia whose oxygen saturation is 86% is experiencing _____.
Hypoxia