Pulse Points
What is the normal range for an adult resting heart rate?
60-100 beats per minute.
What is the definition of systolic blood pressure?
The pressure in the arteries when the heart beats (when the heart muscle contracts).
What is the normal respiratory rate for an adult at rest?
12-20 breaths per minute.
What is the average normal oral temperature for an adult?
98.6°F (37°C).
How does exercise typically affect heart rate?
Exercise increases heart rate to meet the body's increased oxygen demands.
Where is the apical pulse located?
The apical pulse is located at the 5th intercostal space at the midclavicular line.
What is the normal blood pressure range for a healthy adult?
Less than 120/80 mmHg.
Define tachypnea.
An abnormally fast respiratory rate, typically over 20 breaths per minute in adults.
How does rectal temperature generally compare to oral temperature?
Rectal temperature is typically about 0.5 to 1.0°F (0.3 to 0.6°C) higher than oral temperature.
How does fever affect respiratory rate?
Fever typically increases respiratory rate.
Which pulse point is located on the anterior aspect of the wrist?
Radial pulse.
Which Korotkoff sound corresponds to the diastolic pressure?
The fifth Korotkoff sound (when the sounds disappear).
What is the term for normal, unlabored breathing?
Eupnea.
Which site is considered the most accurate for core body temperature?
The rectal site.
In which population might you expect to see a lower resting heart rate, and why?
Athletes, due to their higher cardiovascular efficiency
What is the term for a pulse that is irregularly irregular?
Atrial fibrillation.
What is orthostatic hypotension, and how is it diagnosed?
A significant drop in blood pressure when moving from lying to sitting or standing; diagnosed when the systolic BP drops by 20 mmHg or more or the diastolic BP drops by 10 mmHg or more within three minutes of standing.
How should you position a patient when assessing their respiratory rate?
The patient should be sitting upright or in a semi-Fowler’s position, with the chest fully exposed.
What condition is indicated by a body temperature below 95°F (35°C)?
Hypothermia
How does age affect normal blood pressure readings?
Blood pressure tends to increase with age due to changes in blood vessel elasticity and other factors.
How do you properly assess a pedal pulse?
By palpating the dorsalis pedis artery on the top of the foot, just lateral to the extensor tendon of the big toe.
Why is it important to use the correct cuff size when measuring blood pressure?
Using a cuff that is too small can result in a falsely high reading, while a cuff that is too large can give a falsely low reading.
What breathing pattern is characterized by periods of deep, rapid breathing followed by periods of apnea?
Cheyne-Stokes respiration.
Name two factors that can cause a falsely low oral temperature reading.
Drinking cold beverages or breathing through the mouth before the measurement.
What might cause a temporary drop in blood pressure when a patient stands up quickly, and what is this condition called?
The sudden drop in blood pressure is due to a lag in the body's response to maintain blood flow to the brain when standing up quickly; this condition is called orthostatic hypotension.