General
What are vital signs?
Provide information about the basic body conditions of the patient.
What is a pulse?
The pressure of the blood pushing against the wall of an artery as the heart beats.
What is temperature?
The balance between heat lost and heat produced in the body.
What is oxygen saturation?
The measurement of how much oxygen is in your hemoglobin.
When should you check vital signs?
- On admission
- When you have an MD order
- Before and after surgery
- Anytime the patient's condition changes
Name some factors that can change your pulse
2 factors that increase pulse
2 factors that decrease pulse
Increased pulse – Exercise, stimulants, excitement, fever, shock, anxiety
Decreased pulse – Sleep, depressants, heart disease, coma, physical training
How can heat be lost through the body?
Perspiration, respiration, and excretion.
What is one other name or abbreviation for oxygen saturation?
Pulse Oximetry
O2 Sat
SpO2
Where can you measure your oxygen saturation (O2 Sat)?
Typically on the finger, but can be measured on the earlobe, toe, or forehead.
What is the normal pulse rate for an adult?
60-100
What is the normal temperature range for an adult?
97-100 degrees Fahrenheit
What is the normal range for oxygen saturation?
95-100%
What are the 2 parts that make up your blood pressure?
Systolic and Diastolic
Name the 7 locations you can check a pulse:
1. TEMPORAL - side of forehead
2. CAROTID - neck
3. BRACHIAL - inner aspect of forearm at crease of elbow, used in infants
4. RADIAL - inner aspect of wrist, thumb side, most common
5. FEMORAL - inner aspect of upper thigh
6. POPLITEAL- behind the knee
7. DORSALIS PEDIS - top of foot arch
What is the term meaning "no fever"?
Afebrile
List the 4 places you can measure an oxygen saturation:
Finger
Toe
Forehead
Earlobe
You notice that your patient is suddenly more lethargic and diaphoretic. What is the first thing you should do?
Take their vital signs.
What is the meaning of bradycardia and tachycardia?
Bradycardia – Pulse rate < 60, slow heart rate
Tachycardia – Pulse rate >100, fast heart rate
Name the 5 places you can measure temperature?
1. Oral
2. Axillary
3. Rectal
4. Temporal
5. Aural or Tympanic
List one disease or disorder that may affect oxygen saturation?
COPD
CHF
Raynauds
Poor Circulation
Pneumonia
etc.