Pulse
rapid heart rate, over 100 beats per minute
tachycardia
the process of exhaling air out of the lungs
expiration
a device that measures blood pressure.
sphygmomanometer
measurements – body temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure– that monitor the functioning of the vital organs of the body.
vital signs
a unit of mass equal to 1000 grams; one _____ equals 2.2 pounds
kilogram
the pulse located on the inside of the wrist, where the radial artery runs just beneath the skin
radial pulse
rapid respirations, over 20 breaths per minute
tachypnea
low blood pressure, below 90/60 mm Hg
hypotension
a temperature scale in which the boiling point of water is 212 degrees and the freezing point of water is 32 degrees
Fahrenheit
initial value that can be compared to future measurements
baseline
slow heart rate, under 60 beats per minute.
bradycardia
shortness of breath when lying down that is relieved by sitting up.
orthopnea
first measurement of blood pressure; phase when the heart is at work, contracting and pushing blood out of the left ventricle.
systolic
a device used for measuring the degree of heat or cold
thermometer
fluid that is eliminated each day through urine, feces, and vomitus, and perspiration
output
the pulse located inside the elbow; about 1 to 1½ inches above the elbow
brachial pulse
alternating periods of slow, irregular respirations and rapid, shallow respirations, possibly along with periods of apnea.
Cheyne-Stokes respiration
The act of listening to sounds within the body using a stethoscope
auscultation
the centigrade temperature scale in which the boiling point of water is 100 degrees and the freezing point of water is 0 degrees.
Celsius:
maintaining equal input and output
fluid balance
the pulse on the left side of the chest, just below the nipple
apical pulse
very deep, rapid breathing that is associated with diabetic ketoacidosis and kidney failure; also known as air hunger.
Kussmaul breathing
a sudden drop in blood pressure that occurs when a person stands or sits up; also called postural hypotension
orthostatic hypotension
severe subnormal body temperature; body temperature drops below the level required for normal functioning.
hypothermia
a medical order to limit the amount of fluids a person drinks to the level set by a doctor
restrict fluids (RF)