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Heart Rate: HR ; what is it, what is it controlled by, normal range, tachycardia, bradycardia?
the number of times the heart beats per minute
ANS
60-100 bpm ~ 220-age
> 100 bpm ; <60 bpm
regulation of the RR (2)
• Controlled by the brainstem (medulla and pons).
• Influenced by oxygen (O₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and pH levels in the blood
regulation of BP
Controlled by the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and autonomic nervous system.
temperature methods (5) normal ranges?
• Oral: Standard method (normal range: 97.8–99.1°F or 36.5–37.3°C).
• Tympanic (ear): Quick and non-invasive.
• Temporal (forehead): Uses an infrared scanner.
• Axillary (underarm): Less accurate; add 0.5°F for estimate.
• Rectal: Most accurate, used in critical cases
key factors influencing SpO2 readings (5)
• Altitude
• Smoking
• Circulation
• Skin pigmentation
• Nail polish
how to measure HR
radial or carotid artery
15 seconds x 4
pulse oximeters, smartwatches, or ECGs
how to measure RR (3), tips for observation (2), alternative methods (1)
How to Measure RR
• Ensure the patient is relaxed and seated or lying down.
• Observe chest rise and fall (one cycle = one breath).
• Count breaths for 30 seconds and multiply by 2 to calculate bpm.
Tips for Observation:
• Perform measurement discreetly to avoid altered breathing.
• Use a timer for accuracy.
Alternative Methods:
• Electronic monitors or wearable devices for continuous monitoring.
how to measure BP
How to Measure Blood Pressure
• Ensure client is seated, relaxed, with feet flat on the floor.
• Place the cuff on the upper arm at heart level.
• Inflate cuff until the pulse disappears, then slowly release pressure.
• Listen for Korotkoff sounds: First sound = Systolic BP. Disappearance of sound = Diastolic BP.
steps for oral temperature (3)
• Ensure the client has not ingested anything within the15 minutes prior to
testing.
• Place thermometer under the tongue, close lips around it.
• Wait for the device to beep and record the reading
how to measure oxygen saturation (4)
• Ensure the client is seated and relaxed.
• Attach the pulse oximeter to the finger (or appropriate site).
• Wait for a stable reading, typically within a few seconds.
• Record both the SpO₂ and pulse rate displayed on the device
why HR is important to rehab? (3) clinical significance
• Baseline Indicator: Resting heart rate provides insight into
cardiovascular health.
• Exercise Monitoring: Ensures safe intensity levels for patients
during therapy.
• Stress & Recovery: HR changes reflect autonomic system activity
and recovery progress.
why is RR important in rehab (3) clinical significance?
Baseline Health Indicator: Reflects respiratory and metabolic function.
Early Warning Sign: Abnormal RR often precedes hypoxia, acidosis, or respiratory distress.
Exercise Tolerance: Guides pacing and intensity during therapy
common errors to avoid with BP (3)
• Wrong cuff size.
• Arm not supported or at heart level.
• Patient talking or moving during measurement.
clinical significance in OT with temperature (4)
• Infection Monitoring: Identifies fever or systemic inflammation affecting rehab
participation.
• Baseline Vital Signs: Establishes a norm before therapy
sessions
Activity Adjustment: Elevated temperature may indicate need for reduced activity levels. Hypothermia or fever can affect cognition, motor skills, and endurance.
• Chronic Illness Management: Temperature dysregulation in conditions like MS or autonomic dysfunction.
tips for reliable SpO2 readings (3)
• Warm the patient’s hands if they are cold.
• Avoid motion during measurement.
• Remove nail polish if readings seem inconsistent.
why HR is important in rehab (3) applications in OT practice?
• Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation: Guides activity tolerance.
• Neurological Conditions: Monitors autonomic dysregulation (e.g., after
a stroke).
• Orthostatic Intolerance: Identifies postural HR changes in patients
with deconditioning.
RR applications in OT practice (3)
• Neurological Disorders: Monitor RR in patients with brain injuries or SCI.
• Cardiopulmonary Rehab: Track respiratory changes during interventions.
• Chronic Conditions: Manage patients with COPD, asthma, or post-COVID
recovery.
why BP is important in rehab (3) clinical signficance?
• Indicator of Cardiovascular Health: Detects hypertension or hypotension.
• Exercise and Activity Safety: Identifies risks during OT.
• Autonomic Dysfunction: Helps monitor patients with conditions like SCI or stroke.
oxygen saturation ; what is it, normal ranges, hypoxemia?
Oxygen saturation is the percentage of oxygen carried by hemoglobin in the blood.
Normal SpO₂ range: 95–100%.
Hypoxemia: SpO₂ < 90%
why SpO2 is important in OT (3)
• Baseline Assessment: Ensures adequate oxygenation before therapy
begins.
• Exercise Tolerance: Monitors SpO₂ during activities or exertion to ensure safety.
• Chronic Conditions: Guides therapy for COPD, CHF, or pulmonary fibrosis patients. Identifies early signs of respiratory distress or
desaturation
The number of breaths a person takes per minute.
12–20 breaths per minute (bpm).
• Tachypnea: Rapid breathing (> 20
bpm).
• Bradypnea: Slow breathing (< 12
bpm).
• Apnea: Absence of breathing
BP; what is it, normal values, hypertension/hypotension
The force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries during the cardiac cycle.
• Normal BP: < 120/80 mmHg.
• Hypertension: ≥ 130/80
mmHg.
• Hypotension: < 90/60 mmHg
why BP is important in rehab (3) applications in OT practice
• Before and After Activities: Track BP changes during rehab interventions.
• Orthostatic Hypotension: Recognize symptoms in deconditioned or elderly clients.
• Client Education: Teach patients self-monitoring for home management
oxygen saturation measurement method
Pulse Oximeter: Non-invasive device that clips onto a finger, earlobe, or toe
why is SpO2 significant in application of OT practice? (3)
Energy Conservation: Teach pacing strategies for patients with low SpO₂.
Adaptive Interventions: Modify therapy activities if SpO₂ drops below safe levels.
Patient Education: Train clients on self-monitoring and using supplemental oxygen