The Pressure is On
This is the top number in a blood pressure reading
systolic
The normal adult pulse rate is usually between these numbers
60-100 per minute
Normal adult respirations are usually in this range
12-20 per minute
The average normal body temperature is approximately this
98.6°F
A patient becomes dizzy when standing and has a significant blood pressure drop.
orthostatic hypotension
This is the bottom number in a blood pressure reading.
diastolic
: A heart rate above 100 bpm is called this
tachycardia
Rapid breathing is called this.
tachypnea
A temperature above normal is called this
pyrexia
: Which vital sign is the nurse likely to reassess first if SpO₂ drops to 85%?
respirations
A blood pressure of 180/120 mmHg may indicate this emergency
hypertensive crisis
A heart rate below 60 bpm is called this.
bradycardia
Slow breathing is called this.
bradypnea
A temperature below normal is called this.
hypothermia
A patient has a temperature of 103°F, pulse of 118, and respirations of 28. These findings suggest this.
infection
This common mistake can falsely elevate a blood pressure reading.
cuff is too small
The most common site for assessing a pulse in adults.
radial artery
Respirations should ideally be counted for this amount of time if they are regular.
What is 30 seconds and multiply by 2
This temperature route is generally considered the most accurate reflection of core body temperature
rectal temperature
: You obtain a blood pressure of 82/50 mmHg on a patient who feels weak. Your first action should be this.
reassess and notify the provider according to facility policy
Before taking a blood pressure, the patient's arm should be positioned at this level.
heart level
If a pulse is irregular, the nurse should assess it at this location for one full minute.
apical pulse
Nurses often continue holding the patient's wrist after taking a pulse to avoid alerting the patient while assessing this
respirations
Drinking a hot beverage right before taking an oral temperature may cause this effect.
falsely elevated temperature reading
Name all four traditional vital signs.
temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure