Vital Signs Flashcards
The most frequent and routine measurements obtained by health care providers
Vital Signs
The application of critical thinking in clinical judgement
Guidelines For Measuring Vital Signs
Before, During, and After /
Admission /
Status Changes /
Symptoms /
Hospital Routine /
BASSH
Wash hands /
Identify and inform /
Provide privacy /
Explain and evaluate /
WIPE
The difference between the amount of heat produced by body processes and the amount lost to the external environment
Body Temperature
Core Temperature
Heat Produced – Heat Loss = Body Temperature
Body Temperature Regulation
Thermoregulation
Controlling body temperature like thermostat
Neural and Vascular Control
Depends on normal heat production processes
Heat Production
Involuntary body response
Shivering
Occurs in neonates
Nonshivering Thermogenesis
Does occur simultaneously
Heat Loss
Transfer of heat from one object to another object without direct contact
Radiation
Transfer of heat from one object to another with direct contact
Conduction
Transfer of heat energy from liquid to gas
Evaporation
Visible perspiration
Diaphoresis
Factors of Body Temperature
Age
Exercise
Hormone Level
Circadian Rhythm
Stress
Environment
Abnormal rise in body temperature
Fever
Elevates body temperature
Pyrogens
Fever breakage
Afebrile
Fever overshot
Febrile
Heat production
Hyperthermia