Vital Signs

Question 1

List the 5 components to vital signs

Answer 1

1. Temperature
2. Blood Pressure
3. Respiration
4. Pulse
5. Pain

Question 2

Shell temperature

Answer 2

Temperature at skin surface

Question 3

Core temperature

Answer 3

Temperature near the center of the body where organs are

Question 4

4 sites for temperature measurement

Answer 4

1. Mouth
2. Rectum
3. Axillary
4. Ear

Question 5

List 7 times when to take vitals

Answer 5

1. On admission
2. Once a day once client is stable
3. Per medical order
4. Every 4 hours when one or more vitals are abnormal
5. Every 5-15 minutes when client is at great risk for change
6. Before, during and after blood transfusion
7. Before admin of medications that can affect vitals

Question 6

What is the normal range of shell temperature for adults?

Answer 6

96.6 to 99.3 F

Question 7

What is the normal range of core temperature for adults?

Answer 7

97.5 to 100.4 F

Question 8

What are the 4 mechanisms of heat transfer?

Answer 8

1. Radiation
2. Convection
3. Evaporation
4. Conduction

Question 9

Example of Radiation heat transfer mechanism

Answer 9

Uncovered head releasing heat on a cold day

Question 10

Example of Convection heat transfer mechanism

Answer 10

Fan blowing cool air across body

Question 11

Example of Evaporation heat transfer mechanism

Answer 11

Sweat vaporized from skin

Question 12

Example of Conduction heat transfer mechanism

Answer 12

Application of heat or cold pack