8: Vital Signs 🩸

Question 1

Anisocoria

Answer 1

Unequal Pupil Sizes

Question 2

Mydriasis

Answer 2

Dilated or Enlarged Pupils

Question 3

Miosis

Answer 3

Constricted or Small Pupils

Question 4

Normal Blood Pressure Range

Answer 4

Normal: Between (90-120)/(60-80)

Question 5

Hypertension (and the rate)

Answer 5

Blood Pressure More Than 120/80

Question 6

Hypotension (and the rate)

Answer 6

Blood Pressure Less Than 90/60

Question 7

P.E.R.R.L.

Answer 7

Pupils are Equal, Round, & Reactive to Light

Question 8

Six Standard Vitals

Answer 8

1. Blood Pressure (mmHg)
2. Heart Rate (bpm)
3. Respiratory (breaths per minute)
4. Skin/Temperature (°F)
5. Blood Oxygen (%)
6. Pupils (Flash Light/mm)

Question 9

History of Present Illness (HPI)

Answer 9

1. General Information (Age/Sex/Weight)
2. Signs & Symptoms
3. General Health Status
4. Past Medical History
5. Medications
6. Allergies

Question 10

Quality vs. Rhythm

Answer 10

Quality = Strong or Weak
Rhythm = Regular or Irregular

Question 11

Fever (°F)

Answer 11

Over 100 (°F)

Question 12

Normal Body Temperature (°F)

Answer 12

97(°F) to 99(°F)

Question 13

Mottling

Answer 13

A “marbled” or “patchy” appearance to the skin, may include red or purple. Indicates a lack of blood flow.

Question 14

Normal Blood Oxygen (%)

Answer 14

94% to 99%

Question 15

Hyperglycemia

Answer 15

High Blood Glucose (Sugar)

Question 16

Hypoglycemia

Answer 16

Low Blood Glucose (Sugar)

Question 17

Systolic Blood Pressure

Answer 17

The pressure within the arteries DURING contraction of the heart. (The top number in a blood pressure reading).

Question 18

Diastolic Blood Pressure

Answer 18

The pressure within the arteries IN-BETWEEN contractions of the heart. (The bottom number in a blood pressure reading).

Question 19

Wide Pulse Pressure

Answer 19

When the difference between systolic and diastolic readings is greater than 50% of the systolic blood pressure reading.

Question 20

Narrow Pulse Pressure

Answer 20

When the difference between the systolic and diastolic readings is less than 25% of the systolic blood pressure readings.

Question 21

Pulse Pressure

Answer 21

The difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

Question 22

Capillary Refill

Answer 22

A measurement of how long it takes for your capillary bed to refill after being squeezed.

*Mostly for pediatric patients
*Should take 2 seconds to refill

Question 23

Normal Glucose Levels (mg/DL)

Answer 23

Between 70-140mg/DL

*Some sources say 80-120mg/DL

Question 24

Bradypnea (Bray-DIP-nee-uh)

(and it’s rate)

Answer 24

Slow Breathing (under 12 bpm)

*for adults

Question 25

Tachypnea (Tuh-KIP-nee-uh) (and it's rate)

Answer 25

Rapid Breathing (over 20 bpm) *for adults

Question 26

Normal Respiratory Rates (Adults, Children, Toddlers & Infants)

Answer 26

Adults: 12-20 bpm Children: 18-30 bpm Toddlers: 24-40 bpm Infants: 30-60 bpm

Question 27

Normal Heart Rates (Adults, Children & Infants)

Answer 27

Adults: 60-100 BPM Children: 80-120 BPM Infants: 100-180 BPM

Question 28

Tachycardia (Adults, Children & Infants)

Answer 28

Adults: Over 100 BPM Children: Over 120 BPM Infants: Over 180 BPM

Question 29

Bradycardia (Adults, Children & Infants)

Answer 29

Adults: Under 60 BPM Children: Under 80 BPM Infants: Under 100 BPM

Question 30

Pertinent Negatives

Answer 30

Anything relative to the chief complaint that the patient denies.

Question 31

Trending

Answer 31

Routine monitoring and assessment to identify changes

Question 32

Chief Complaint

Answer 32

The primary reason why the patient called the EMS

Question 33

S.A.M.P.L.E.

Answer 33

S = Signs & Symptoms A = Allergies M = Medication P = Past Medical History L = Last Eaten/Consumed E = Events Leading

Question 34

O.P.Q.R.S.T.

Answer 34

O = Onset ("What were you doing when...") P = Provocation ("What provokes and makes it worse?") Q = Quality ("How would you describe the pain?") R = Radiation ("Does the pain radiate/move anywhere else?") S = Severity ("Rate from 0-10") T = Time ("When did the pain begin?")

Question 35

Associated Symptoms

Answer 35

Anything the patient complains about in addition to the chief complaint.

Question 36

Glucometry

Answer 36

Assessment of the blood glucose levels.

Question 37

Pallor or Pale

Answer 37

Pale skin, often associated with low blood flow/circulation

Question 38

Perfusion

Answer 38

Adequate flow of blood to the body and tissues.

Question 39

Shock

Answer 39

Not enough circulation of blood throughout the body.

Question 40

Flushed or Rubor

Answer 40

Redness, often comes with fever, swelling, or excessive heat