Clinical Skills Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is blood pressure?
The force exerted on blood vessel walls by the blood unit of mmHg and normally reflects blood at the arterial end.
What is systolic and diastolic pressure?
Systolic is the pressure produced when the ventricle walls contract (arteries have the most amount of blood) diastole is when ventricle walls contract relax.
Why monitor blood pressure?
Done at every antenatal appointment and during labour every four hours. Done to monitor blood pressure and reduce chance of pre-eclampsia or any other conditions
How to measure BP and the range it normally should be?
Systole between 100-140 and diastole 60-90 measured with manual or electronic. Machine should be placed above brachial artery. Explain procedure respect privacy ensure legs not crossed, sphygmomanometer should be at level with heart.
What is body temp and what is the normal range?
It’s the balance between loss and heat humans are homoeothermic so maintain their own body temp using metabolic reactions. Should be between 36-37.5.
Why do we monitor body temp?
To monitor signs of infection during labour especially if water as being in the water will prevent the mother from being able to maintain her own body temp. Post c section and to observe signs of blood transfusion.
What is Pyrexia?
When the hypothalamus thermostat has been reset higher occurs during infections to remove any pathogens.
Common sites to measure temp?
Oral (sublingual artery runs beneath sublingual pocket this blood travels to hypothalamus!temp recorded here can be affected by environment). Axilla (under armpit common for babies) Tympanic (ear by inserting a probe pulling pinna up and back to expose tympanic membrane). Skin using forehead.
Procedure of taking temp?
- Gain consent 2. Wash hands 3. Take equipment and disposable cover 4. Ensure evaluated chosen site 5. Apply cover 6. Take temp 7. Dispose cover 8.explain findings o. Wash hands qp. Document accordingly
How to take pulse and what is it?
A pulse is a wave of pressure passing along arteries created by heart beat, 60-100bpm. Place pads of index and middle finger on wrist press light and count beats in 60secs.
What is respiration assessment and how to do it?
To make sure respiratory rate and depth isn’t too deep or shallow and the rate is regular no wheezing or pain breathing. Procedure pretend you’re checking the pulse and watch the chest rising in and out out explain findings and document.
What is pulse oximetry and how to record?
It is the oxygen saturation Sp02 arterial saturation o2 carried round the body. Done by placing oximeter on finger can be affected by long nails.
