Vital Signs Flashcards
(45 cards)
What is the definition of temperature?
The amount of heat in the body: a balance between the amount of heat produced and amount of heat lost
What is a normal temperature range for a healthy adult?
35.5 to 37.7 centigrade
Is 38 degrees centigrade within the normal temperature range of a healthy adult?
No. Healthy range is 35.5 to 37.7 degrees centigrade.
When is body temperature lowest?
In the morning
What are the four sites for taking temperature?
Mouth (oral), ear (tympanic), underarm (axillary), rectum (rectal)
Where is a tympanic temperature taken?
In the ear
What is the average or ideal temperature?
37 degrees centigrade
What is the best place to take temp on an infant?
Axilla/armpit
Who are rectal temps not done on?
Infants, children, anyone who is restless or confused
What is the normal temperature range for an oral thermometer?
36 to 37.5 degrees centigrade
What are three types of thermometers?
Electronic, dot matrix, temperature sensitive tape
When is an oral thermometer not used for taking temps?
If patient is unconscious, had surgery on the face, has a naso-gastric tube, has breathing challenges, is paralyzed on one side, is restless/confused/disoriented, has a sore mouth, is on oxygen, has convulsive disorder
Name three things that could affect an oral temperature
Hot or cold liquids, smoking, chewing gum
What is the definition of pulse?
The beat of your heart felt at an artery as a wave of blood passes through
Where is the temporal pulse taken
The temple
Where is carotid pulse taken
the neck
What is the most common pulse site for infants
Brachial pulse (inside arm)
Where are pulses usually taken in an emergency?
The carotid site
Where is the radial pulse taken?
wrist
Where is the femoral pulse
groin
Where is the popliteal pulse
inner back of knee
a pulse taken at the top of the foot is called:
pedal pulse
Where is apical pulse
Chest, over heart
How is the apical pulse site different
Taken with stethoscope only, listening to heart beat directly
