Vital Signs Flashcards
(26 cards)
What are the normal adult VS ranges?
T-96.7-100.5
HR 60-100
Resp 12-20
BP 120/80
O2 >95
When should you asses a pts vital signs ?
When there is a change in the patients condition
Before administering any med that affects the cardiopulmonary system
What is another word for fever ?
Pyrexia
What are some types of fevers?
Neurogenic fever- the result of damage to the hypothalamus due to inter cranial trauma, pressure or bleeding
- does not respond to antipyretic meds
FUO- a fever of >101 for longer than 3 weeks with no cause
What are the effects a fever can have on you
Hot, Thirsty, Flushed, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue
Will increase HR and RR
What are some ways to treat a fever?
Antipyretic drugs
Treating what is causing it
Ice pack or cool sponge bath
Fluids to prevent hydration
What are the effects of a low body temp ?
Slurred speech
Hallucinations
Poor coordination
Amnesia
Decrease HR and RR
What’s a rule of taking a oral temp ?
Wait 15-30 min after a pt has eaten anything hot, cold or has been smoking
What regulates your pulse and what occurs when pulse is stimulated?
Sa node
Parasympathetic- decrease HR
Sympathetic- increase HR
What is tachycardia and how does that affect the pulse?
Rapid heart rate (100-180 BPM)
results in a decreased cardiac filling time which will decrease SV AND CO
What is bradycardia?
< 60 bpm
What is the pulse amplitude and rhythm?
The quality (how strong the LV is contracting)
0 absent
+1 diminished
+2 normal
+3 bounding
What is a dysarthria?
Irregular heart beat
When and how should you palpate the carotid artery’s?
Used mostly for emergencies
One side at a time to not cut off blood flow
What is tachypnea?
increase breathing rate > 24
- Any condition causing an increase in CO2 and a decrease in O2 in the blood
- Ex; pneumonia or hyperventilation
What are some factors that would affect RR?
Exercise
smoking
respiratory diseases
age
anemia
increased altitude
What is bradypnea and when does it occur
decrease breathing rate <10 breaths/min
- Increase in intracranial pressure
- Opioids
The depth of respiratory varies from?
shallow to deep
What is blood pressure?
The force of the blood against the arterial walls
creates a continuous pressure wave
What is systole/ diastole ?
Systole- the highest point of pressure on the arterial walls happens during contracting
Diastole- the lowest point of pressure on the arterial walls
What factors help determine BP?
the cardiac output and the peripheral resistant
WHat are some factors that can affect BP?
Age
Weight
Diet
Race
Emotional State
Medications
What is hypertension?
aka the silent killer
results in a permanent thickening of the blood vessels
WHat are some symptoms of hypotension?
dizziness
tachycardia
sweating
blurred vision
nausea
confusion
