📝 Vital signs Flashcards
(114 cards)
What are the commonly measured vital signs?
Vital signs commonly measured include body temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.
When should vital signs be assessed in a healthcare facility?
Vital signs should be assessed:
On admission to any healthcare facility
Routinely throughout patient admission (every 4-6 hours)
Before, during, and after surgery or invasive procedures
In conjunction with medication that may affect vital signs
Prior to calling medical staff regarding patient concerns
Prior to and following transfer between wards or healthcare facilities
Following an episode of patient deterioration
During physical examination or when “something is not quite right”
What is the normal range for core body temperature?
The normal range for core body temperature is 35.8 to 37.5°C.
What factors can affect body temperature?
Factors affecting body temperature include age, gender, stress, environmental temperatures, surgery, and hormonal changes.
How is body temperature regulated?
Core body temperature is maintained within a constant range by the thermoregulatory center in the hypothalamus.
What is pyrexia?
Pyrexia is an elevated core temperature above 38°C, often occurring as a response to tissue injury or trauma.
What are the characteristics of a normal pulse?
A normal pulse should have a regular rhythm, appropriate rate according to age, adequate strength, and equal characteristics between pulse points.
How is pulse rate assessed?
Pulse rate is assessed by counting the pulsations in 1 minute, typically at common sites like the radial, brachial, carotid, or femoral arteries.
What is the normal range for oxygen saturation?
The normal range for oxygen saturation is between 95-100%.
What are the two components of blood pressure?
Blood pressure consists of systolic pressure (during ventricular contraction) and diastolic pressure (during ventricular relaxation).
What is the procedure for assessing orthostatic hypotension?
The procedure involves measuring blood pressure and pulse rate first in a supine position, then sitting, and finally standing, and comparing the findings.
What are the possible causes of hypertension and hypotension?
Hypertension can result from factors such as age, diet, ethnicity, and underlying health conditions. Hypotension may result from pathology, medications, or heart failure.
How should blood pressure cuff size be chosen?
The cuff width should be about 40% of the limb’s circumference, and the bladder inside the cuff should encase 2/3 of the limb.
What are the phases of Korotkoff sounds during blood pressure measurement?
The phases include the onset of tapping sounds (systolic pressure) followed by muffled sounds, knocking sounds, and finally silence (diastolic pressure).
What are common errors in blood pressure assessment and their contributing causes?
Errors may include falsely low or high assessments due to factors like cuff size, hearing deficits, environmental noise, and incorrect technique.
How should vital signs be documented?
Vital signs should be documented graphically on an observation and response chart, including accompanying symptoms, interventions, and clear, contemporaneous notes following facility protocol.
What is the process for escalating concerns if vital signs are outside normal limits?
The process involves reassessment, informing colleagues and management, considering physician notification, explaining findings to the patient, and escalating further if necessary.
What are the normal ranges for respiratory rate across different age groups?
Normal respiratory rate ranges from 12-20 breaths per minute in adults but varies across different age groups.
What are the characteristics of normal respirations?
Normal respirations should be regular in rhythm, with adequate depth and effort.
What factors can affect respiratory rate?
Factors affecting respiratory rate include exercise, temperature, emotions, medications, pulmonary conditions, pain, and neurological damage.
Define eupnoea
Eupnoea: Normal respirations for an adult (12-20 breaths/min)
Define Bradypnoea
Bradypnoea: Slow respiratory rate (<12 breaths/min in adults)
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Define Tachypnoea
Tachypnoea: Rapid respirations (>20 breaths/min)
Define Apnoea
Apnoea: Periods of no breathing