Vital Signs Flashcards
Prepare for Vital Signs Quiz (55 cards)
What are some physical signs that indicate an individual is alive?
- Temperature
- Breathing Rate
- Heart Rate (Pulse)
- Blood Pressure
- Oxygen Saturation
- Pain (Not formally recognized)
What changes normal vital signs?
- Age
- Cis Sex
- Weight
- Exercise Tolerance
- Overall Physical Condition
How long prior to measuring vital signs should the patient have had the opportunity to sit for?
For approximately five minutes.
How must the patient be positioned for vital measurements?
Seated.
What must take place prior to the examination?
A general assessment, usually lasting for a minute in length.
What are medical professionals assessing on throughout the general assessment?
- Anxiety Level
- Pain & Emotional Status
- Appearance & Hygiene
Who typically feels more comfortable at higher temperatures?
- Elderly
- People With Disabilities
- Babies & Young Children
Which Cis Sex feels cool more quickly?
Cis Females
What attributes affect ones body temperature?
- Cis Sex
- Recent Activity
- Food & Fluid Consumption
- Time of Day
- Menstrual Cycle
How is temperature measured, and what is the average body temperature?
- Measured in Celsius or Fahrenheit
- Average 36.8 +/- 0.7 Celsius
What’s the difference in rectal temperature compared to oral?
+ 0.5° - 0.7° Farenheit
How can one measure their temperature orally?
- Classic Glass Mercury-Filled Thermometers
- Digital Thermometers
Where are axillary temperatures taken?
Under the arm.
What’s the difference in axillary temperature compared to oral?
- 0.3° - 0.4° Farenheit
How can one determine temperature via the eardrum? What does this reflect?
- Special Thermometer Made For Ear
- Reflects Body’s Core Temperature
What is a fever?
When the body’s core temperature is above 98.6° F (37° C) orally, or 99.8° F (37.67° C) rectally
What is hypothermia?
A drop in body temperature below 98° F (35° C)
What is the respiration rate?
Number of breaths a person takes per minute.
In a situation, how should you perform the respiration assessment?
Surreptitiously
What’s the minimum amount of time a respiratory rate should be assessed for? What’re the consequences of anything less?
- At least 30 seconds
- Anything less is too small and any miscounting can result in rather large errors
What might increase respiration rate?
Fever/Illness/etc.
What should you attempt to look for throughout a respiratory assessment?
Whether or not the patient is having any difficulty breathing.
What respiratory rates (per minute) may be considered abnormal?
25 breaths per minute and above, and 12 breaths and below
What are the normal resting respiratory rates (per minute)?
Range from 15 to 20 breaths per minute
