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VITAL SIGNS Flashcards

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1
Q

What are vital signs?

A

Vital signs are measurements of essential bodily functions

Also referred to as ‘Cardinal Signs’.

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2
Q

What is VITAL SIGNS REFERRED AS?

A

CARDINAL SIGNS

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3
Q

WHAT ARE THE 4 VITAL SIGNS?

A

-Temperature,
-Respiration,
-Pulse
-Blood pressure.

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4
Q

Why must radiographers measure vital signs?

A

Radiographers must measure a patient’s vital signs as part of a physical assessment.

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5
Q

WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN THE PATIENT VITAL SIGNS IS CHANGING?

A

Changes in the patient’s vital signs may be an indication of a problem or a potential problem that may be or become life threatening.

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6
Q

When are vital signs taken in the radiology department?

A

Vital signs are taken when a patient undergoes an invasive procedure

-Before and after the patient recives any medication

-Anytime the patient’s condition changes suddenly,

-if the patient reports nonspecific symptoms of distress, SUCH AS NOT FEELING WELL OR FEELING DIFFERENT.

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7
Q

What is Temperature?

A

Temperature is the measurement of the degree of heat of the deep tissues of the body.

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8
Q

What is Thermoregulation ?

A

It describes the body’s heat production and heat loss.

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9
Q

What regulates body temperature?

A

The hypothalamus regulates body temperature.

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10
Q

What are the sites of temperature measurement?

A

The sites of measurement are
-Oral
-Axillary
-Tympanic
-Temporal
-Infrared
-Rectal.

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11
Q

What is the normal temperature range for adults?

A

Oral Fahrenheit (degree F) 97.7 – 99.5
Celsius (degree C) 36.5 – 37.5
Average - 98.6° F (37° C) ± 1° to 2° F

In Celsius, this is 36.5 – 37.5 °C.

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12
Q

How do axillary and rectal temperatures compare to oral readings?

A

-Axillary temperatures are slightly lower than oral readings
while
-Rectal temperatures are slightly higher than oral readings

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13
Q

Which temperature reading is the most accurate?

A

Rectal temperature readings are the most accurate.

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14
Q

What is considered a normal variation in temperature readings?

A

A variation of normal temperatures by + or - 1 degree is considered normal.

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15
Q

What should be done before taking a patient’s temperature?

A

-Wait at least 1 hour after vigorous exercise or a hot bath,

-Wait 20 or 30 minutes after smoking, eating, or drinking hot or cold liquids.

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16
Q

What indicates a fever? (DEGREE OF FEBRILE)

A

If the reading is more than 1 to 1.5 degrees above the patient’s normal temperature, the patient has a fever.

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17
Q

What are the symptoms of a fever (Febrile)?

A

Symptoms of a fever include

-Increased pulse
-Increased respiration
-General body discomfort and aching.

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18
Q

What is pyrexia?

A

Pyrexia is a fever or febrile condition.

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19
Q

What is Hyperthermia?

A

Hyperthermia is a high temperature (fever) with an oral reading above 99.5 °F

Signs of Hyperthermia – Dizziness, confusion, and coma

Signs include dizziness, confusion, and coma.

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20
Q

What is Hypothermia?

A

Hypothermia is a low temperature with an oral reading below 97.0 °F.

Signs of Hypothermia – Shivering, respiratory difficulties

Signs include shivering and respiratory difficulties.

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21
Q

MY NOTE: How does fever affect metabolic rate?

A

Fever produces changes in the metabolic rate of the patient and puts demands on the cardiopulmonary system.

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22
Q

What is metabolic rate?

A

Metabolic rate is the rate of utilization of energy

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23
Q

How is Metabolic Rate usually measured?

A

It is usually measured when the patient is at rest and fasting.

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24
Q

What is Diaphoresis?

A

Profuse sweating. A way that the body regulates temperature

-COOL AND CLAMMY SKIN

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25
metabolic rate
Increase body temperature = Increased metabolic rate = More oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production at the cellular level.
26
TEMPERATURE RECORDIG VITAL SIGNS
Temperature 99.6 RECTAL 98.6 ORAL 97.6 AXILLARY 97.6 Tympanic
27
RESPIRATION MEASUREMENT FOR RESPIRATION
Normal Measurement of Respiration Adult between 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Children under 10 y/o between 20 to 30 breaths per minute. Newborns between 30 to 60 breaths per minute.
28
RESPIRATION
To obtain an accurate measurement count the number of respirations for a full minute. The patient should be at rest when measuring respirations. Also observe the depth of the respiration: Shallow or Deep Also observe the pattern of respiration: Regular or Irregular Cells of the body require oxygen to function. Respiration supplies oxygen to the blood and eliminates carbon dioxide from the body.
29
Rate of Respiration is taken by:
Observing the movement of the abdomen. Observing the movement of the chest.
30
Procedure for assessing the respiration of a patient.
It is best that the patient is unaware that the respiration rate is being taken. The movement of the chest or abdomen is observed and counted. A hand may be placed on the patient’s abdomen or chest if observation alone is difficult.
31
What is TACHYPNEA?
excessive rate of respiration, a respiratory rate greater than 20 per minute in adults.
32
What is Bradypnea?
decrease in respiratory rate.
33
What is Dyspnea?
Difficult or labored breathing resulting in insufficient airflow to the lungs.
34
What is Apnea?
cessation (stoppage) of breathing.
35
What is Orthopnea?
shortness of breath that occurs while lying flat and is relieved by sitting or standing.
36
What is Cyanosis?
Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood.  
37
Cyanosis is a sign of ?
respiratory distress.
38
What is Hypoxia?
reduction in the amount of cellar oxygen
39
What is Ventilation?
the mechanical movement of air into and out of the lungs
40
What is the NORMAL RESPIRATION?
Recording Vital Signs i.e., R 20 MY NOTE: NORMAL:Normal respiratory rate is 12 to 16 breaths per minute
41
What does PULSE RATE ASSESS?
Pulse rate assesses cardiovascular function.
42
What is Pulse rate recorded as?
Pulse rate is recorded as the number of heartbeats per minute. If the resting heart rate is to be determined the patient must have been resting for at least 10 minutes.
43
What is the NORMAL MEASUREMENT OF PULSE?
Adult 60 – 100 beats per minute Children under age 10 y/o 70-120 beats per minute
44
What is the pulse like when too high or low?
Tachycardia: More than 100 beats per minute Bradycardia: Less than 60 beats per minute
45
Where is the common sites of Measurement of Pulse?
The pulse is measured at areas where the artery passes close to the skin -RADIAL ARTERY -BRACHIAL ARTERY -CAROTID ARTERY my note: Taken at radial or carotid artery
46
Where is the Radial Artery found?
Radial Artery (over the radial artery at the base of the thumb) .
47
Where is the Brachial Artery found?
Brachial Artery (in the groove between the biceps and triceps muscles above the elbow at the antecubital fossa)
48
Where is the Carotid Artery found?
Carotid Artery (over the carotid artery, at the front of the neck)
49
Uncommon Sites of Measurement
Femoral Artery – (over the femoral artery, in the groin) Apical Artery – (over the apex of the heart) Popliteal Artery – (behind the knee) Dorsalis Pedis Artery – (on the top of the foot) Posterior Tibia Artery – (on the lateral side of the foot)
50
Procedure for taking a patient’s pulse
Count number of pulses for 15 seconds and multiply by 4. It is more accurate to monitor for a full minute.  
51
In critical care settings the following patient measurements are continuously monitored:
Arterial blood saturation (SAO2) – Pulse Oximeter Respiratory rate Pulse rate
52
Devices that Measure Pulse continuously
-Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) -Arterial Lines -Pulse Oximeter
53
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An electrocardiogram is an electrical recording of the heart and is used in the investigation of heart disease.
54
Arterial Lines
Arterial blood gas analysis; ABG Blood gases measure the PH (acidity), oxygen content, and carbon dioxide content of the blood. The test is performed by collecting a sample of blood from an artery. Using a small needle, the sample may be collected from the radial artery in the wrist, the femoral artery in the groin, or the brachial artery in the arm.
55
What is Intra-arterial?
within an artery
56
What is a Pulse Oximeter?
a photoelectric device that measures the O2 blood saturation o the blood. Normal Pulse Oximeter values for a healthy person is between 95% and 100%. For infants, a light-emitting probe is placed on the big toe, or attached to the earlobe, temple, nose, or foot. The oximeter converts light intensity into oxygen saturation and pulse rate values.
57
What is Tacycardia?
rapid heart rate. Resting pulse above 100 beats per minute.
58
What is Bradycardia?
Bradycardia – decreased heart rate. Resting pulse below 60 beats per minute.
59
Recording Vital Signs Pulse
Recording Vital Signs Pulse i.e., P 80
60
Tachycardia indicates a pulse of: a. Greater than 100 beats per minute b. Less than 60 beats per minute c. Greater than 90 beats per minute d. Less than 50 beats per minute
A
61
Bradycardia indicates a pulse of: a. More than 100 beats per minute b. Fewer than 60 beats per minute c. Greater than 90 beats per minute d. Less than 50 beats per minute
B
62
What is BLOOD PRESSURE?
Blood Pressure is the measurement of the amount of pressure exerted against the walls of the vessels.
63
Blood pressure
Blood pressure is the force applied against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood through the body. The pressure is determined by the force and amount of blood pumped and the size and flexibility of the arteries.
64
Measurement of Blood Pressure
To measure blood pressure, your doctor uses an instrument call a “sphygmomanometer,” more often referred to as a blood pressure cuff. The cuff is wrapped around your upper arm and inflated to stop the flow of the blood in your artery. As the cuff is slowly deflated, your doctor uses a stethoscope to listen to the blood pumping through the artery. These pumping sounds register on a gauge attached to the cuff.   The first pumping sound your doctor hears is recorded as the systolic pressure, and the last sound is the diastolic pressure.  
65
Normal Measurement of Blood Pressure
Normal Measurement of Blood Pressure Adult Patient Systolic 95 - 140 mm Hg millimeters of mercury) Diastolic 60 - 90 mm Hg   A blood pressure level that is borderline low for one person may be normal for another. The most important factor is how the blood pressure changes from the normal condition.   Blood pressure is continually changing depending on activity, temperature, diet, emotional state, posture, physical state, and medication use.
66
What is a Systolic Pressure?
Is the highest pressure taken when the left ventricle of the heat contracts.
67
What is Diastolic Pressure ?
Is the lowest pressure when the ventricles of the heart relax.
68
What is the Sphygmomanometer?
It is the instrument used along with a stethoscope to listen to heart sounds.
69
Hypertension
High blood pressure Persistent elevation of blood pressure above 140/90 mm Hg Hypertension is a disorder characterized by chronically high blood pressure. It must be monitored, treated, and controlled by medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of both. Often referred to as “Silent Killer” as patient is typically asymptomatic.  
70
Hypotension
low blood pressure When the blood pressure is too low, there is adequate blood flow to the heart, brain, and other vital organs. Persistent blood pressure of less than 95/60 mm Hg.
71
Normal BP
Recording Vital Signs Blood Pressure i.e., BP 120/80
72
NORMAL VITAL SIGNS FOR TEMPERATURE
97.7 TO 99.5 F
73
NORMAL VITAL SIGNS FOR RESPIRATION
Adult 12 to 20 breaths per minute Child 20 to 30 breaths per minute
74
NORMAL VITAL SIGNS FOR PULSE
Adult 60 to 100 BPM Child 70 to 120 BPM
75
NORMAL VITAL SIGNS FOR BLOOD PRESSURE
Systolic <120 mm Hg Diastolic <80 mm Hg
76
CONCLUSION
-Vital sign assessment is a critical part of emergency patient care and within the scope of radiologic sciences professionals. -Accuracy of data collection and recording is critical. -Assessment of vital signs is an objective, noninvasive evaluation of the patient's immediate condition or response to therapy
77
CONCLUSION
--The need for oxygen becomes critical to patients when the internal environment of the body is not consistent. -Patients on ventilators require special care in handling, and the radiographic technologist must never alter ventilator alarms and settings. In addition, oxygen flow should never be interrupted to perform radiography. -Radiographers must understand the use and radiographic appearance of common chest tubes and lines, including endotracheal tubes, thoracostomy tubes, and central venous lines. -

RAD 1127 (17 decks)

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