Vital Signs Flashcards
(20 cards)
Pulse Rate Purpose
To assess cardiovascular function and circulation. We are looking for a strong, regular pulse. If there is an irregular or weak pulse, we count for the full minute, not 30 seconds. The range we are looking for is 60-100 bpm, over 120 can be known as tachycardia, under 50 will be identified as bradycardia.
Where is the radial pulse located?
In the groove between the radius and the Palmaris longus tendon on the thumb side of the wrist
The Palmaris longus tendon is in line with the middle finger.
How should the pulse/ heart rate be recorded?
As beats per minute (bpm)
What should you ask the patient before taking their pulse/ heart rate?
Whether they have exerted themselves in the last 20 minutes
What position should the patient be in when taking their pulse/ heart rate?
Relaxed and comfortable, with feet flat on the floor
Heart Rate Purpose
To assess cardiovascular function and circulation. We are looking for a strong, regular beat. If there is an irregular or weak pulse, we count for the full minute, not 30 seconds. The range we are looking for is 60-100 bpm.
Tachycardia is a high heart rate of over 120, and bradycardia is identified as under 50 bpm.
Respiratory Rate Purpose
To assess breathing function, and detect abnormal patterns.
We’re looking for a normal respiratory rate for an adult can range between 12-20 breaths per minute.
Above 20 breaths per minute is called hyperventilation or tachypnoea, and below 12 breaths per minute is called hypoventilation or bradypnea.
Older adults can range between 15-25 breaths/min. A low respiratory rate
Temperature Purpose
Thermal Digital forehead thermometer.
To detect for signs of fever, hypothermia and infections.
Normal ranges are between 36.1-37.2.
Temperatures above 38 degrees are considered as a high fever and above 40 are to be reviewed by a Dr.
Below 35 degrees is considered hypothermic.
Blood Pressure Purpose
To Assess cardiovascular health, hypertension and hypotension.
Taken on the brachial pulse site, using a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope.
Systolic (highest), diastolic (lowest).
What is your regular?
Do you have a preference on sides?
Blood Pressure Ranges
Optimal/normal: 120/80
HypOtensive: under 90/60
Hypertension/tensive crisis: over 180/110
Height Purpose
Talke height using the stadiometer, we take this measurement to assess growth, BMI calculation and detect any skeletal changes
Weight Purpose
Have there been any recent changes in your weight? What is your usual?
Posture important for weight distrubution and look straight ahead.
We take your weight to assess body mass, monitor nutrition and fluid changes or odema.
Waist circumference
Using flexible measuring tape
Smallest part of waist, bend. Breath in, then relax and take measurement.
Assess central adiposity and metabolic syndrome risks.
Hip Circumference
Using flexible measuring tape
Widest part of hips. Breath in, then relax and take measurement.
Assess fat distribution and to calculate the waist/hip ratio.
Waist:hip ratio
Waist divided by Hip
Assess fat distribution. high ratio could lead to other health conditions or risks such as cardiovascular and metabolic health risks.
Men more than 0.90 and women more than 0.85 indicates risk.
Sarcopenia risk
Detects muscle loss and fragility, especially within the elderly.
Mid arm circumference
90 degrees arm
Assess muscle mass and nutritional status and fluid retentions, and to detect any signs of muscle wasting.
Men over 23cm is healthy, nil risk, under 22 indicates undernutrition or muscle wasting.
Women over 22cm healthy, nil risk, under 22 indicates undernutrition or muscle wasting.
Calf Circumference
Assess muscle mass and sarcopenia risk.
Wouldnt take this measurement if there were any open wounds, infections or recent surergies.
Men over 34cm is healthy. under 34 is reduced muscle mass and under 31 is sarcopenia risk.
Women over 33cm is healthy. under 33 is reduced muscle mass and under 31 is sarcopenia risk.
BMI
weight divided by (height x height)
Assess underweight: under 18.5
Normal: 18.5-24.9
Overweight: 25-29.9
Obese: 30-34.9
Extremely obese: over 35
BRI ( Body roundness Index)
waistcms divided by height in cms
Assess adiposity index and predicts metabolic and cadiovascular risks
Eg. Elevated BRI with hypertension, diabetes or cardiovasular risk.
