Vitals Flashcards
Learning abbreviations related to vital signs, and understanding the structure and meaning of acronyms.
Artery
Blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the body.
Axilla
armpit
A cavity below the connection between the arm and shoulder
Intracranial Pressure
ICP
Pressure inside the brain/skull.
Normal value = 7-15mmHg.
Non-invasive
- not requiring the introduction of instruments into the body
- (of a cancerous disease) not tending to spread.
Pallor
Decreased oxygenation or reduced redness in skin appearance (Pale skin)
Palpable
Able to be touched or felt, usually with the hand
What is being measured for vs?
vitals or vital signs
temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure (T, P, R, BP).
Ex: A nurse would write {99-87-16 167/110}.
Pulse Rate
number of heart beats per minute.
normal range = 60-100
Respiration Rate
RPM or rr
number of breaths a patient takes per minute
normal range = 16-20
Where can body temperature be measured?
measured in the mouth, ear, axilla, or rectum
What is considered normal body temperature?
temp or t
98.6 degrees Fahrenheit
Febrile
an elevation of body temperature above the normal temperature
Hypothermia
body temperature below normal range due to an exposure to cold, failure of body mechanisms to control heat loss, or treatment that purposefully lower body temp to decrease metabolism.
Hyperthermia
**prolonged **elevation of body temperature to above normal range due to prolonged exposure to heat (heat exhaustion or heat stroke) with the inability to dissipate (or release) heat.
Different than fever which is caused by your body’s normal response to fighting an infection or illness.
Difference between thready or bounding pulse?
pulse amplitude refers to how strong, forceful, or full the pulse is.
- Thready pulse is typically weak or quick and a perceptible pulse is difficult.
- Bounding pulse is full or stronger than normal.