| A | B |
|---|
| If you note any abnormality or change in any vital sign, | report this immediately to your supervisor. |
| for an oral or rectal temperature A clinical thermometer should be left in position | 3 - 5 minutes |
| HYPOthermia | LOW body temperature |
| Braydycardia | pulse rate below 60 beats per minute |
| To make it easier to count respirations after taking a pulse | have the forearm rest on the chest |
| One respiration = | one INspiration and one EXpiration (in, out) |
| When you are counting respirations | the patient should not know what you are doing |
| clean stethoscope | earpieces and bell, with ALCHOHOL, BEFORE & AFTER using |
| Hypertension | greater than 140/90 |
| Taking Blood Pressure | patient should sit quietly for 5 minutes BEFORE taking |
| sphygmomanometer cuff | too wide or too narrow will give inaccurate (wrong) reading |
| Untreated hypertension can lead to | stroke, kidney disease, heart disease |
| Temperature | measurement between head produced and heat lost |
| Homeostasis | constant state of fluid BALANCE |
| Rectal | most accurate method for taking temperature |
| Factors that lead to increased body temperature | exercise, illness or infection, excitement |
| Carotid | pulse site at neck |
| brachial | pulse site used to take blood pressure |
| Rhythm | regular or irregular |
| tachycardia | pulse rate OVER 100 beats per minute EXCEPT in children |
| 4 main vital signs | pulse, temperature, respirations, blood pressure |
| Dyspnea | difficult or labored breathing |
| Cheyne- Stokes respirtation | periods of apnea & dyspnea |
| Graphic record of vital signs | provides a VISUAL diagram of VARIATIONS - if an error occurs NEVER use correction fluid |
| Factors that increase blood pressure | exercise, excitement or anxiety, stimulant drugs |
| wheezing | difficult breathing with HIGH PITCHED WHISTLING or sighing sound during expiration |
