Vital Signs and Body Temperature

Front

Define a vital sign.

Back

Objective guidepost that provides data to determine a patient’s state of health.

Front

What are the four vital signs?

Back

Temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure; another indicator of a patient’s health status is pulse oximetry reading.

Front

What general guidelines should be followed when measuring vital signs?

Back

Be familiar with the normal ranges for all vital signs, ensure that all equipment for measuring vital signs is in proper working condition, attempt to eliminate or minimize factors that may affect the vital signs, and use an organized approach when measuring the vital signs.

Front

List four ways in which heat is produced in the body.

Back

Voluntary and involuntary muscle contractions, cell metabolism, fever, and strong emotional states.

Front

List four ways in which heat is lost from the body.

Back

In the urine and feces, in moisture droplets from the lungs, and through perspiration, conduction, convection, and radiation.

Front

What is the normal body temperature range? What is the average body temperature?

Back

Normal body temperature range: 97°F to 99°F (36.1°C to 37.2°C); Average body temperature: 98.6°F (37°C).

Front

What is a fever?

Back

Body temperature that is above normal, or 100.4°F (38°C).

Front

How do diurnal variations affect body temperature?

Back

The temperature of the body is lowest in the morning before metabolism and muscle contractions begin increasing.

Front

How do emotional states affect the body temperature?

Back

Increase the body temperature.

Front

How does vigorous physical exercise affect body temperature?

Back

Increases the body temperature.