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WorksheetsUnderstanding Vital Signs
Total questions: 20
Worksheet time: 10mins
Signs of abnormal vital signs
rapid (fast) pulse
normal breathing
low blood pressure BP
elevated oxygen levels
Compare temperature and blood pressure
Temp = internal body heat.
Blood pressure = Force of blood against artery walls during heart beats.
Temperature = Measure of humidity in the air.
Blood pressure = Amount of blood in the circulatory system.
Reasoning for abnormal temperature
exercise
environment
fighting infection
lack of sleep
Reasoning for abnormal pulse rate
heart disease
dehydration
excessive caffeine intake
lack of sleep
Vital signs definition
Indicates status of basic bodily functions
Measures the level of physical fitness
Represents the emotional state of a person
Describes the nutritional intake of an individual
Reasoning for abnormal blood pressure
genetics
dietary habits
sleep patterns
environmental factors
Respirations
The number of times a person blinks in a minute.
The rate at which a person breathes.
The amount of air a person can hold in their lungs.
The frequency of heartbeats per minute.
Six main vital signs
pulse, respiration, blood pressure, temperature, oxygen, pain
heart rate, blood sugar, cholesterol, temperature
respiration, heart rate, hydration, temperature
blood pressure, oxygen, pain, hydration
How to measure pulse
Position the patient comfortably and wait 2-3 min
Count the beats for 30 sec and multiply by 2
Locate the radial artery and apply firm pressure
Record only the rate of the pulse
Normal adult body temperature (°F)
95.0 - 97.0 F
97.6 - 99.6 F
98.0 - 100.0 F
99.0 - 101.0 F
Normal adult pulse rate (beats/min)
40-60 beats per minute
60-100 beats per minute
80-120 beats per minute
50-70 beats per minute
Why monitor vital signs regularly?
To assess for changes in health status.
To determine the patient's weight.
To evaluate the effectiveness of medication.
To check for allergies.
Reasoning: importance of vital signs in emergencies
Assessment informs of body's basic functions and guides urgent care plan.
Vital signs are only important for athletes.
Vital signs are irrelevant in emergency situations.
Vital signs can be ignored if the patient is conscious.
How to measure oral temperature
Ensure patient has not eaten, drunk, or smoked in last 30 min.
Place thermometer probe under tongue and have patient (pt) close mouth.
Wait for a beep, remove & dispose of cover.
Gather oral thermometer and place it in the refrigerator before use.
Normal adult blood pressure (mmHg)
90-110 Systolic (top #) / 50-70 Diastolic (bottom #)
100-120 Systolic (top #) / 60-80 Diastolic (bottom #)
120-140 Systolic (top #) / 80-90 Diastolic (bottom #)
130-150 Systolic (top #) / 70-85 Diastolic (bottom #)
Blood pressure definition
The amount of pressure against artery walls during a heartbeat
The force exerted by blood on the walls of blood vessels
The volume of blood pumped by the heart in one minute
The rate at which blood flows through the circulatory system
How to measure respiration
Be DISCREET and observe the patient's chest/stomach rise and fall.
Count the patient's heart rate for 60 seconds.
Remove your fingers from the patient's wrist after taking the pulse.
Ask the patient to take deep breaths and count them.
Compare pulse and respiration
Pulse = Heart rate; Respiration = Breathing rate
Pulse = Breathing rate; Respiration = Heart rate
Pulse = Blood pressure; Respiration = Oxygen level
Pulse = Heartbeat strength; Respiration = Lung capacity
Normal adult respiration rate (breaths/min)
8-12 breaths per minute
12-20 breaths per minute
20-25 breaths per minute
25-30 breaths per minute
How to measure blood pressure
Ensure patient is seated or laying comfortably and has rested for 3-5 minutes.
Place the arm at heart level with palm facing down.
Inflate the cuff to about 200-220 mmHg before releasing the valve.
Record the result only if the first thump is heard.
