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Lesson 5 - Vital Signs
Vital signs for the medical assistant
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06/29/2010

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Term
What is the main purpose of performing vital signs on a patient?
Definition
Provide valuable information about a patient's health status.
Term
Homeostasis
Definition
State of equilibrium in the body.
Term
How much body heat is lost through the skin?
Definition
As much as 85%
Term
Core Temperature
Definition
Temperature within the body's deep internal structures.
Term
What are the normal body temperature ranges?
Definition
Between 97.5 Deg.F - 99.5 Deg.F (36.4 Deg.C - 37.3 Deg.C)
Term
Diurnal Rhythm
Definition
Normal daily cyclic fluctuation in body temperature.
Term
What are some factors that affect body temperature?
Definition
External environment, age, and infection or illness.
Term
What is the medical term for fever?
Definition
Pyrexia
Term
What are the three fever patterns?
Definition
Continueous, Intermittent, and Remittent
Term
Continuous (Fever Pattern)
Definition
Fever that fluctuates slightly yet remains consistantly above normal.
Term
Intermittent (Fever Pattern)
Definition
Fever that fluctuates widely between relatively high levels to normal or even subnormal levels.
Term
Remittent (Fever Pattern)
Definition
Fever that fluctuates widely, yet remains above normal until it finally resolves.
Term
Name the five different types of thermometers
Definition
Oral(or rectal) digital, Tympanic, Temporal, Rectal, and Disposable
Term
Glass Thermometer
Definition
Are no longer used in medical offices. A medical assistant should instruct patients about proper use or disposal(if the thermometer contains mercury.)
Term
Digital Thermometer
Definition
Are battery operated and portable. Medical asssistants must be sure to replace the batteries regularly.The can be used to measure oral, axillary, or rectal temperature. A disposable cover or sheath is available for these thermometers to keep sanitary and make cleaning inbetween patients unnecessary.
Term
Tympanic Thermometer
Definition
(Aural Thermometer) Is a handheld device with a tympanic probe that fits into the outer part of the ear canal. It should be covered with a disposable sheath for sanitary use. This thermometer provides a reading in under 2 seconds.
Term
Chemical Thermometer
Definition
Are available in disposable and reusable versions. They are not always as accurate as other themometers, but are convenient for oral use or the thermometer strips may be pressed to the forehead and read when the colors stop changing (usually within 15 seconds.)
Term
Temporal Thermometer
Definition
Fast, non-invasive method of taking temperature by scanning the thermometer across the forehead over the temporal artery. Disposable covers may be used or disinfectant wipes after every use.
Term
What are the recommended two methods for disinfecting reusable thermometers?
Definition
With 70% isopropyl alcohol or a 1:100 bleach solution
Term
How do you convert Celsius into Fahrenheit?
Definition
Deg.F = (Deg.C x 1.8) + 32
Term
How do you convert Fahrenheit into Celsius?
Definition
Deg.C = (Deg.F - 32) / 1.8
Term
What fators affect pulse?
Definition
Age, sex, exercise habits, emotional state, pregnancy, metabolic conditions, medications, fever, Arrythmia, Hypertension, and dehydration.
Term
Palpate
Definition
To examine by touch.
Term
Pulse Point
Definition
Any area where the pulse can be felt by pressing a superficial artery against a bone.
Term
Why might a pulse point be palpated?
Definition
To evaluate circulation or to count heart rate, or in cases of hemorrhage, the pulse point can be compressed to help control bleeding.
Term
Name the common pulse points
Definition
Temporal, Carotid, Brachial, Radial, Apical, Femoral, Popliteal, Dorsalis, Pedis, and Posterior Tibialis
Term
Where are the Temporal and Carotid pulse points located?
Definition
[image]
Term
Where are the Brachial and Radial pulse points located?
Definition
[image]
Term
Where are the Femoral and Popliteal pulse points located?
Definition
[image]
Term
Where are the Dorsalis Pedis and Posterior Tibial pulse points located?
Definition
[image]
Term
What is the Carotid artery used for?
Definition
One of the strogest pulses in the body, easily accessible, used to asses a patient's circulation during cardiopulmonay resuscitation(CPR), use just enough pressure to feel the pulse without occluding blood flow. Only palpate one side at a time.
Term
What is the Brachial pulse point used for?
Definition
This site is used to messure blood pressure, and it is palpated to asses pulse during infant CPR.
Term
CPR
Definition
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Term
What is the radial pulse point used for?
Definition
Often palpated for medical assistance to record Pulse Rate.
Term
What is the Apical pulse point used for?
Definition
May be used to palpate the point of maximal impulse(PMI), may also be used to check for a pulse deficit.
Term
What does respiration involve?
Definition
The movement of air into and out of the lungs so that gas exchange can occur.
Term
What is the main stimulous for breathing?
Definition
Lowered pH levels of the blood caused by Carbon Dioxide buildup.
Term
External Respiration
Definition
Movement of air into and out of the lungs.
Term
Inspiration
Definition
The act of inhaling.
Term
Expiration
Definition
The act of exhaling.
Term
What are some factors that affect respiration?
Definition
Severe pain, fever, emotions, physical exertion, illness, and conditions that cause acidosis and alkalosis.
Term
What is the best way to measure respiration?
Definition
When the patient is unaware, after taking pulse measurement, continue to hold patients wrist as if counting pulse rate, observe your watch as well as the patients chest. This way the patient does not self-consciously alter their breathng pattern.
Term
What are the three major charicteristics of respiration?
Definition
Rate, Rhythm, and Depth
Term
Rate
Definition
Count the respiratory rate in breaths per minute. One breath includes inspiration and experation.
Term
What is the normal respiration rate for adults?
Definition
12-20 breaths per minute
Term
Bradypnea
Definition
Abnormally slow breathing.
Term
Apnea
Definition
Absence of breathing.
Term
Sleep Apnea
Definition
Condition in which the individual stops breathing for short periods of time while sleeping, due to temporary obstruction of the upper airway.
Term
Tachypnea
Definition
Abnormally rapid breathing.
Term
Hyperventilation
Definition
Increased ventilation resulting in a higher blood pH.
Term
What is a normal respiratory pattern described as?
Definition
Even or regular rhythm. This can vary with speech, sighs, yawns, injury, or disease. Breathing in these cases may be more rapid or shallow.
Term
Dyspnea
Definition
Labored or difficult breathing.
Term
COPD
Definition
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Term
How may depth of respiration be described?
Definition
Varies with physical activity and may be described normal, deep, or shallow.
Term
What does a blood pressure represent?
Definition
It reflects the pressure exerted against arterial walls by blood and recorded as a fraction. Systolic/Diastolic pressure.
Term
Systolic Pressure
Definition
The top numbers, indicates the highet pressure, or tension, exerted against arterial walls during ventricular contraction.
Term
Diastolic Pressure
Definition
The lower numbers represents the lowest pressure exerted against the arterial walls when the heart is at rest between contractions.
Term
Pulse Pressure
Definition
Difference between systolic and diastolic pressures and should be 30 to 50mm Hg.
Term
What is the ideal blood pressure for adults?
Definition
Below 120/80mm Hg
Term
Hypertension
Definition
A sustained blood pressure above 140/90.
Term
Hypotension
Definition
A sustained blood pressure below 90/60.
Term
What are some modifiable risk factors for hypertension?
Definition
Exercise habits, tobacco use, weight, stress levels, diet, and alcohol intake.
Term
What are some non-modifiable risk factors for hypertension?
Definition
Age, gender, and genetics.
Term
How long should a MA wait before repeating a blood pressure measurement?
Definition
60 seconds
Term
What are some factors that affect blood pressure?
Definition
Emotions, severe pain, exercise, fluid volume deficit, sudden position change, and some medications.
Term
Sphygmomanometer
Definition
Blood pressure cuff.
Term
Korotkoff Sounds
Definition
The sound heard when listening to blood pressure.
Term
Explain Phase I of the Korotkoff sounds
Definition
Is the first sound heard, usually a sharp tapping sound, may begin faintly and progressively grow louder. This is recorded as the Systolic pressure.
Term
Explain Phase II of the Korotkoff sounds
Definition
Sound is more quiet and muffled and may disappear completely. The needle may continue to drop another 30mm Hg or so before the sound returns.
Term
Explain Phase III of the Korotkoff sounds
Definition
Occurs as the sound reappears(if it disappeared) or becomes louder and more crisp. The sound continues in a rhythmic pattern.
Term
Explain Phase IV of the Korotkoff sounds
Definition
Begins as the sound becomes softer and fainter and take on a more muffled quality. If the sound continues to zero the point where the sound became more faint should be recorded as the diastole for children. When this change occurs in adults the physician may request three numbers to be recorded, the systolic reading, phase IV, and the diastolic reading.
Term
Explain Phase V of the Korotkoff sound
Definition
Occurs when the sounds completely disappear. this is recorded as the diastolic pressure.
Term
Auscultatory Gap
Definition
Disappearance of tappng sounds during Phase II of a blood pressure measurement.
Term
Oxygen Saturation
Definition
SpO2
Term
What are normal adult values for oxygen saturation?
Definition
95%-100%
Term
Pulse Oximeter
Definition
Placed on the tip of a patient's finger, or an earlobe probe on an earlobe, and used to measure arterial oxygen saturation.
Term
What are the five main vital signs?
Definition
Blood pressure, Respiration, Pulse Rate, Temperature, Oxygen saturation; the sixth vital sign is pain.
Term
BP
Definition
Blood Pressure
Term
R
Definition
Respiration
Term
P
Definition
Pulse Rate
Term
T
Definition
Temperature
Term
SpO2
Definition
Oxygen Saturation
Term
What is the purpose of the physical examination?
Definition
To determine the health of an individual
Term
List at least ten components of the physical examination.
Definition
1)General Appearance 2) Skin 3) Arms and limbs 4) Head and neck 5) Eyes 6) Ears 7) Mouth and Pharynx 8) Nose 9) Chest and lungs 10) Cardiovascular function
Term
List 6 examination techniques commonly used by the physician during a physical exam.
Definition
1) Inspection 2) Palpation 3) Percussion 4) Ausculation 5) Mensuration 6) Manipulation
Term
Inspection
Definition
Gathering information about the patient through observation
Term
Palpation
Definition
Involves examination of the patient's external body through touch with the hands and the pads of the fingers
Term
Percussion
Definition
Involves tapping on the body structures with the finger or a small hammer to note the sound elicited.
Term
Ausculation
Definition
Listening to body sounds through a stethoscope
Term
Mensuration
Definition
Various body measurements
Term
Manipulation
Definition
Application of hands-on techniques to assess joint symmetry and note passive range of motion
Term
Describe the MA's role in preparing the examination room.
Definition
Ensure that the examination supplies and equipment are ready, organized, and close at hand and are restocked or disinfected between patients.
Term
Name 7 positions that the MA may be asked to place a patient in.
Definition
1) Sims postion 2) Lithotomy 3) Supine 4) Dorsal Recumbent 5) Semi-Fowlers 6) Fowler 7) Trendelenburg
Term
How do you convert pounds to kilograms?
Definition
Pounds divided by 2.2
Term
How do you convert kilograms to pounds?
Definition
Kilograms multiplied by 2.2
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