TPJ3M VITAL SIGNS

Vital Signs These signs may be observed, measured, and monitored to assess an individual's level of physical functioning.

Taking Vitals: Procedure 1. Welcome patient and introduce yourself 2. Ask patient to assume a sitting position 3. Prior to measuring vitals, the patient should have had the opportunity to sit and relax for approximately 5 minutes

Taking Vitals: Procedure 4. Take a minute or so to look at the patient in their entirety 5. Observe - Does the patient seem anxious? - In pain? - Upset? **REMEMBER! The exam begins the minute you lay eyes on the patient

VITAL #1 HEART RATE (HR) Wavelike sensations felt by fingertips as blood passes through a peripheral artery (away from the heart) each time the heart contracts 11 sites to palpate (touch with fingers to feel for pulse) or osculate (using stethoscope to listen) These sites are also called “pressure points” because you can provide pressure in these areas to stop bleeding

VITAL #1 HEART RATE (HR) Units: HR is measured in beats per minute (BPM) Normal HR Ranges: Infant = 110 - 180 BPM Child = 70 - 110 BPM Adult = 60 - 100 BPM

VITAL #1 HEART RATE (HR) Documenting HR: (A) Site: Radial (B) Rate: 72 BPM (C) Rhythm: Regular or Irregular (D) Depth: Normal, Strong, weak, bounding, thready

1. Temporal Artery 2. Carotid Artery 3. Apical Artery 4. Brachial Artery Text 5. Radial Artery 6. Femoral Artery 7. Popliteal Artery 8. Dorsalis Pedis Artery

VITAL #2 RESPIRATIONS -BREATHING RATE! -The number of breaths a person takes in one minute -1 Respiration = 1 inhalation, 1 exhalation

VITAL #2 RESPIRATIONS Units: Respirations are measured in respirations per minute (RPM) Normal RPM Ranges: Infant: Up to 40 RPM Child: 20 - 25 RPM Adult: 12 - 20 RPM

VITAL #2 RESPIRATIONS Documenting RR : (A) Rate: RPM (B) Rhythm: Regular or Irregular (C) Depth: Quiet or Laboured

Pressure of blood inside your blood vessels VITAL #3 BLOOD PRESSURE Driving force is the contraction Relaxation force created by your heart “pump Pressure of blood inside your blood vessels Systole When the heart contracts Diastole When the heart relaxes

VITAL #3 BLOOD PRESSURE Tools Sphygmomanometer (BP Cuff - Different sizes and stethoscope

80 120 VITAL #3 BLOOD PRESSURE Systolic Pressure: Pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts 120 mmHg 80 Diastolic Pressure: Pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes

Teenager/Adult = 120/80 mmHg VITAL #3 BLOOD PRESSURE Units: mmHg Normal BP Ranges: Baby/infant= 90/55 mmHg Child = 110/58 mmHg Teenager/Adult = 120/80 mmHg

Important to note! Hypertension – high blood pressure 140/90 mmHg +. High risk for blood clots, stroke or heart attack, arteries lined with fat Hypotension – low blood pressure 90/60 mmHg and below. May stop blood flow through kidneys, may cause shock or hemorrhaging. ONLY a concern if it cause signs or symptoms such as dizziness, virtigo and syncope (fainting)

VITAL #4 BODY TEMPERATURE 4 Sites 1. Oral “O” (mouth) 2. Tympanic “T” (ear) 3. Axillary “A” (armpit) 4. Rectal “R” (rectum)

VITAL #4 BODY TEMPERATURE Normal Range 36.5 - 37.5°C Documentation Site: O, T, R, A Temperature in degrees Celcius

Important to Note! Hypothermia – low body temperature below 35 degrees Celsius Hyperthermia – high body temperature above 40 degrees Celsius (can lead to stroke, heart attach, death)

TIME TO PUT IT ALL TOGETHER!!