VITAL SIGNS Vital signs are measures of various physiological statistics, often taken by health professionals, in order to assess the most basic body functions. Vital signs are an essential part of a case presentation. The act of taking vital signs normally entails recording Body temperature, Pulse rate (or heart rate), Blood pressure, and Respiratory rate http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vital_signs

HOMEOSTASIS Homeostasis refers to stable operating conditions in the internal environment (in the blood and interstitial fluid). This is how the human body maintains a rather constant internal environment despite changing external conditions. It is brought about by coordinated activities of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems

Febrile, pyrexia or hyperthermia VITAL SIGNS MEASUREMENTS ARE THE CLUE AS TO THE BODY’S CONDITION OF HOMEOSTASIS Temperature lowest in morning highest in evening oral 96.8-99.8 F rectal higher (0.5 to1.0 F) Diaphoretic Febrile, pyrexia or hyperthermia

MORE VITAL SIGNS Pulse--- normal 60-100 Weak or “thready” pulse Heart not pumping enough blood Tachycardia - Greater than 100 BPM Nervousness Anxiety Excitability Damaged heard Interference with oxygen supply (respiration) Blood loss Shock

BLOOD PRESSURE Blood pressure (BP) is the pressure exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels, and is one of the principal vital signs. For each heartbeat, BP varies between a maximum (systolic) and a minimum (diastolic) pressure. The mean BP decreases as the circulating blood moves away from the heart through arteries, has its greatest decrease as the blood moves through the small arteries and arterioles, and continues to decrease as the blood moves through the capillaries and back to the heart through veins.[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_pressure

Blood Pressure Normal range systolic –first number Measure of the pumping action of the heart 120 mm HG or below Diastolic Ability of the arterial system to accept the pulse of blood forced into the system when the left ventricle contracts 60-75 mm HG Hypertension Aging, poor diet, high cholesterol, Pain, reaction to anxiety, kidney disease Can lead to CVA (stroke) or congestive heart failure Hypotension from shock

Taking a blood pressure http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6s aTO8_o2g

SHOCK “Failure of circulation in which blood pressure is inadequate to support oxygen perfusion of vital tissues and is unable to remove by-products of metabolism.” Erhlich Patient Care in Radiography Dangerous Potentially fatal Signs Pallor Pulse? Increase or decrease? Respirations increased Blood pressure- increase or decrease?

HOW DO I RECOGNIZE SHOCK?

CAUSES? INJURIES DRUG REACTIONS DIABETES ILLNESSES Bacterial infections Blood loss

Syncope Very mild form of shock Caused by Fright Pain Unpleasant events NPO Vertigo????

Psychologic shock Mental trauma Sudden changes in mood and behavior long after the traumatic event

WHAT DO I DO?-SHOCK/VERTIGO Familiarize yourself with the location of equipment Assist the patient to lie down. Elevate the feet Call for help! 911 If you are only assistant, take blood pressure/pulse Be ready to take CPR Document