1. Vital Signs
Vital Signs

2. Homeostasis – a state of equilibrium within the body maintained through the adaptation of body systems to change in either the internal or external environment
In English – a constant internal environment

3. Areas of the brain monitor conditions in the body at all times
When a change is detected, a response from the appropriate body system is stimulated
Example: When oxygen levels decrease, breathing increases
When illness or injury occurs, the ability to maintain homeostasis is impaired

4. Vital signs – assessments of pulse, respiration, blood pressure and body temperature
Vital Signs can change as body reacts to injury or illness

5. Pulse
Pulse: a quantitative measurement of the using the fingers to palpate an artery
Every time your heart beats – blood vessels expand and contract
Waves of blood cause a throbbing in the arteries

6. Veins – carry deoxygenated blood to the heart
Arteries – carry oxygenated blood from the heart

7. The pulse reflects the condition of the circulatory system and cardiac function
A rapid but weak pulse may indicate shock, bleeding, diabetic coma, or heat exhaustion
Rapid & strong – heat stroke, severe fright
Strong & Slow – skull fracture or stroke
No pulse – cardiac arrest or death

9. Pulse rates vary due to a persons size, physical condition and age
Recorded beats per minute
Normal adult is bpm
Average bpm
Tachycardia – above 100 bpm
Bradycardia – below 60 bpm

10. Highly trained athletes typically have a lower resting pulse rate (50-60)
Why?
Heart receives more exercise
Exercise allows heart to become stronger and more efficient, sending more oxygen with each beat

11. Rhythm (bpm) – described as regular or irregular
Quality – refers to the strength
Weak or strong
Thready – weak and rapid
Bounding - full and strong
When taking pulse – make note of rhythm, AND the strength or quality

12. Where to take the pulse Radial pulse – wrist Carotid Pulse – neck
Apical Pulse – on the heart

13. Other Pulse sites Temporal Artery – generally not used
Brachial Artery – used when taking blood pressure
Femoral Artery – check circulation in legs
Popliteal Artery – check circulation in lower legs
Dorsalis Pedis – check circulation in feet

14. Measuring Pulse Only need to wear gloves if area is bloody
Have person remain in position, if they just moved, then wait a few minutes
Tell person what you are doing
Face their palm of hand downward
If they are laying down, place hand on chest
Place the pads of your 2 fingers directly over the radial artery
Don’t push too hard

15. Look the second hand on watch, and start counting
Typically count for 1 minute, but you can count for less and do the math
If irregular – then count again for a full minute
Measurement
Pulse = _____, regular/irregular, strong, weak
Example: 70 bpm, regular, strong

16. Using Carotid Artery Typically used when person is in cardiac arrest
Check both sides
Sometimes stroke victims only have pulse on one side
Typically only record bpm