1. VITAL SIGNS: T, P, R, & BP

2. Vital Signs ~ Temperature Pulse Respirations Blood Pressure
Signs that indicate that the body is functioning within normal limits.
Temperature
Pulse
Respirations
Blood Pressure

3. T, P, R, & BP
It is important to be accurate when taking vital signs and to record the results carefully.
Make sure your handwriting is legible, clear and easy to read!

4. Temperature Is a measure of body heat
The balance of heat produced and heat lost

5. Temperature is regulated by the hypothalamus
HYPOTHERMIA:
BELOW
UNDER
DECREASED
AFEBRILE!
HYPERTHERMIA:
ABOVE
OVER
INCREASED
FEBRILE!

6. Temperature increases due to:
Exercise
Digesting food
Illness
Infection

7. Temperature increases due to…
5. Increase in environmental temperature
6. Excitement
7. Anxiety
8. Head injuries (brain trauma)

8. Temperature decreases due to:
Sleep
Fasting
Exposure to cold
Depression

9. 5. Decreased muscle activity 6. Mouth breathing 7. Meditation 8
5. Decreased muscle activity 6. Mouth breathing 7. Meditation 8. Certain illnesses (viral)

10. Types of Thermometers:
Glass Thermometer
Aural (ear) Thermometer

11. Thermometers:
Electronic / Digital
Chemically treated paper or plastic

12. Sites for taking a temperature:
Oral (O) – Mouth
Axillary (ax) or (a) –Armpit
Rectal (R) – Rectum
Aural (t) - Ear
Normal temp. 98.6
Normal temp. 97.6
Normal temp. 99.6

13. Glass Thermometers:
Handle glass thermometers with care as they break easily.
You need to shake down the thermometer reading below the numbers and lines before using it.
Shake thermometer away for any hard surface such as counters and tables.
To shake thermometer down snap your wrist again and again.
Practice over a pillow or mattress.

14. Contradications for taking an (o) temperature
1. Oxygen 2. Paralysis of face 3. Unconscious 4. Seizures 5. Restless, confused, delirious or agitated patient

15. Contradictions for oral temperature taking
6. Mouth surgery 7. NG- tube in place 8. Can not breathe through nose 9. Stomatitis (sore or inflammation of the mouth 10. Infants < 3 yrs of age

16. What affects oral readings?
Drinking hot or cold fluids
Hot or cold compress to face
Smoking
Wait 10 minutes before taking temperature

17. Getting ready to take a temperature
Oral (o) 1. Wash hands 2. Assemble equipment Clean thermometer Alcohol wipes Watch with second hand 3. Identify the patient 4. Explain what you are going to do. 5. Remove thermometer 6. Check reading – glass thermometer should be below 95 degrees F

18. Taking temperature….
7. Ask if the patient has been smoking, eating or drinking recently. If “yes” wait 10 minutes before taking the temperature. 8. Place probe under the tongue; instruct to hold with closed lips 9. Leave in mouth 3 – 5 minutes 10. Remove from mouth 11. Wipe from stem to tip with alcohol wipe. ** NOT BACK AND FORTH**

19. Correct Placement of Thermometer

20. Reading thermometer
12. Read thermometer correctly. 13. Wash thermometer with cold water. 14. Put thermometer away. 15. Wash hands. 16. Record temperature accurately.

21. Axillary temperature (ax) or (a)
Follow same steps to prepare thermometer
Place thermometer probe under armpit
Leave in place 10 minutes
Follow steps for reading and cleaning thermometer

22. Aural temperature (t) Remove thermometer from holder
Get probe cover inside case and push it onto the ear piece

23. Push “ON” button below window.
Window displays ; then Not Ready – wait until it displays READY.

24. Pull ear up and back on adults – slowly wiggle probe into ear.
Push turquoise button on top of thermometer – hold and count – “one- one thousand”.
Release button

25. Remove from ear – read window and record reading.
Remove plastic ear probe cover – replace with new one.
Repeat steps with new partner.
It will shut itself OFF. Replace in holder.

26. Digital Thermometer Place plastic sheath on probe Push on button
Window shows = wait

27. Digital temperature taking
When you see “L” with a small flashing F in upper ® corner insert into mouth.
Wait until it beeps.
Read window . Shut off (push button)
Record temperature.