1. TPJ3M VITAL SIGNS

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. VITAL #1 HEART RATE (HR) Units: HR is measured in beats
per minute (BPM)
Normal HR Ranges:
Infant = BPM
Child = BPM
Adult = BPM

7. 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

8. 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

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

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

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

12. 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

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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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)

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

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

19. 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)

20. TIME TO PUT IT ALL TOGETHER!!