Chapter 15 Vital Signs
- Vital Signs
Frequently measured vital signs include:
o Temperature
o Pulse
o Respiration
o Blood pressure
o Oxygen saturation
o Pain
Vital signs are used to:
o Monitor patient’s condition
o Identify problems
o Evaluate response to intervention
- Guidelines for Measuring Vital Signs
1. Delegate appropriately
2. Assess condition of equipment
3. Select appropriate equipment
4. Know your patient’s normal vital signs range
5. Know your patient’s medical history
6. Control or minimize environmental factors
7. Work systematically
8. Collaborate with the health care provider
9. Analyze results
10. Verify, communicate, and document signs
- Body Temperature
Formula
o Heat produced − Heat lost = Body temperature
Acceptable temperature range
o 96.8° F to 100.4° F or 36° C to 38° C
Temperatures vary
o Age and gender
o Time of day
o Measurement site
Core temperature remains relatively constant
- Temperature Cycle
, - Hypothalamic Temperature Control
- Body Temperature Regulation
- Heat Loss
Radiation: transfer of heat between 2 objects without physical contact
Conduction: transfer of heat from one object to another with direct contact
Convection: transfer of heat away from body by air movement
- Patterns of Fever
- Temperature Alterations
Fever (pyrexia) is a defense mechanism
o Febrile/afebrile
o Pyrogens
o Treatment
o Hypersensitivity
o Children
o Antipyretics
- Vital Signs
Frequently measured vital signs include:
o Temperature
o Pulse
o Respiration
o Blood pressure
o Oxygen saturation
o Pain
Vital signs are used to:
o Monitor patient’s condition
o Identify problems
o Evaluate response to intervention
- Guidelines for Measuring Vital Signs
1. Delegate appropriately
2. Assess condition of equipment
3. Select appropriate equipment
4. Know your patient’s normal vital signs range
5. Know your patient’s medical history
6. Control or minimize environmental factors
7. Work systematically
8. Collaborate with the health care provider
9. Analyze results
10. Verify, communicate, and document signs
- Body Temperature
Formula
o Heat produced − Heat lost = Body temperature
Acceptable temperature range
o 96.8° F to 100.4° F or 36° C to 38° C
Temperatures vary
o Age and gender
o Time of day
o Measurement site
Core temperature remains relatively constant
- Temperature Cycle
, - Hypothalamic Temperature Control
- Body Temperature Regulation
- Heat Loss
Radiation: transfer of heat between 2 objects without physical contact
Conduction: transfer of heat from one object to another with direct contact
Convection: transfer of heat away from body by air movement
- Patterns of Fever
- Temperature Alterations
Fever (pyrexia) is a defense mechanism
o Febrile/afebrile
o Pyrogens
o Treatment
o Hypersensitivity
o Children
o Antipyretics
