Questions And Answers202
Vital Signs includes: - Answer - Temperature, pulse, respiration rate, and blood pressure which are
indicators of health status.
Measurement of vital signs provides baseline data on : - Answer - the patient's state of health &
identifying undiagnosed medical problems
When to take Vital Signs - Answer - - Before the administration of a local anesthetic agent or nitrous
oxide-oxygen analgesia
-Before during, and after surgical procedure
-If a patient reports symptoms that indicate a potential emergency situation or when a medical
emergency is in progress
Vital Signs: Temperature - Answer - -Most common method is with a glass thermometer
-Liquid inside the thermometer expands when exposed to body heat
-Liquid column should be below 94°F to begin
-Use a rapid snapping motion with the wrist
Equipment needed for taking the temperature - Answer - -Mercury-free thermometer
-Tissue
-Disposable sheath
-Watch or clock with second hand
-Pen or computer keyboard for recording
Procedure before taking temperature - Answer - -Question patient about having had anything hot or cold
to drink within 30 minutes of assessment
-Wash hands
, -Explain procedure to patient
-Shake liquid level to below 94°F
-Place sheath over thermometer
-Place thermometer bulb under patient's tongue
-Leave in place for 3 to 5 minutes
-Remove thermometer from mouth
-Discard sheath
-Read thermometer to nearest 10th of a degree
-After reading, place thermometer on a barrier in a safe place
-Wash hands
-Record reading
-Report abnormal findings
Process of taking temperature - Answer - -Explain the Procedure
-Cover Thermometer with a Sheath
-Position Bulb under Tongue
-Read the Temperature
Maintenance of Thermometer - Answer - -Wash in lukewarm soapy water
-Rinse in cold water
-Dry
-Disinfect
-Place in storage container
What is Normal? - Answer - Normal ADULT temperature is:
Anywhere from 96 to 99.6°F
OR 35.5 to 37.5°C
Average normal oral temperature is 98.6°F or 37°C
"Normal" varies from person to person