NURSING FUNDAMENTALS WEEK 1 LATEST VERSION
Abnormal elevation of the temperature of the body above 37
Pyrexia
degrees C (98.6 degrees F) because of disease; same as fever.
Pulse Pressure Difference between systolic and diastolic pressure; normally 30 to
40 mm Hg
Condition that exists when the radial pulse is less than the ven-
tricular rate as auscultated at the apex or seen on an electrocar-
Pulse Deficit
diogram. The condition indicates a lack of peripheral perfusion for
some of the heart contractions.
(1) Passage of a fluid through a specific organ or an area of the
Perfusion body. (2) Therapeutic measure whereby a drug intended for an
isolated part of the body is introduced via the bloodstream.
Oxygen Saturation Percentage of hemoglobin that is bound to oxygen
Orthostatic hypotension AN ABNORMAL DECREASE IN BLOOD PRESSURE WHEN A
PERSON STANDS UP
Sound heard during the taking of blood pressure using a sphyg-
Korotkoff Sound
momanometer and stethoscope.
Abnormal lowering of the body temp below 35* C or 95* F usually
Hypothermia
caused by prolonged exposure to cold
Abnormal lowering of blood pressure that is inadequate for normal
Hypotension
perfusion and oxygenation of tissues.
elevated body temperature due to failed thermoregulation that
hyperthermia occurs when a body produces or absorbs more heat than it dissi-
pates.
Disorder characterized by an elevated blood pressure persistently
hypertension
exceeding 120/80 mmHg
continued exposure to extreme heat raising the core body temper-
heat stroke
ature to 40.5 degrees C (105 degrees F) or higher. life threatening
elevation in the hypothalamic set point, so that body temperature
fever
is regulated at a higher level.
febrile pertaining to fever or elevated body temperature
Normal, quiet breathing at a rate of 12 to 20 breaths per minute in
eupnea
adults.
dysrythmia deviation from the normal pattern of the heartbeat
Pressure in the arterial system when the heart relaxes and fills
diastolic pressure
with blood during Diastole.
contain a probe connected to a microprocessor chip, which trans-
lates signals into degrees and sends a temperature measurement
digital thermometers
to a digital display. A digital thermometer can be used for oral,
rectal, and axillary measurements.
hematocrit (f) 37-47% ; (m) 42-52 %
rely on thermal radiation from the ear canal, tympanic membrane,
infrared thermometer
axilla, and temporal artery to measure body temperature.
the production of body heat by means other than shivering; occurs
primary in neonates, b/c neonates cannot shiver, a limited amount
non-shivering thermogenesis
of vascular brown adipose tissue present at birth can be metabo-
lized for heat production.
vasoconstriction A narrowing of the diameter of a blood vessel.
vasodilation A widening of the diameter of a blood vessel.
the temperature of the deep tissues of the body (e.g., thorax,
core temperature abdominal cavity); relatively constant during sleep, exposure to
cold, and strenuous exercise at 36-38°C (96.8-100.4°F)
1/8
, NURSING FUNDAMENTALS WEEK 1 LATEST VERSION
temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and oxygen sat-
vital signs
uration. *pain is the 6th vital sign
Another term for breathing that includes both inspiration and ex-
ventilation
piration; process of respiration.
tachypnea Abnormally rapid rate of breathing
Abnormally rapid regular heartbeat between 100-150
tachycardia
beats/minute.
A device that is used to measure the arterial blood pressure. The
sphygmomanometer consists of an arm or leg cuff, connected to
sphygmomanometer
bladder and a gauge for indicating the amount of air pressure
being exerted against the artery.
systolic pressure Blood pressure in the arteries during contraction of the ventricles.
afebrile without fever
antipyretic Substance or procedure that reduces fever
Heartbeat as listened to with the bell or diaphragm placed on the
apical pulse
apex of the heart
apnea Cessation of airflow through the nose and mouth
Disappearance of sound when obtaining a blood pressure; typi-
auscultatory gap
cally occurs between the first and second Korotkoff sounds.
bradycardia Abnormally slow heart rate; a pulse below 60 beats per minute
bradypnea Abnormally slow rate of breathing.
The secretion of sweat, especially profuse secretion associated
diaphoresis
with an elevated body temp, physical exertion, or emotional stress.
a. Generally, an individual who has a blood pressure reading of
above 120/80 mm Hg to 139/89 mm Hg on repeated assessments
You are volunteering at a community health fair. You have been
should be referred for medical follow-up. An average of two or more
asked to take blood pressure (BP) readings for the residents
systolic readings higher than 140 mm Hg and diastolic readings
participating in the event.
higher than 90 mm Hg are usually indicative of hypertension.
a. What blood pressure readings indicate that follow up care be
b. Additional information should be noted, such as the arm used
recommended?
and the position (e.g., sitting, standing, lying down) of the pa-
b. What other information may be obtained from a patient while
tient during the measurement, previous blood pressure readings,
taking the blood pressure reading?
known medical problems, and any medical care being received
and medications being taken by the patient.
a. The patient's pulse rate and blood pressure reading may be
obtained in the lower extremities. The pulses available include the
You are assigned to an orthopedic unit in the medical center. A femoral, popliteal, posterior tibial, and dorsalis pedis. The blood
patient was involved in an automobile accident and has bilateral pressure is assessed by placing the thigh-sized cuff over the
casts on the upper arms. posterior aspect of the middle thigh region while the patient is
a. in the prone position. The popliteal artery is used for palpation
How will you obtain the patient's pulse rate and blood pressure?
and auscultation of the blood pressure. Measurement in the lower
extremities may be 10 to 40 mm Hg higher in the systolic reading
than that of the upper extremities.
a. A febrile patient may exhibit the following signs and symptoms:
Increased body temperature
Flushed, dry, warm skin
Chills
You have just started your shift at the extended care facility. The Feeling of malaise
nurse reporting off identifies that one of your assigned patents is Tachycardia
febrile.
a. What signs and symptoms do you expect to find with a patient b. Nursing interventions for febrile patients may include:
who is febrile? Assessment of vital signs, especially temperature
b. What interventions are indicated for febrile patients? Observation of patient response, including skin color and temper-
ature, and chills
Promotion of patient comfort, responding to chills, thirst
Collection of appropriate specimens, such as blood cultures
Promotion of rest and reduction of activities that increase heat
2/8
Abnormal elevation of the temperature of the body above 37
Pyrexia
degrees C (98.6 degrees F) because of disease; same as fever.
Pulse Pressure Difference between systolic and diastolic pressure; normally 30 to
40 mm Hg
Condition that exists when the radial pulse is less than the ven-
tricular rate as auscultated at the apex or seen on an electrocar-
Pulse Deficit
diogram. The condition indicates a lack of peripheral perfusion for
some of the heart contractions.
(1) Passage of a fluid through a specific organ or an area of the
Perfusion body. (2) Therapeutic measure whereby a drug intended for an
isolated part of the body is introduced via the bloodstream.
Oxygen Saturation Percentage of hemoglobin that is bound to oxygen
Orthostatic hypotension AN ABNORMAL DECREASE IN BLOOD PRESSURE WHEN A
PERSON STANDS UP
Sound heard during the taking of blood pressure using a sphyg-
Korotkoff Sound
momanometer and stethoscope.
Abnormal lowering of the body temp below 35* C or 95* F usually
Hypothermia
caused by prolonged exposure to cold
Abnormal lowering of blood pressure that is inadequate for normal
Hypotension
perfusion and oxygenation of tissues.
elevated body temperature due to failed thermoregulation that
hyperthermia occurs when a body produces or absorbs more heat than it dissi-
pates.
Disorder characterized by an elevated blood pressure persistently
hypertension
exceeding 120/80 mmHg
continued exposure to extreme heat raising the core body temper-
heat stroke
ature to 40.5 degrees C (105 degrees F) or higher. life threatening
elevation in the hypothalamic set point, so that body temperature
fever
is regulated at a higher level.
febrile pertaining to fever or elevated body temperature
Normal, quiet breathing at a rate of 12 to 20 breaths per minute in
eupnea
adults.
dysrythmia deviation from the normal pattern of the heartbeat
Pressure in the arterial system when the heart relaxes and fills
diastolic pressure
with blood during Diastole.
contain a probe connected to a microprocessor chip, which trans-
lates signals into degrees and sends a temperature measurement
digital thermometers
to a digital display. A digital thermometer can be used for oral,
rectal, and axillary measurements.
hematocrit (f) 37-47% ; (m) 42-52 %
rely on thermal radiation from the ear canal, tympanic membrane,
infrared thermometer
axilla, and temporal artery to measure body temperature.
the production of body heat by means other than shivering; occurs
primary in neonates, b/c neonates cannot shiver, a limited amount
non-shivering thermogenesis
of vascular brown adipose tissue present at birth can be metabo-
lized for heat production.
vasoconstriction A narrowing of the diameter of a blood vessel.
vasodilation A widening of the diameter of a blood vessel.
the temperature of the deep tissues of the body (e.g., thorax,
core temperature abdominal cavity); relatively constant during sleep, exposure to
cold, and strenuous exercise at 36-38°C (96.8-100.4°F)
1/8
, NURSING FUNDAMENTALS WEEK 1 LATEST VERSION
temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and oxygen sat-
vital signs
uration. *pain is the 6th vital sign
Another term for breathing that includes both inspiration and ex-
ventilation
piration; process of respiration.
tachypnea Abnormally rapid rate of breathing
Abnormally rapid regular heartbeat between 100-150
tachycardia
beats/minute.
A device that is used to measure the arterial blood pressure. The
sphygmomanometer consists of an arm or leg cuff, connected to
sphygmomanometer
bladder and a gauge for indicating the amount of air pressure
being exerted against the artery.
systolic pressure Blood pressure in the arteries during contraction of the ventricles.
afebrile without fever
antipyretic Substance or procedure that reduces fever
Heartbeat as listened to with the bell or diaphragm placed on the
apical pulse
apex of the heart
apnea Cessation of airflow through the nose and mouth
Disappearance of sound when obtaining a blood pressure; typi-
auscultatory gap
cally occurs between the first and second Korotkoff sounds.
bradycardia Abnormally slow heart rate; a pulse below 60 beats per minute
bradypnea Abnormally slow rate of breathing.
The secretion of sweat, especially profuse secretion associated
diaphoresis
with an elevated body temp, physical exertion, or emotional stress.
a. Generally, an individual who has a blood pressure reading of
above 120/80 mm Hg to 139/89 mm Hg on repeated assessments
You are volunteering at a community health fair. You have been
should be referred for medical follow-up. An average of two or more
asked to take blood pressure (BP) readings for the residents
systolic readings higher than 140 mm Hg and diastolic readings
participating in the event.
higher than 90 mm Hg are usually indicative of hypertension.
a. What blood pressure readings indicate that follow up care be
b. Additional information should be noted, such as the arm used
recommended?
and the position (e.g., sitting, standing, lying down) of the pa-
b. What other information may be obtained from a patient while
tient during the measurement, previous blood pressure readings,
taking the blood pressure reading?
known medical problems, and any medical care being received
and medications being taken by the patient.
a. The patient's pulse rate and blood pressure reading may be
obtained in the lower extremities. The pulses available include the
You are assigned to an orthopedic unit in the medical center. A femoral, popliteal, posterior tibial, and dorsalis pedis. The blood
patient was involved in an automobile accident and has bilateral pressure is assessed by placing the thigh-sized cuff over the
casts on the upper arms. posterior aspect of the middle thigh region while the patient is
a. in the prone position. The popliteal artery is used for palpation
How will you obtain the patient's pulse rate and blood pressure?
and auscultation of the blood pressure. Measurement in the lower
extremities may be 10 to 40 mm Hg higher in the systolic reading
than that of the upper extremities.
a. A febrile patient may exhibit the following signs and symptoms:
Increased body temperature
Flushed, dry, warm skin
Chills
You have just started your shift at the extended care facility. The Feeling of malaise
nurse reporting off identifies that one of your assigned patents is Tachycardia
febrile.
a. What signs and symptoms do you expect to find with a patient b. Nursing interventions for febrile patients may include:
who is febrile? Assessment of vital signs, especially temperature
b. What interventions are indicated for febrile patients? Observation of patient response, including skin color and temper-
ature, and chills
Promotion of patient comfort, responding to chills, thirst
Collection of appropriate specimens, such as blood cultures
Promotion of rest and reduction of activities that increase heat
2/8
