Chapter 12: Vital Signs
Homeostasis-
A state of equilibrium within the body maintained through the adaptation of body
systems to changes in either the internal or external environment
Vital Signs -
Assessments of pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and temperature: body functions
essential to life
Why take vital signs?
Shows function of body systems; provides data of pt;s overall condition; provides a
baseline to compare changes
Pulse -
m
er as
A vital sign: a quantitative measurement of the heartbeat using the fingers to palpate an
co
artery or a stethoscope to listen to the heartbeat
eH w
-Based on BPM, use fingers not thumb
o.
Shell temperature - rs e
ou urc
Warmth at the skin surface
o
Core temperature -
aC s
warmth in deeper sites within the body like the brain and heart
vi y re
Fahrenheit scale -
A scale that uses 32°F as the temperature at which water freezes and 212°F as the
point at which it boils.
ed d
ar stu
Centigrade scale -
a scale that uses 0°C as the temperature at which water freezes and 100° as the point
at which it boils
is
Th
Hypothalamus -
a structure within the brain that helps control various metabolic activities. (acts as the
center for temperature regulation).
sh
anterior hypothalamus -
promotes heat loss through vasodilation and sweating
This study source was downloaded by 100000828837662 from CourseHero.com on 09-10-2021 12:57:40 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/89611092/Chapter-12-Vital-Signs-Google-Docspdf/
, posterior hypothalamus -
promotes two functions: heat conservation and heat production. By adjusting where
blood circulates; causing piloerection; promoting a shivering response
Piloerection -
The contraction of Vitarrector pili muscles in skin follicles, which stiffens body hairs and
gives the appearance of what commonly is described as "goose flesh"
Set point -
an optimal body temperature
If temperature exceed 110°F(43.3°C) or fall below 84°F(28.8°C)
The chance of survival is diminished
m
er as
Afebrile -
co
eH w
Without fever.
o.
Febrile -
rs e
ou urc
fever
Pyrexia -
o
Another name for fever
aC s
vi y re
Febrile/ pyrexia
Body's natural defense against infections
ed d
Hyperthermia -
ar stu
a fever above 105.8°F (40.6°C)
Hypothermia -
is
temperature below 95°F (35°C)
Th
Homeothermic -
Body temp. is kept within a narrow
sh
stable range by structural and physiologic adaptations made by the body.
Food intake -
Has effects on oral temperature; So have to WAIT at least 30 minutes after intake
This study source was downloaded by 100000828837662 from CourseHero.com on 09-10-2021 12:57:40 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/89611092/Chapter-12-Vital-Signs-Google-Docspdf/
Homeostasis-
A state of equilibrium within the body maintained through the adaptation of body
systems to changes in either the internal or external environment
Vital Signs -
Assessments of pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and temperature: body functions
essential to life
Why take vital signs?
Shows function of body systems; provides data of pt;s overall condition; provides a
baseline to compare changes
Pulse -
m
er as
A vital sign: a quantitative measurement of the heartbeat using the fingers to palpate an
co
artery or a stethoscope to listen to the heartbeat
eH w
-Based on BPM, use fingers not thumb
o.
Shell temperature - rs e
ou urc
Warmth at the skin surface
o
Core temperature -
aC s
warmth in deeper sites within the body like the brain and heart
vi y re
Fahrenheit scale -
A scale that uses 32°F as the temperature at which water freezes and 212°F as the
point at which it boils.
ed d
ar stu
Centigrade scale -
a scale that uses 0°C as the temperature at which water freezes and 100° as the point
at which it boils
is
Th
Hypothalamus -
a structure within the brain that helps control various metabolic activities. (acts as the
center for temperature regulation).
sh
anterior hypothalamus -
promotes heat loss through vasodilation and sweating
This study source was downloaded by 100000828837662 from CourseHero.com on 09-10-2021 12:57:40 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/89611092/Chapter-12-Vital-Signs-Google-Docspdf/
, posterior hypothalamus -
promotes two functions: heat conservation and heat production. By adjusting where
blood circulates; causing piloerection; promoting a shivering response
Piloerection -
The contraction of Vitarrector pili muscles in skin follicles, which stiffens body hairs and
gives the appearance of what commonly is described as "goose flesh"
Set point -
an optimal body temperature
If temperature exceed 110°F(43.3°C) or fall below 84°F(28.8°C)
The chance of survival is diminished
m
er as
Afebrile -
co
eH w
Without fever.
o.
Febrile -
rs e
ou urc
fever
Pyrexia -
o
Another name for fever
aC s
vi y re
Febrile/ pyrexia
Body's natural defense against infections
ed d
Hyperthermia -
ar stu
a fever above 105.8°F (40.6°C)
Hypothermia -
is
temperature below 95°F (35°C)
Th
Homeothermic -
Body temp. is kept within a narrow
sh
stable range by structural and physiologic adaptations made by the body.
Food intake -
Has effects on oral temperature; So have to WAIT at least 30 minutes after intake
This study source was downloaded by 100000828837662 from CourseHero.com on 09-10-2021 12:57:40 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/89611092/Chapter-12-Vital-Signs-Google-Docspdf/
