NURS 1710 Vital Signs Notea

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