Vital Signs Vital Signs

Homeostasis – a state of equilibrium within the body maintained through the adaptation of body systems to change in either the internal or external environment In English – a constant internal environment

Areas of the brain monitor conditions in the body at all times When a change is detected, a response from the appropriate body system is stimulated Example: When oxygen levels decrease, breathing increases When illness or injury occurs, the ability to maintain homeostasis is impaired

Vital signs – assessments of pulse, respiration, blood pressure and body temperature Vital Signs can change as body reacts to injury or illness

Pulse Pulse: a quantitative measurement of the using the fingers to palpate an artery Every time your heart beats – blood vessels expand and contract Waves of blood cause a throbbing in the arteries

Veins – carry deoxygenated blood to the heart Arteries – carry oxygenated blood from the heart

The pulse reflects the condition of the circulatory system and cardiac function A rapid but weak pulse may indicate shock, bleeding, diabetic coma, or heat exhaustion Rapid & strong – heat stroke, severe fright Strong & Slow – skull fracture or stroke No pulse – cardiac arrest or death

Pulse rates vary due to a persons size, physical condition and age Recorded beats per minute Normal adult is 60-100 bpm Average 70-80 bpm Tachycardia – above 100 bpm Bradycardia – below 60 bpm

Highly trained athletes typically have a lower resting pulse rate (50-60) Why? Heart receives more exercise Exercise allows heart to become stronger and more efficient, sending more oxygen with each beat

Rhythm (bpm) – described as regular or irregular Quality – refers to the strength Weak or strong Thready – weak and rapid Bounding - full and strong When taking pulse – make note of rhythm, AND the strength or quality

Where to take the pulse Radial pulse – wrist Carotid Pulse – neck Apical Pulse – on the heart

Other Pulse sites Temporal Artery – generally not used Brachial Artery – used when taking blood pressure Femoral Artery – check circulation in legs Popliteal Artery – check circulation in lower legs Dorsalis Pedis – check circulation in feet

Measuring Pulse Only need to wear gloves if area is bloody Have person remain in position, if they just moved, then wait a few minutes Tell person what you are doing Face their palm of hand downward If they are laying down, place hand on chest Place the pads of your 2 fingers directly over the radial artery Don’t push too hard

Look the second hand on watch, and start counting Typically count for 1 minute, but you can count for less and do the math If irregular – then count again for a full minute Measurement Pulse = _____, regular/irregular, strong, weak Example: 70 bpm, regular, strong

Using Carotid Artery Typically used when person is in cardiac arrest Check both sides Sometimes stroke victims only have pulse on one side Typically only record bpm