1. Other Important Measurements
Vital Signs
4 Major
Other Important Measurements
Temperature
Pulse
Respiration
Blood Pressure
Pain Scale
Color of Skin
Pupil Size
Pupil Reactivity
Level of Consciousness
Response to Stimuli

2. TEMPERATURE

3. Body Temperature
A measurement of the balance heat lost and heat produced by the body.
Can be measured in mouth (oral), the rectum (rectal), the armpit (axillary), and the ear (aural) Forehead (Temporal)

4. The loss and production of HEAT!!!!!
Loss: perspiration, respiration, and excretion
Production: metabolism of food and muscle and gland activity
Why is temperature important?

5. Variations in Temp Normal Range: 97-100 degrees Fahrenheit
Individual differences: bodily processes (slow/fast)
Time of the day: morning vs. evening
Body Sites:
Oral
Rectal
Axillary
Aural
Temporal

6. Changes in Body Temperature
Increases
Decreases
Hypothermia: low body temp (below 95) death usually occurs at below 93
Hyperthermia: high body temp (above 104) convulsions, brain damage or death can occur above 106
(Pyrexia) Fever: elevated body temperature (101 degrees)
Febrile=fever
Afebrile=no fever

7. Temp. Continued Different readings can indicate disease
Most temperature is measured in degree
Fahrenheit vs. Celsius- Conversion may be necessary.
Normal Range: F – 99 F equivalent to 36.5 C-37.2 C

8. Pulse
The pressure of blood exerted against the wall of an artery as the heart contracts and relaxes.
Rate= BPM (beats per minute)
Rhythm= regularity
Volume= strength
Apical Pulse: taken at the apex of the heart

9. Pulses: Ranges Normal ( regular) 60-100 bpm Should be regular
Measure for 30 secs and time by 2 for bpm.
Abnormal ( Irregular)
Below 60 Bradycardia
Above 100 Tachycardia
Abnormal rhythms etc.
A Fib

10. Respirations Breathing rate of person Rhythm/Rate= regularity
Character= type

11. Respiratory Rates Normal ( Eupnea) 12-20 respirations per minute
Type: Regular
Unlabored
Abnormal ( dyspnea, apnea)
Below 12 bradypnea
Above 20 Tachypnea

12. Blood Pressure
The force exerted by the blood against the arterial walls when the heart contracts or relaxes.

13. Systolic/Diastolic Pressure
Systolic –measurement of max. force exerted on arterial walls when heart contracts. (gushing sound in stethoscope)
First sound you hear
Diastolic –measurement of force in arteries during relaxation of heart. (Lowest pressure) Also measures resistance in arteries.
Last sound you hear

14. Blood Pressure Ranges Normal Normal blood pressure Systolic 100 to 119
Diastolic 60 to 79
Abnormal
Pre hypertension
Systolic 120 to 139
Diastolic 80 to 89

15. Hypertension

16. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
140/95 possible hypertension
(1 case) Arteriosclerosis “artery hardening”- decreased elasticity of arterial walls and narrowed lumens increase blood pressure.
As heart works overtime, the heart enlarges, muscle thickens and the heart becomes less efficient and damaged.

17. HYPERTENSION STAGE ONE Systolic140-159 Diastolic 90-99 STAGE TWO
Systolic 160 or higher
Diastolic 100 or higher

18. HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS Systolic 180 or above Diastolic 110 or above
Cardiovascular disorders
Neurological conditions
Kidney and urological disorders

19. HYPOTENSION
Systolic less than 90
Diastolic less than 60

20. OXYGEN SATURATION

21. Oxygen Saturation
Oxygen Saturation provides important information about oxygen perfusion
Normal levels %
Make sure patient has no nail polish on
Make sure hand is flat on table
Capillary refill should be less than 3 seconds.