Vital signsVital signs

OutlineOutline

Vital Signs DefinitionVital Signs Definition

TemperatureTemperature

Pulse RatePulse Rate

Respiratory RateRespiratory Rate

Blood PressureBlood Pressure

Pain Pain

Vital signVital sign

physical signs that physical signs that provide data to provide data to determine a person’s determine a person’s state of health state of health

indicate an indicate an individual is individual is alivealive, such as , such as temperature, pulse temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate rate, respiratory rate (TPR), and blood (TPR), and blood pressure (BP). pressure (BP).

Measuring Body TemperatureMeasuring Body Temperature

Purposes 1-To establish baseline data for subsequent evaluation .2-To identify whether the core body temperature is within normal range .3-To determine changes in the core body temperature in response to specific therapies ( antipyretic medication , immunosuppressive drugs, invasive procedure )4-To monitor clients at risk for imbalanced body temperature ( clients at risk for infection , or diagnosis of infection , or those who have been exposed to temperature extreme)

Types of ThermometersTypes of Thermometers

Electronic thermometersElectronic thermometers

Provide readings in less than Provide readings in less than 60 seconds 60 seconds

most accurate if placed in most accurate if placed in sublingual pocketsublingual pocket

There is a sensor on the end There is a sensor on the end of the thermometer that touches of the thermometer that touches the body part and reads the the body part and reads the body’s temperature. body’s temperature.

Tympanic membrane Tympanic membrane thermometer thermometer

measures the temperature inside measures the temperature inside of the ear. of the ear.

It will read the infrared heat that It will read the infrared heat that comes from inside of the ear. comes from inside of the ear.

Especially appropriate for infants Especially appropriate for infants and young childrenand young children

Readings are obtained in 2 Readings are obtained in 2 seconds or lessseconds or less

Types of ThermometersTypes of Thermometers

Glass and mercury thermometersGlass and mercury thermometers

a glass tube with mercury inside of the a glass tube with mercury inside of the tube. tube.

The tube goes underneath the tongue The tube goes underneath the tongue and the body temperature will cause and the body temperature will cause the mercury to rise inside the tube. the mercury to rise inside the tube.

DO NOT just throw away a mercury DO NOT just throw away a mercury thermometer. thermometer.

Types of ThermometersTypes of Thermometers

Sites for taking the TemperatureSites for taking the TemperatureSITE ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

ORAL Accessible and convenientThermometers can be broken Inaccurate if client has just ingested hot or cold fluid, or smoked

     

RECTAL Reliable measurement

Inconvenient and more unpleasant; difficult for client who cannot turn to sideCould injure the rectum following surgeryPresence of stool may interfere with thermometer placement

     AXILLARY Safe and noninvasive Thermometer must be left in place for a long time

     

TYMPANIC MEMBRANES

Readily accessible; reflects the core

temperature, very fast

Can be uncomfortable and involves risk of injuring the membrane if inserted too farPresence of cerumen can affect the reading

     

TEMPORAL ARTERY Safe and non invasive ,

very fast

Requires electronic equipment (expensive / unavailable) ;Variation in technique if the client has perspiration on the forehead 

Sites for taking theTemperatureSites for taking theTemperature

Assessment :Assessment :Assessment :Assessment :

1-Clinical signs of fever .1-Clinical signs of fever .

2-Clinical signs of hypothermia 2-Clinical signs of hypothermia

3-Site most appropriate for measurement .3-Site most appropriate for measurement .

4-Factors that may alter body temperature. 4-Factors that may alter body temperature.

Planning Planning Planning Planning Preparation of equipment :

1-Thermometer

2-Thermometer cover .

3-Water- soluble lubricant for a rectal temperature .

4-Disposable gloves .

5- Towel for axillary temperature .

6-Tissue /wipes

Preparation of equipment :

1-Thermometer

2-Thermometer cover .

3-Water- soluble lubricant for a rectal temperature .

4-Disposable gloves .

5- Towel for axillary temperature .

6-Tissue /wipes

Implementation Implementation

Preparation:Check that all equipments functioning well .Performance :1- Introduce self , verify the client’s identity , explain to the client what will you do, why and how ? 2- Hand washing .3-Provide for client’s privacy .4-Position the patient according to the method will be practiced ( lateral or sim’s position for rectal temperature )5-Place the thermometer as the following :

Preparation:Check that all equipments functioning well .Performance :1- Introduce self , verify the client’s identity , explain to the client what will you do, why and how ? 2- Hand washing .3-Provide for client’s privacy .4-Position the patient according to the method will be practiced ( lateral or sim’s position for rectal temperature )5-Place the thermometer as the following :

Evaluation Evaluation Evaluation Evaluation

Compare the temperature measurement to baseline data , normal range of age of the client and the client’s previous temperature .Analyze considering time of day and any additional influence factors and other vital signs .

Compare the temperature measurement to baseline data , normal range of age of the client and the client’s previous temperature .Analyze considering time of day and any additional influence factors and other vital signs .

Assessment of peripheral Pulse Assessment of peripheral Pulse Assessment of peripheral Pulse Assessment of peripheral Pulse

Purpose :– To establish baseline data for subsequent evaluation.– To identify whether the pulse rate is within normal range

.– To determine whether the pulse rhythm is regular and

the pulse volume is appropriate .– To determine the equality of corresponding peripheral

pulse on each side of the body .– To monitor and assess changes in the client’s health

status .– To monitor client’s at risk for pulse alteration ( heart

disease , cardiac arrhythmia .– To evaluate perfusion to the extremities

Purpose :– To establish baseline data for subsequent evaluation.– To identify whether the pulse rate is within normal range

.– To determine whether the pulse rhythm is regular and

the pulse volume is appropriate .– To determine the equality of corresponding peripheral

pulse on each side of the body .– To monitor and assess changes in the client’s health

status .– To monitor client’s at risk for pulse alteration ( heart

disease , cardiac arrhythmia .– To evaluate perfusion to the extremities

Assessment Assessment Assessment Assessment `1-Clinical signs of cardiovascular alterations as: (dyspnea, cyanosis, palpitations , syncope , cool skin )

2- Factors that may alter pulse rate

( e.g. emotional status , physical activity ) .

3- Which site is most appropriate for assessment based on a purpose .

`1-Clinical signs of cardiovascular alterations as: (dyspnea, cyanosis, palpitations , syncope , cool skin )

2- Factors that may alter pulse rate

( e.g. emotional status , physical activity ) .

3- Which site is most appropriate for assessment based on a purpose .

Pulse sites Pulse sites Pulse sites Pulse sites

Assessment of apical pulse :Assessment of apical pulse :

Position the Position the patient in patient in comfortable comfortable supine position supine position or in a sitting or in a sitting position .position .

Locate the apex Locate the apex of heart of heart

Planning Planning Planning Planning Equipment :

-Watch with a second hand or indicator .

Implementation Performance :1- Introduce self , verify the client’s identity , explain to the client what will you do, why and how ? 2- Hand washing .3-Provide for client’s privacy .

4- Select the pulse point . Normally , the radial pulse is taken unless it can’t be exposed .5- Position the patient in a rest position

Equipment :

-Watch with a second hand or indicator .

Implementation Performance :1- Introduce self , verify the client’s identity , explain to the client what will you do, why and how ? 2- Hand washing .3-Provide for client’s privacy .

4- Select the pulse point . Normally , the radial pulse is taken unless it can’t be exposed .5- Position the patient in a rest position

Implementation :Implementation :

6- Palpate and count the pulse . Place 3 or 2 middle fingers lightly and squarely over the pulse point .

7- Count for 15 seconds and multiply by 4 .

8- Record the pulse on the worksheet .

9- Assess the pulse rhythm and strength .

10- Document the pulse rate on the patient’s record .

11- Hand wash

6- Palpate and count the pulse . Place 3 or 2 middle fingers lightly and squarely over the pulse point .

7- Count for 15 seconds and multiply by 4 .

8- Record the pulse on the worksheet .

9- Assess the pulse rhythm and strength .

10- Document the pulse rate on the patient’s record .

11- Hand wash

Evaluation Evaluation Evaluation Evaluation 1-Compare the pulse rate to baseline data or normal range for age of the client .2- Relate pulse volume , rate to other vital signs , pulse rhythm and volume to other baseline data and health status .3- Conduct appropriate follow up such as notifying the primary care giver or giving medication .

1-Compare the pulse rate to baseline data or normal range for age of the client .2- Relate pulse volume , rate to other vital signs , pulse rhythm and volume to other baseline data and health status .3- Conduct appropriate follow up such as notifying the primary care giver or giving medication .

C-Assessment of Respiration :C-Assessment of Respiration :C-Assessment of Respiration :C-Assessment of Respiration :

Purposes :To acquire baseline data against which future measurements can be compared .

To monitor abnormal respiration and respiratory patterns and identify changes .

To monitor respirations before or following the administration of general anesthetic or any medication that can influences respiration .

To monitor clients at risk for respiratory alterations .

Purposes :To acquire baseline data against which future measurements can be compared .

To monitor abnormal respiration and respiratory patterns and identify changes .

To monitor respirations before or following the administration of general anesthetic or any medication that can influences respiration .

To monitor clients at risk for respiratory alterations .

Assessment : Assessment :

Skin and mucous membrane color ( cyanosis or pallor )

Positions assumed for breathing ( using of orthopneic position).

Signs of cerebral anoxia ( irritability , restlessness drowsiness or loss of consciousness ) .

Chest movement .

Activity tolerance.

Chest pain .

Dyspnea

Medication that affect respiration .

Skin and mucous membrane color ( cyanosis or pallor )

Positions assumed for breathing ( using of orthopneic position).

Signs of cerebral anoxia ( irritability , restlessness drowsiness or loss of consciousness ) .

Chest movement .

Activity tolerance.

Chest pain .

Dyspnea

Medication that affect respiration .

Planning Planning Planning Planning Equipment:

Watch with a second or indicator .

Implementation :Preparation:

For a routine assessment of respiration , determine the

client’s activity schedule and choose a suitable time to

monitor the respirations . A client who has been

exercising will need to rest for a few minutes to permit the

accelerated respiratory rate to return to normal .

Equipment:

Watch with a second or indicator .

Implementation :Preparation:

For a routine assessment of respiration , determine the

client’s activity schedule and choose a suitable time to

monitor the respirations . A client who has been

exercising will need to rest for a few minutes to permit the

accelerated respiratory rate to return to normal .

Implementation :Implementation : Implementation :Implementation :1- Introduce self , verify the client’s identity , never to notify

the patient that you will assess respiration

2- Hand washing .

3-Provide for client’s privacy .

4-Observe and count the respiratory rate .

5- Observe the respiration for depth by watching the

movement of the chest , observe for regularity .

6- Document the respiratory rate , rhythm and depth in an

appropriate record

1- Introduce self , verify the client’s identity , never to notify

the patient that you will assess respiration

2- Hand washing .

3-Provide for client’s privacy .

4-Observe and count the respiratory rate .

5- Observe the respiration for depth by watching the

movement of the chest , observe for regularity .

6- Document the respiratory rate , rhythm and depth in an

appropriate record

Evaluation Evaluation Relate respiratory rate to other vital signs , in particular pulse , relate respiratory rhythm ,and depth to baseline data and health status .

Report to the primary care provider a respiratory rate significantly above or below the normal range and any notable change in respiration from a previous assessment .

Conduct appropriate follow up such as administering oxygen, or other medications

Relate respiratory rate to other vital signs , in particular pulse , relate respiratory rhythm ,and depth to baseline data and health status .

Report to the primary care provider a respiratory rate significantly above or below the normal range and any notable change in respiration from a previous assessment .

Conduct appropriate follow up such as administering oxygen, or other medications

Assessment of Blood Pressure Assessment of Blood Pressure Assessment of Blood Pressure Assessment of Blood Pressure

Purpose :

1-To obtain a baseline measure of arterial blood pressure for subsequent evaluation .

2- To determine the client’s hemodynamic status .

3- To identify and monitor changes in blood pressure resulting from a disease processes .

Purpose :

1-To obtain a baseline measure of arterial blood pressure for subsequent evaluation .

2- To determine the client’s hemodynamic status .

3- To identify and monitor changes in blood pressure resulting from a disease processes .

EquipmentEquipment

SphygmomanometerSphygmomanometer

• AneroidAneroid

• MercurialMercurial

StethoscopeStethoscope

Pediatric Adult

SphygmomanometerSphygmomanometer

Parts of stethoscope Parts of stethoscope Earpieces- should fit snugly and follow Earpieces- should fit snugly and follow the natural curve of the ear canal, point the natural curve of the ear canal, point toward the face when it is in placetoward the face when it is in place

Tubing- 12-18 inches long, longer tubing Tubing- 12-18 inches long, longer tubing decreases the transmission of sound decreases the transmission of sound waveswaves

Parts of a stethoscope Parts of a stethoscope Diaphragm= circular, flat surface- Diaphragm= circular, flat surface- transmits high pitched sounds ( Bowel, transmits high pitched sounds ( Bowel, lung, heart sounds lung, heart sounds

Bell= bowl shaped- transmits low pitched Bell= bowl shaped- transmits low pitched sounds (heart and vascular sounds)sounds (heart and vascular sounds)

Assessment Assessment Assessment Assessment

1- Signs & symptoms of hypertension ( headache , ringing in the ears , flushing of the face ,nosebleeds, fatigue ).

2- Signs & symptoms of hypotension ( tachycardia , dizziness, mental confusion , restlessness cool and clammy skin, pale or cyanosis )

3- Factors affecting blood pressure ( stress , activity , pain and time of last caffeine .)

4- Some blood pressure cuffs contains latex . Assess the client for latex allergy and obtain a latex –free cuff if indicated .

1- Signs & symptoms of hypertension ( headache , ringing in the ears , flushing of the face ,nosebleeds, fatigue ).

2- Signs & symptoms of hypotension ( tachycardia , dizziness, mental confusion , restlessness cool and clammy skin, pale or cyanosis )

3- Factors affecting blood pressure ( stress , activity , pain and time of last caffeine .)

4- Some blood pressure cuffs contains latex . Assess the client for latex allergy and obtain a latex –free cuff if indicated .

Planning Equipment :

1- stethoscope

2-Blood pressure cuff (appropriate size)

Sphygmomanometer

Preparation :1-Ensure that the equipment is intact and functioning well

2- Make sure that the client has not smoked within 30 minutes

Equipment :

1- stethoscope

2-Blood pressure cuff (appropriate size)

Sphygmomanometer

Preparation :1-Ensure that the equipment is intact and functioning well

2- Make sure that the client has not smoked within 30 minutes

Implementation Implementation Implementation Implementation

Preparation :

1-Ensure that the equipment is intact and functioning well

2- Make sure that the client has not smoked within 30 minutes

Performance :

1- Introduce self , verify the client’s identity , explain to the client what will you do, why and how

2- Hand washing .

3-Provide for client’s privacy .

Preparation :

1-Ensure that the equipment is intact and functioning well

2- Make sure that the client has not smoked within 30 minutes

Performance :

1- Introduce self , verify the client’s identity , explain to the client what will you do, why and how

2- Hand washing .

3-Provide for client’s privacy .

4-Take the accurate reading of blood pressure and Document the finding in the client’s record .

5-Hand wash

4-Take the accurate reading of blood pressure and Document the finding in the client’s record .

5-Hand wash

Evaluation Evaluation Evaluation Evaluation

1- Relate blood pressure to other vital signs , to baseline data .

2- Report any significant changes in client’s blood pressure .

3- Conduct appropriate follow up , medication administration .

1- Relate blood pressure to other vital signs , to baseline data .

2- Report any significant changes in client’s blood pressure .

3- Conduct appropriate follow up , medication administration .

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