Vital signs :6/29/2008 1 Vital signs Dr. Jany Trueba Keiser University Kendall Campus Medical Assisting Program Coordinator , Instructor, and Externship Coordinator.


Introduction :6/29/2008 2 Introduction Explain and define the vital signs Discuss normal and abnormal values Describe the appropriate equipment needed Identify and explain the procedures to obtain the vital signs Describe how to accurately record the vital signs on the patient chart


Vital Signs :6/29/2008 3 Vital Signs Vital signs are taken by health professionals in order to assess the most basic body functions. Vital signs are an essential part of a case presentation. Accuracy is very important. Always report abnormal findings ASAP to the physician. There are four vital signs which are standard in most medical settings: Body Temperature T Pulse rate (or heart rate). P/ H.R Blood pressure. B.P Respiratory rate. R.R


Body Temperature :6/29/2008 4 Body Temperature Balance between heat production and heat loss Body heat produced by actions of voluntary and involuntary muscles( produces energy) and cellular metabolic activities Body heat loses through 5 processes : convection, conduction, radiation, evaporation and elimination Measured in degrees Celsius (C) / Fahrenheit (F) Influenced by several factors (anxiety, anger, stress, and food intake) Hypothalamus in brain monitors T. and triggers heat loss/production. Equipment needed : thermometer Specify if taken by methods other than oral ( aural, rectal, axillary)


Normal / Abnormal T. :6/29/2008 5 Normal / Abnormal T. Average T. for an adult is 98.6 F/ 37.0 C Fever = Hyperthermia = T.> 100.4 F/ 38.0 C


Pulse :6/29/2008 6 Pulse Pulse rate consist of two phases of the heart action ( # beats felt for one minute) Varies according to age, activities, general health, emotions, pain, and medications Felt when compressing an artery over a bony surface Pulse and Heart rate should be the same Pulse sites: radial, carotid, temporal, brachial, femoral, popliteal, dorsalis pedis, apical, posterior tibial


Normal/Abnormal pulse :6/29/2008 7 Normal/Abnormal pulse Normal adult pulse rate 60-100 beats/minute 100 = Tachycardia Record after T.


Respiration :6/29/2008 8 Respiration Taken at the same time you are taking the pulse. Note rate, rhythm and depth Normal R.R. is a 1:4 ratio relationship to P.


Normal/Abnormal RR :6/29/2008 9 Normal/Abnormal RR Normal adult R.R 12-20/min Abnormalities: apnea, bradypnea, tachypnea.


Blood Pressure :6/29/2008 10 Blood Pressure 2 components: systole and diastole Recorded as a fraction : systolic/diastolic Affected by blood volume, peripheral resistance, vessel elasticity, condition of the heart muscle Equipment needed: Sphygmomanometer and Stethoscope Choose appropriate cuff size to obtain accurate BP measurement


Measuring BP:Korotkoff sounds :6/29/2008 11 Measuring BP:Korotkoff sounds Phase I : first sound is systolic reading Phase II : more blood passes through the vessels Phase III : rhythmic tapping sound; cuff is deflated Phase IV : used in children and some patients where tapping goes to zero Phase V : last sound is diastolic reading


Normal / Abnormal B.P :6/29/2008 12 Normal / Abnormal B.P Systolic 90-140 / Diastolic 60-90 Hypertension > 140/90 mmHg Hypotension < 90/60 mmHg


References :6/29/2008 13 References Delmar’s Comprehensive Medical Assisting Administrative and Clinical Competencies 2nd edition 2002. Wilburta Q. Lindh, Marylin S. Pooler, Carol D. Tamparo, Joanne U Cerrato