Signs that indicate that the body is functioning within normal limits. 1.Temperature 2.Pulse...
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Transcript of Signs that indicate that the body is functioning within normal limits. 1.Temperature 2.Pulse...
VITAL SIGNS: T, P, R, & BP
Signs that indicate that the body is functioning within normal limits.
1. Temperature2. Pulse3. Respirations4. Blood Pressure
Vital Signs ~
It is important to be accurate when taking vital signs and to record the results carefully.
Make sure your handwriting is legible, clear and easy to read!
T, P, R, & BP
Is a measure of body heat
The balance of heat produced and heat lost
Temperature
HYPOTHERMIA: BELOW UNDER DECREASED
AFEBRILE!
HYPERTHERMIA:
ABOVE OVER INCREASED
FEBRILE!
Temperature is regulated by the hypothalamus
1. Exercise2. Digesting food3. Illness4. Infection
Temperature increases due to:
5. Increase in environmental temperature
6. Excitement 7. Anxiety 8. Head injuries
(brain trauma)
Temperature increases due to…
1. Sleep2. Fasting3. Exposure to cold4. Depression
Temperature decreases due to:
5. Decreased muscle activity
6. Mouth breathing7. Meditation8. Certain illnesses
(viral)
Types of Thermometers:
Glass ThermometerAural (ear) Thermometer
Thermometers:
Electronic / Digital Chemically treated paper or plastic
1. Oral (O) – Mouth
2. Axillary (ax) or (a) –Armpit
3. Rectal (R) – Rectum
4. Aural (t) - Ear
Normal temp. 98.6
Normal temp. 97.6
Normal temp. 99.6
Normal temp. 98.6
Sites for taking a temperature:
Handle glass thermometers with care as they break easily.
You need to shake down the thermometer reading below the numbers and lines before using it.
Shake thermometer away for any hard surface such as counters and tables.
To shake thermometer down snap your wrist again and again.
Practice over a pillow or mattress.
Glass Thermometers:
1. Oxygen2. Paralysis of face3. Unconscious4. Seizures5. Restless,
confused, delirious or agitated patient
Contradications for taking an (o) temperature
6. Mouth surgery 7. NG- tube in place8. Can not breathe
through nose9. Stomatitis (sore
or inflammation of the mouth
10. Infants < 3 yrs of age
Contradictions for oral temperature taking
Drinking hot or cold fluids
Hot or cold compress to face
Smoking
Wait 10 minutes before taking temperature
What affects oral readings?
Oral (o)1. Wash hands2. Assemble equipment
Clean thermometer Alcohol wipes Watch with second hand
3. Identify the patient4. Explain what you are going to do.
5. Remove thermometer 6. Check reading – glass thermometer should
be below 95 degrees F
Getting ready to take a temperature
7. Ask if the patient has been smoking, eating or drinking recently.
If “yes” wait 10 minutes before taking the temperature.
8. Place probe under the tongue; instruct to hold with closed lips
9. Leave in mouth 3 – 5 minutes 10. Remove from mouth
11. Wipe from stem to tip with alcohol wipe. ** NOT BACK AND FORTH**
Taking temperature….
Correct Placement of Thermometer
12. Read thermometer correctly.13. Wash thermometer with cold water.14. Put thermometer away.15. Wash hands.16. Record temperature accurately.
Reading thermometer
Follow same steps to prepare thermometer
Place thermometer probe under armpit
Leave in place 10 minutes
Follow steps for reading and cleaning thermometer
Axillary temperature (ax) or (a)
Remove thermometer from holder
Get probe cover inside case and push it onto the ear piece
Aural temperature (t)
Push “ON” button below window.
Window displays 188.8; then Not Ready – wait until it displays READY.
Pull ear up and back on adults – slowly wiggle probe into ear.
Push turquoise button on top of thermometer – hold and count – “one- one thousand”.
Release button
Remove from ear – read window and record reading.
Remove plastic ear probe cover – replace with new one.
Repeat steps with new partner.
It will shut itself OFF. Replace in holder.
Place plastic sheath on probe
Push on button Window shows
188.8 = wait
Digital Thermometer
When you see “L” with a small flashing F in upper ® corner insert into mouth.
Wait until it beeps. Read window .
Shut off (push button)
Record temperature.
Digital temperature taking