Vital signs are measures of various physiological statistics, often taken by health professionals, in order to

assess the most basic body functions. Vital signs are an essential part of a case presentation. The act of taking vital signs normally entails recording Body temperature, Pulse rate (or heart rate), Blood pressure,

and Respiratory ratehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

Vital_signs

VITAL SIGNS

HOMEOSTASISHomeostasis refers to stable operating conditions in the internal environment (in the blood and interstitial fluid). This is how the human body maintains a rather constant internal environment despite changing external conditions. It is brought about by coordinated activities of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems

VITAL SIGNS MEASUREMENTS ARE THE CLUE AS TO THE BODY’S CONDITION OF HOMEOSTASIS

Temperaturelowest in morninghighest in eveningoral 96.8-99.8 Frectal higher (0.5 to1.0 F)DiaphoreticFebrile, pyrexia or hyperthermia

MORE VITAL SIGNSPulse--- normal 60-100 Weak or “thready” pulse

Heart not pumping enough blood Tachycardia - Greater than

100 BPMNervousnessAnxietyExcitabilityDamaged heardInterference with oxygen

supply (respiration)Blood lossShock

Blood pressure (BP) is the pressure exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels, and is one of the principal vital signs. For each heartbeat, BP varies

between a maximum (systolic) and a minimum (diastolic) pressure. The mean BP decreases as the circulating blood moves away from the heart through arteries, has its greatest decrease as the blood moves through the small arteries and arterioles, and continues to decrease as the blood

moves through the capillaries and back to the heart through veins.[1]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_pressure

BLOOD PRESSURE

Blood PressureNormal range systolic –first number1.Measure of the pumping action of the heart2.120 mm HG or belowDiastolic 1.Ability of the arterial system to accept the pulse of

blood forced into the system when the left ventricle contracts

2.60-75 mm HGHypertension1.Aging, poor diet, high cholesterol, 2.Pain, reaction to anxiety, kidney disease3.Can lead to CVA (stroke) or congestive heart failureHypotension from shock

Taking a blood pressure

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6saTO8_o2g

SHOCK“Failure of circulation in which blood

pressure is inadequate to support oxygen perfusion of vital tissues and is unable to remove by-products of metabolism.”

Erhlich Patient Care in Radiography

DangerousPotentially fatalSigns

PallorPulse? Increase or decrease?Respirations increasedBlood pressure- increase or decrease?

HOW DO I RECOGNIZE SHOCK?

CAUSES?INJURIESDRUG REACTIONSDIABETESILLNESSES

Bacterial infectionsBlood loss

Syncope

Very mild form of shockCaused by•Fright•Pain•Unpleasant events•NPO•Vertigo????

Psychologic shockMental traumaSudden changes in mood and behavior long after the traumatic event

WHAT DO I DO?-SHOCK/VERTIGOFamiliarize yourself with the location of

equipmentAssist the patient to lie down. Elevate the

feetCall for help!911If you are only assistant, take blood

pressure/pulseBe ready to take CPRDocument