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VITAL SIGNS 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 rate http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vital_signs
HOMEOSTASIS • Homeostasis 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 Temperature lowest in morning highest in evening oral 96.8-99.8 F rectal higher (0.5 to1.0 F) Diaphoretic Febrile, pyrexia or hyperthermia
MORE VITAL SIGNS • Pulse--- normal 60-100 • Weak or “thready” pulse Heart not pumping enough blood • Tachycardia - Greater than 100 BPM Nervousness Anxiety Excitability Damaged heard Interference with oxygen supply (respiration) Blood loss Shock
BLOOD PRESSURE 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 Normal range • systolic –first number • Measure of the pumping action of the heart • 120 mm HG or below • Diastolic • Ability of the arterial system to accept the pulse of blood forced into the system when the left ventricle contracts • 60-75 mm HG Hypertension • Aging, poor diet, high cholesterol, • Pain, reaction to anxiety, kidney disease • Can lead to CVA (stroke) or congestive heart failure Hypotension 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 • Dangerous • Potentially fatal • Signs • Pallor • Pulse? Increase or decrease? • Respirations increased • Blood pressure- increase or decrease?
CAUSES? • INJURIES • DRUG REACTIONS • DIABETES • ILLNESSES • Bacterial infections • Blood loss
Syncope Very mild form of shock Caused by Fright Pain Unpleasant events NPO Vertigo????
Psychologic shock • Mental trauma • Sudden changes in mood and behavior long after the traumatic event
WHAT DO I DO?-SHOCK/VERTIGO • Familiarize yourself with the location of equipment • Assist the patient to lie down. Elevate the feet • Call for help! • 911 • If you are only assistant, take blood pressure/pulse • Be ready to take CPR • Document