RNSH 1105- Theory Exam 3|Vital Signs Assessment, Temperature Regulation, Core and Peripheral Thermometry, Hypothalamus Control, Heat Production and Loss, Fever, Afebrile, Antipyretics, Pulse Rate and Rhythm, Bradycardia, Tachycardia, Apical and Peripheral

RNSH 1105- Theory Exam 3|Vital Signs Assessment, Temperature Regulation, Core and Peripheral Thermometry, Hypothalamus Control, Heat Production and Loss, Fever, Afebrile, Antipyretics, Pulse Rate and Rhythm, Bradycardia, Tachycardia, Apical and Peripheral Pulses, Dysrhythmias, Stroke Volume, Cardiac Output, Respiratory Rate and Depth, Eupnea, Tachypnea, Bradypnea, Capnography, Blood Pressure Measurement, Systolic and Diastolic Pressure, Hypertension, Hypotension, Orthostatic Changes, Auscultatory Gap, Cuff Size Accuracy, Oxygen Saturation, Pain Assessment, Documentation Standards, Patient Safety, Environmental and Situational Factors Exam Questions Verified and Provided with Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026 What are the vital signs? Heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, temperature, oxygen saturation, (and pain sometimes called the 5th VS) Normal temperature range 96.8-100.4 F normal pulse/ heart rate range 60-100 BPM Normal respiratory rate 12-20 breaths per minute normal blood pressure 120/80 mmHg normal oxygen saturation 95-100% When do you measure vital signs? 1. Upon admission 2. Routine schedule based on facility policy, or HCP order 3. Change in patient condition 4. Before and after: -Administration of medications that affect: Respiratory or Cardiovascular function Temperature-control functions -Physical activities as appropriate 5. Before, during, and after: -Surgery or invasive diagnostic procedures -Blood product transfusions guidlines for measuring vital signs *Select appropriate equipment *Know: -Baseline VS: Ask patient if they know their normal numbers -Medications the patient is taking that may affect VS *Consider environmental or situational factors *Take VS using an organized, systematic approach *Results: -Analyze results; determine significant findings -Document VS -Communicate any concerning findings Equipment - Did you use the right size blood pressure cuff? Environmental or Situational Factors - Is the patient in the Doctor's office? White coat syndrome - Is the patient experiencing a traumatic event or an acute illness? Taking VS - Making sure not to talk to patient while obtaining results. - If taken in a sitting position, patient has both feet on the ground and legs are not crossed while obtaining results where is control center for temperature in the body? Hypothalamus – senses body temperature and adjust to maintain “set point”. Mechanism of control: decreases Temp by: Vasodilation Sweating Inhibition of heat production increases Temp by: Vasoconstriction Muscle contraction Shivering Body temperature regulation heat production - heat loss = body temperature regulated by hypothalamus heat production mechanisms Metabolism (primary) Physical exertion Hormones Shivering Heat loss mechanisms Evaporation Convection Conduction Radiation evaporation is the transfer of heat energy when a liquid is changed to a gas