NSG 3100 Exam 2 | Actual verified Study complete
Solutions | A+ Graded | 2026 Updates | 100% correct
Vital signs - ANSWER- -Vital signs are key in obtaining physiologic data on patients.
-They are used to monitor physiological functioning of body systems.
-Useful in assessing for condition changes in patients as well as determining the effectiveness of
interventions.
6 vital signs - ANSWER- -Temperature
-Pulse
-Respirations
-Blood pressure
-Pulse oximetry
-Pain
Temperature - ANSWER- -Measurable heat of the body.
-97.6-99.5 F
-Can be measured in multiple ways- measurement type (oral, rectal, axillary, and temporal) will
be based on patient status.
-Rectal temperature is rarely used in adults- never if rectal/anal surgery, diarrhea, or tissue
trauma is present.
-***Increased temperature when infections are present (fever) is associated with a mild
increase in heart rate and blood pressure r/t increased metabolic demand in the body***
Things that affect temperature readings: - ANSWER- -Anything that increased metabolic
activity (running, fever, physical activity, smoking)
-Age: Older adults typically have a lower temperature than younger adults. Older adults are less
likely to have a high fever due to decreased immune response. Older adults are more
susceptible/sensitive to environmental temperature changes.
-Can be the first signs of infection: this is a concerning and priority finding within the first 48
hours after a surgical or other invasive procedure!
, Pulse - ANSWER- -Palpable rhythmic expansion of the artery as a result of the heart pumping
number of heartbeats per minute.
-60-100 BPM
-Assessment includes rate, rhythm, and force (strength)
-If any regulatory is noted on the palpation, check apical pulse/radial pulse at the same time for
one full minute.
-Always assess symmetry; both sides at the same time EXCEPT carotid pulse (this will decrease
the blood flow to the brain!)
-If an area has a pulse (for example the dorsalis pedis) that means there is blood flow to that
area!
Factors that affect pulse rate: - ANSWER- -Age decreases with age.
-Increased with fever, activity, smoking.
-Medications can decrease or increase HR.
-HR decreases with hypovolemia/dehydration (low volume in the vascular system)
-HR increases with standing briefly to meet blood flow demand of the brain (needs to increase
because of gravity)
Where can you find/palpate a pulse? - ANSWER- -Temporal: head
-Carotid: neck (check first if pt is found unresponsive)
-Apical: chest
-Brachial: arm
-Radial: wrist
-Femoral: thigh/groin
-Popliteal: knee
-Posterior tibial: ankle
-Dorsalis pedis: foot (lateral to the extensor tendon on the great toe).
Respirations - ANSWER- -The act of breathing.
-Normal range: 12-20
Solutions | A+ Graded | 2026 Updates | 100% correct
Vital signs - ANSWER- -Vital signs are key in obtaining physiologic data on patients.
-They are used to monitor physiological functioning of body systems.
-Useful in assessing for condition changes in patients as well as determining the effectiveness of
interventions.
6 vital signs - ANSWER- -Temperature
-Pulse
-Respirations
-Blood pressure
-Pulse oximetry
-Pain
Temperature - ANSWER- -Measurable heat of the body.
-97.6-99.5 F
-Can be measured in multiple ways- measurement type (oral, rectal, axillary, and temporal) will
be based on patient status.
-Rectal temperature is rarely used in adults- never if rectal/anal surgery, diarrhea, or tissue
trauma is present.
-***Increased temperature when infections are present (fever) is associated with a mild
increase in heart rate and blood pressure r/t increased metabolic demand in the body***
Things that affect temperature readings: - ANSWER- -Anything that increased metabolic
activity (running, fever, physical activity, smoking)
-Age: Older adults typically have a lower temperature than younger adults. Older adults are less
likely to have a high fever due to decreased immune response. Older adults are more
susceptible/sensitive to environmental temperature changes.
-Can be the first signs of infection: this is a concerning and priority finding within the first 48
hours after a surgical or other invasive procedure!
, Pulse - ANSWER- -Palpable rhythmic expansion of the artery as a result of the heart pumping
number of heartbeats per minute.
-60-100 BPM
-Assessment includes rate, rhythm, and force (strength)
-If any regulatory is noted on the palpation, check apical pulse/radial pulse at the same time for
one full minute.
-Always assess symmetry; both sides at the same time EXCEPT carotid pulse (this will decrease
the blood flow to the brain!)
-If an area has a pulse (for example the dorsalis pedis) that means there is blood flow to that
area!
Factors that affect pulse rate: - ANSWER- -Age decreases with age.
-Increased with fever, activity, smoking.
-Medications can decrease or increase HR.
-HR decreases with hypovolemia/dehydration (low volume in the vascular system)
-HR increases with standing briefly to meet blood flow demand of the brain (needs to increase
because of gravity)
Where can you find/palpate a pulse? - ANSWER- -Temporal: head
-Carotid: neck (check first if pt is found unresponsive)
-Apical: chest
-Brachial: arm
-Radial: wrist
-Femoral: thigh/groin
-Popliteal: knee
-Posterior tibial: ankle
-Dorsalis pedis: foot (lateral to the extensor tendon on the great toe).
Respirations - ANSWER- -The act of breathing.
-Normal range: 12-20
