CONCEPTS DRILL PACK ANSWER SHEET
◉ when do we take vital signs?
Answer: -admission to facility
-routine based on unit
-anytime there is change in patient condition
-before/during/after surgical or invasive procedures/blood
transfusions
-b/a any activity that may increase risk
-before administering medications that effect cardiovascular or
respiratory function.
◉ guidelines for measuring vitals
Answer: -measuring is nurses responsibility
-make sure equipment is working properly
-know pt range and health history
-control environmental factors
-systematic approach
-collab to decide frequence
-analyze results, identify significant findings
-instruct patient in vital sign assessment
,◉ body temperature
Answer: balance between heat produced in the body and heat loss
from the body
◉ what regulates body temperature?
Answer: the hypothalamus acts as the body's thermostat.
◉ sources of heat loss
Answer: Skin (primary source)
Evaporation of sweat
Warming and humidifying inspired air
Eliminating urine and feces
◉ radiation
Answer: loss of body heat from body to another cooler source
◉ evaporation
Answer: transfer of heat when liquid is changed to a gas
◉ conduction
Answer: loss via direct contact with a cool surface
, ◉ factors effecting body temp
Answer: age
exercise
hormone levels
circadian rhythm
stress
environment
temperature alterations
◉ temperature ranges
Answer: 1) Oral - 96.8 to 100.4 F (36 to 38 C). Average is 98.6 F (37
C)
variations:
rectal: 1 degree higher
axillary: 1 degree lower
◉ pyrexia
Answer: fever/hyperthermia
◉ heat stroke
Answer: very high fever, greater than 104