Nursing fundamentals
1)Conversion of Celsius to Fahrenheit
The conversion formula for a temperature that is expressed on the Celsius (°C) scale
to its Fahrenheit (°F) formula is given below: °F = (9/5 × °C) + 32.
2) Assessment site for taking pulse
A. Arterial pulse
1)Brachial Artery (Elbow): Inside of the upper arm (medial border of the humerus).
2)Femoral Artery (Groin): In the groin area.
3)Popliteal Artery (Behind the Knee): In the popliteal fossa.
4)Dorsalis Pedis and Posterior Tibial Arteries (Foot): On the top or inner side of the foot.
5)Radial Pulse (Wrist)
6)Carotid Pulse (Neck)
7)Axillary artery
8)Facial artery.
9)Ulnar pulse.
B. Venous pulse : Jugular vein.
,3)Types of veins for cannulation
For intravenous cannulation, larger, easily accessible, and straight peripheral
veins like those in the antecubital fossa (median cubital) are often preferred,
while central veins (jugular, subclavian, femoral) may be used for specific
procedures.
Peripheral Veins:
o Antecubital Fossa:
The veins in the antecubital fossa (inner elbow area) are frequently used
for peripheral venous access, including the median cubital vein, which is
particularly easy to access.
o Other Peripheral Veins:
Other preferred peripheral veins for cannulation include the cephalic and
basilic veins of the forearm.
o Dorsal Veins:
Dorsal veins in the hand and foot are also options, though smaller and
requiring more careful cannulation.
o Saphenous vein
at the knee runs just behind the medial aspect of the knee and is often
visible behind the knee.
o Vein Selection Criteria:
Larger veins are generally preferred as they are easier to cannulate and
less likely to collapse. Straight segments of veins proximal to the junction
of tributaries are also preferred, while tortuous veins and venous valves
can impede catheter insertion.
Central Veins:
o Internal Jugular Vein: Used for accessing the superior vena cava.
o Subclavian Vein: Used for accessing the superior vena cava.
o Femoral Vein: Can be used for vascular access, although more
commonly used for specialized procedures or in certain clinical
settings.
o Umbilical Vein: Used for vascular access in neonates.
Other Considerations:
o Vein Finders:
Vein finders can be used to visualize veins, especially in difficult cases.
o Ultrasound Guidance:
Ultrasound guidance can be used for cannulation of both peripheral and
central veins, particularly for difficult veins.
o Positioning:
, Proper patient positioning is crucial for optimal vein visibility and access.
4) Vital signs ranges with average ranges
1. Heart Rate (Pulse):
o Normal Range: 60–100 beats per minute (bpm)
o Average: 72 bpm
2. Blood Pressure:
o Normal Range: 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg
o Average: 120/80 mmHg
3. Respiratory Rate:
o Normal Range: 12–20 breaths per minute (bpm)
o Average: 16–18 bpm
4. Body Temperature:
o Normal Range: 97°F to 99°F (36.1°C to 37.2°C)
o Average: 98.6°F (37°C)
5. Oxygen Saturation (SpO2):
o Normal Range: 95%–100%
o Average: 98%
6. Pain Level (measured using a scale of 0–10):
o Normal Range: 0 (no pain) to 4 (mild pain) depending on the individual
o Average: Varies based on personal tolerance and condition
5)Site of taking temperature
1. Oral (Mouth) — The thermometer is placed under the tongue. Suitable for adults and
older children.
2. Rectal (Anus) — The thermometer is gently inserted into the rectum. This provides
the most accurate reading and is often used for babies and small children.
3. Axillary (Armpit) — The thermometer is placed in the armpit. It’s less accurate but
convenient for quick checks.
4. Tympanic (Ear) — A special thermometer is inserted into the ear canal. It’s fast and
accurate if done correctly.
5. Temporal (Forehead) — An infrared thermometer scans the temporal artery on the
forehead. It’s non-invasive and commonly used for quick screening.
6)Thermometer is used for checking different types of body
temperature:
1)Digital thermometer — Used for oral, rectal, and axillary (armpit) temperatures.
It’s versatile and gives quick, accurate readings.
2)Mercury thermometer (less common now due to safety concerns) — Can be used
orally, rectally, or in the armpit.
3)Tympanic (ear) thermometer — Measures temperature inside the ear canal, ideal
for checking core body temperature.
4)Temporal artery (forehead) thermometer — Uses infrared technology to scan the
temperature of the temporal artery, giving a quick estimate of core temperature.
1)Conversion of Celsius to Fahrenheit
The conversion formula for a temperature that is expressed on the Celsius (°C) scale
to its Fahrenheit (°F) formula is given below: °F = (9/5 × °C) + 32.
2) Assessment site for taking pulse
A. Arterial pulse
1)Brachial Artery (Elbow): Inside of the upper arm (medial border of the humerus).
2)Femoral Artery (Groin): In the groin area.
3)Popliteal Artery (Behind the Knee): In the popliteal fossa.
4)Dorsalis Pedis and Posterior Tibial Arteries (Foot): On the top or inner side of the foot.
5)Radial Pulse (Wrist)
6)Carotid Pulse (Neck)
7)Axillary artery
8)Facial artery.
9)Ulnar pulse.
B. Venous pulse : Jugular vein.
,3)Types of veins for cannulation
For intravenous cannulation, larger, easily accessible, and straight peripheral
veins like those in the antecubital fossa (median cubital) are often preferred,
while central veins (jugular, subclavian, femoral) may be used for specific
procedures.
Peripheral Veins:
o Antecubital Fossa:
The veins in the antecubital fossa (inner elbow area) are frequently used
for peripheral venous access, including the median cubital vein, which is
particularly easy to access.
o Other Peripheral Veins:
Other preferred peripheral veins for cannulation include the cephalic and
basilic veins of the forearm.
o Dorsal Veins:
Dorsal veins in the hand and foot are also options, though smaller and
requiring more careful cannulation.
o Saphenous vein
at the knee runs just behind the medial aspect of the knee and is often
visible behind the knee.
o Vein Selection Criteria:
Larger veins are generally preferred as they are easier to cannulate and
less likely to collapse. Straight segments of veins proximal to the junction
of tributaries are also preferred, while tortuous veins and venous valves
can impede catheter insertion.
Central Veins:
o Internal Jugular Vein: Used for accessing the superior vena cava.
o Subclavian Vein: Used for accessing the superior vena cava.
o Femoral Vein: Can be used for vascular access, although more
commonly used for specialized procedures or in certain clinical
settings.
o Umbilical Vein: Used for vascular access in neonates.
Other Considerations:
o Vein Finders:
Vein finders can be used to visualize veins, especially in difficult cases.
o Ultrasound Guidance:
Ultrasound guidance can be used for cannulation of both peripheral and
central veins, particularly for difficult veins.
o Positioning:
, Proper patient positioning is crucial for optimal vein visibility and access.
4) Vital signs ranges with average ranges
1. Heart Rate (Pulse):
o Normal Range: 60–100 beats per minute (bpm)
o Average: 72 bpm
2. Blood Pressure:
o Normal Range: 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg
o Average: 120/80 mmHg
3. Respiratory Rate:
o Normal Range: 12–20 breaths per minute (bpm)
o Average: 16–18 bpm
4. Body Temperature:
o Normal Range: 97°F to 99°F (36.1°C to 37.2°C)
o Average: 98.6°F (37°C)
5. Oxygen Saturation (SpO2):
o Normal Range: 95%–100%
o Average: 98%
6. Pain Level (measured using a scale of 0–10):
o Normal Range: 0 (no pain) to 4 (mild pain) depending on the individual
o Average: Varies based on personal tolerance and condition
5)Site of taking temperature
1. Oral (Mouth) — The thermometer is placed under the tongue. Suitable for adults and
older children.
2. Rectal (Anus) — The thermometer is gently inserted into the rectum. This provides
the most accurate reading and is often used for babies and small children.
3. Axillary (Armpit) — The thermometer is placed in the armpit. It’s less accurate but
convenient for quick checks.
4. Tympanic (Ear) — A special thermometer is inserted into the ear canal. It’s fast and
accurate if done correctly.
5. Temporal (Forehead) — An infrared thermometer scans the temporal artery on the
forehead. It’s non-invasive and commonly used for quick screening.
6)Thermometer is used for checking different types of body
temperature:
1)Digital thermometer — Used for oral, rectal, and axillary (armpit) temperatures.
It’s versatile and gives quick, accurate readings.
2)Mercury thermometer (less common now due to safety concerns) — Can be used
orally, rectally, or in the armpit.
3)Tympanic (ear) thermometer — Measures temperature inside the ear canal, ideal
for checking core body temperature.
4)Temporal artery (forehead) thermometer — Uses infrared technology to scan the
temperature of the temporal artery, giving a quick estimate of core temperature.
