VITAL SIGNS: T, P, R, & BP

Signs that indicate that the body is functioning within normal limits.

1. Temperature2. Pulse3. Respirations4. Blood Pressure

Vital Signs ~

It is important to be accurate when taking vital signs and to record the results carefully.

Make sure your handwriting is legible, clear and easy to read!

T, P, R, & BP

Is a measure of body heat

The balance of heat produced and heat lost

Temperature

HYPOTHERMIA: BELOW UNDER DECREASED

AFEBRILE!

HYPERTHERMIA:

ABOVE OVER INCREASED

FEBRILE!

Temperature is regulated by the hypothalamus

1. Exercise2. Digesting food3. Illness4. Infection

Temperature increases due to:

5. Increase in environmental temperature

6. Excitement 7. Anxiety 8. Head injuries

(brain trauma)

Temperature increases due to…

1. Sleep2. Fasting3. Exposure to cold4. Depression

Temperature decreases due to:

5. Decreased muscle activity

6. Mouth breathing7. Meditation8. Certain illnesses

(viral)

Types of Thermometers:

Glass ThermometerAural (ear) Thermometer

Thermometers:

Electronic / Digital Chemically treated paper or plastic

1. Oral (O) – Mouth

2. Axillary (ax) or (a) –Armpit

3. Rectal (R) – Rectum

4. Aural (t) - Ear

Normal temp. 98.6

Normal temp. 97.6

Normal temp. 99.6

Normal temp. 98.6

Sites for taking a temperature:

Handle glass thermometers with care as they break easily.

You need to shake down the thermometer reading below the numbers and lines before using it.

Shake thermometer away for any hard surface such as counters and tables.

To shake thermometer down snap your wrist again and again.

Practice over a pillow or mattress.

Glass Thermometers:

1. Oxygen2. Paralysis of face3. Unconscious4. Seizures5. Restless,

confused, delirious or agitated patient

Contradications for taking an (o) temperature

6. Mouth surgery 7. NG- tube in place8. Can not breathe

through nose9. Stomatitis (sore

or inflammation of the mouth

10. Infants < 3 yrs of age

Contradictions for oral temperature taking

Drinking hot or cold fluids

Hot or cold compress to face

Smoking

Wait 10 minutes before taking temperature

What affects oral readings?

Oral (o)1. Wash hands2. Assemble equipment

Clean thermometer Alcohol wipes Watch with second hand

3. Identify the patient4. Explain what you are going to do.

5. Remove thermometer 6. Check reading – glass thermometer should

be below 95 degrees F

Getting ready to take a temperature

7. Ask if the patient has been smoking, eating or drinking recently.

If “yes” wait 10 minutes before taking the temperature.

8. Place probe under the tongue; instruct to hold with closed lips

9. Leave in mouth 3 – 5 minutes 10. Remove from mouth

11. Wipe from stem to tip with alcohol wipe. ** NOT BACK AND FORTH**

Taking temperature….

Correct Placement of Thermometer

12. Read thermometer correctly.13. Wash thermometer with cold water.14. Put thermometer away.15. Wash hands.16. Record temperature accurately.

Reading thermometer

Follow same steps to prepare thermometer

Place thermometer probe under armpit

Leave in place 10 minutes

Follow steps for reading and cleaning thermometer

Axillary temperature (ax) or (a)

Remove thermometer from holder

Get probe cover inside case and push it onto the ear piece

Aural temperature (t)

Push “ON” button below window.

Window displays 188.8; then Not Ready – wait until it displays READY.

Pull ear up and back on adults – slowly wiggle probe into ear.

Push turquoise button on top of thermometer – hold and count – “one- one thousand”.

Release button

Remove from ear – read window and record reading.

Remove plastic ear probe cover – replace with new one.

Repeat steps with new partner.

It will shut itself OFF. Replace in holder.

Place plastic sheath on probe

Push on button Window shows

188.8 = wait

Digital Thermometer

When you see “L” with a small flashing F in upper ® corner insert into mouth.

Wait until it beeps. Read window .

Shut off (push button)

Record temperature.

Digital temperature taking