vital signs

Chapter 11

Vital Signs

2Copyright © 2017 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved

Chapter Outline

• INTRODUCTION• BODY TEMPERATURE• PULSE• RESPIRATION• BLOOD PRESSURE• DOCUMENTATION• EVERYDAY ETHICS• FACTORS TO TEACH THE PATIENT


Introduction

I. Patient Preparation and Instruction

II. Dental Hygiene Care Planning


Body Temperature

I. Indications for Taking the TemperatureII. Maintenance of Body TemperatureIII. Methods of Determining TemperatureIV. Care of Patient with Temperature


Figure 11-1, A-D


Pulse

I. Maintenance of Normal Pulse– Normal pulse rates– Factors that influence pulse rate

II. Procedure for Determining Pulse Rate


Figure 11-2 Arteries of the Arm


Figure 11-3 Determination of Pulse Rate


Respiration

I. Maintenance of Normal Respirations– Normal rate– Factors that influence

II. Procedures for Observing Respirations


Blood Pressure

I. Components of Blood Pressure– Systolic pressure– Diastolic pressure

II. Factors that Influence Blood Pressure– Maintenance of blood pressure– Factors that increase blood pressure– Factors that decrease blood pressure


Blood Pressure con’t

III. Equipment for Determining BP• Mercury sphygmomanometer• Aneroid sphygmomanometer• Electronic sphygmomanometer• Wrist or finger devices• Stethoscope


Three Sizes of BP Cuffs


IV.Procedure for Determining BP

• Prepare patient• Apply cuff• Locate radial pulse• Determine maximum inflation level• Position the stethoscope• Deflate the cuff gradually


figure 11-6 Blood Pressure Cuff Position


Figure 11-7 Forearm Properly supported


FIGURE 11-8 A: Proper placement of the earpieces for the stethoscope. B: Improper

placement of the earpieces


Figure 11-9 Correct Stethoscope Endpiece Placement, Away from Cuff and in

Contact with Skin.


V. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

• HBP of > 140/90 is associated with cardiovascular diseases, stroke, kidney failure, and premature death


VI. Blood Pressure Follow-Up Criteria

• Dental personnel have an obligation to advise and refer

• Vital signs • Recheck within 1 year • Lifestyle modifications


Documentation

• Carefully documented medical history• Remind patient of importance of

medication compliance• If anesthesia, include in care plan


Factors to Teach the Patient

• The importance of having a blood pressure determination at regular intervals

• Encourage regular continuing use of prescription drugs • Encourage healthy lifestyle changes • Tobacco cessation• Drug and/or alcohol counseling• Exercise• Healthy dietary habits

vital signs

Education