Chapter 6 - Obtaining vital signs and measurements. After completing chapter 6, you will be able to: Describe vital signs and common body measurements; differentiate measurement systems; identify the instruments used to measure vital signs and body measurements; carry out vital signs and body measurements of infants, children, and adults; | 6 Obtaining Vital Signs and Measurements 6- Learning Outcomes Describe vital signs and common body measurements. Differentiate measurement systems. Identify the instruments used to measure vital signs and body measurements. Carry out vital signs and body measurements of infants, children, and adults. 6- Learning Outcomes (cont.) Recognize abnormal vital signs and body measurements. Write vital signs and body measurements using accurate terminology and abbreviations. Implement growth charts. 6- Introduction Vital signs Temperature Pulse Respirations Blood pressure Pain assessment Body measurements Height Weight Head circumference Vital signs and body measurements are used to evaluate health problems. Accuracy is essential. 6- Vital Signs Provide information about patient’s overall condition Taken at each visit and compared to baseline Protected health information – HIPAA 6- Temperature Febrile – body temperature . | 6 Obtaining Vital Signs and Measurements 6- Learning Outcomes Describe vital signs and common body measurements. Differentiate measurement systems. Identify the instruments used to measure vital signs and body measurements. Carry out vital signs and body measurements of infants, children, and adults. 6- Learning Outcomes (cont.) Recognize abnormal vital signs and body measurements. Write vital signs and body measurements using accurate terminology and abbreviations. Implement growth charts. 6- Introduction Vital signs Temperature Pulse Respirations Blood pressure Pain assessment Body measurements Height Weight Head circumference Vital signs and body measurements are used to evaluate health problems. Accuracy is essential. 6- Vital Signs Provide information about patient’s overall condition Taken at each visit and compared to baseline Protected health information – HIPAA 6- Temperature Febrile – body temperature above patient’s normal range Fever – sign of inflammation or infection Hyperpyrexia – extremely high temperature Afebrile – normal body temperature 6- Axilla Mouth Rectal Ear Temperature (cont.) Measurements Degrees Fahrenheit (°F) Degrees Celsius (centigrade; °C) Normal adult oral temperature °F 37°C Temperature Routes Temporal Artery 6- Thermometers Electronic digital thermometer Accurate, fast, easy to read Comfortable for the patient Tympanic thermometer Temporal scanner Disposable thermometer Single use Less accurate Disposable sheaths are used with electronic thermometers to prevent cross-contamination. 6- Taking Temperatures Measure to nearest tenth of a degree Oral temperatures Wait at least 15 minutes after eating, drinking, or smoking Place under tongue in either pocket just off-center in lower jaw 6- Taking Temperatures (cont.) Tympanic temperatures Proper technique essential Adult – pull ear up and back Child – pull ear down and back Fast, .
