Today’s Lecture

Vital Signs Overview/Context Temperature Pulse Blood Pressure Respiratory Rate Oxygen Saturation Pain

Assignment

Pulse (P):

Perceptible throbbing sensation: wave of blood in artery created by left ventricle of the heart.

Palpated over peripheral arteries or carotid artery.

Can also be auscultated over the apex of the heart with a stethoscope.

Indicates circulatory status

Normal RangeNewborn < 1 month

120-160 beats/min

Toddler90-140 beats/min

Preschool80-110 beats/min

Primary school child75-140 beats/min

Adolescent60-90 beats/min

Adult60-100 beats/min

Effects on PAge

ExerciseTemperature

EmotionsMedications

HaemorrhagePostural changes

Pulmonary conditions

Figure

31-8

Cri

sp &

Taylo

r 200

9

P Characteristics

Rate

Equality

Never assess carotid simultaneously

P Strength

Absent

Thready or Weak

Normal

Bounding or Full

P Process

Tollefson 2007 pp226-229

P Process

Explanation Equipment & Environment Standard Precautions Previous Activity? Site 30 seconds or 60 seconds? Document Compare

Abnormal P

Tachycardia

Bradycardia

Absent. Thready. Weak. Bounding.

Irregular (arrythmias)

Today’s Lecture

Vital Signs Overview/Context Temperature Pulse Blood Pressure Respiratory Rate Oxygen Saturation Pain

Assignment