- Also known as Cardinal Signs w/c includes body temperature, pulse, respiration's and blood pressure.
A. Body Temperature (36.5C - 37.5C)
- Reflects the balance between the heat produced and the heat lost from the body measured in heats called degrees.
Core temperature- is the temperature of the deep tissue of the bidy, it is under the control of the hypothalamus.
PURPOSE:
- To establish baseline data
- To identify whether the core temperature is with in the normal range.
- To determine changes in the core temperature in response to specific therapies.
- To monitor clients at risk for imbalanced body temperature.
B. Pulse (60 - 100 BPM)
-Is a wave of blood created by contraction of the left ventricle of the heart.
PURPOSE:
- To establish baseline data.
- To identify whether pulse is in the normal range.
- To determine whether pulse rhythm is regular and the pulse volume is appropriate.
- To compare the equality of corresponding peripheral pulse on each side of the body.
- To monitor and assess changes in the client's health status.
- To monitor client's @ risk for pulse alterations.
C. Respirations (16-20 CPM)
-Is the act of breathing.
External Respiration- interchange of gases between aveoli of the lungs and pulmonary blood.
Internal Respiration- interchange of gases between circulating blood and cells of the bdy tissues.
PURPOSE:
- To acquire baseline data.
- To monitor abnormal respiration's and respiratory patterns and identify changes.
- To assess respiration's before the administration of a medication.
- To monitor client's @ risk for respiratory alteraton.
D. Blood Pressure (120/ 80)
-Is the force exerted by the blood against the vessel wall.
Arterial BP- is a measure of the blood as it flows through the arteries.
Sstolic Pressure- pressure of the blood as a result of the contraction of the ventricles.
Diastolic Pressure- the pressure when the ventricles are at rest.
PURPOSE:
- To obtain a baseline measure of arterial BP.
- To determine the client's hemo dynamic status.
- To identify and monitor changes in blood pressure resulting from a disease process and medical therapy.