Ch. 28 Measuring Vital Signs
pulse
beat of the heart felt at an artery as a wave of blood passes through the artery
hypertension
blood pressure measurements that remain above a systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg.
fever
elevated body temp
stethoscope
instrument used to listen to sounds produced by the heart, lungs, and other body organs
pulse rate
number of heartbeats felt in 1 minute
body temperature
the amount of heat in the body that is a balance between the amount of heat produced and the amount lost by the body
diastole
the period of heart muscle relaxation; when the heart is at rest
hypotension
when systolic blood pressure is below 90 and diastolic is below 60
blood pressure
amount of force exerted against the walls of an artery by the blood
sphygmomanometer
cuff and measuring device used to measure blood pressure
pulse deficit
difference between the apical and radial pulse rates
respiration
inhalation and exhalation
systole
period of heart muscle contraction; the heart is pumping blood
tachycardia
rapid heart rate more than 100 beats per minute
bradycardia
slow heart rate; less than 60 beats per minute
apical-radial pulse
taking the apical and radial pulses at the same time
vital signs
temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure