![]() ![]() The palpation technique cannot measure diastolic pressure (a "P" is noted in place of the diastolic pressure). When the radial pulse returns, this is the systolic pressure. Palpation: palpating for the radial pulse.The first sound marks the systolic pressure and the last sound (either a disappearance or a notable drop in volume) marks the diastolic pressure. Auscultation: listening with a stethoscope for the return of the brachial pulse.Detect for a return of pulse by either auscultation or palpation. Over pump 30 mmHg, then slowly release the pressure. Measuring blood pressure: Using a sphygmomanometer (wrapped around the arm), applying pressure (by pumping) over the brachial artery until a radial pulse can no longer be detected.Wide (high) pulse pressure: head injury.Narrow (low) pulse pressure: shock, cardiac tamponade (blood filling the pericardial sac, compressing the heart), tension pneumothorax (injury to one lung, causing pressure on the heart and the other lung).Normally falls between 25 % and 50 % of systolic pressure. Pulse pressure: the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure.Hypertension: high blood pressure in an adult is considered over 140 / 85.Nonreactive: Cardiac arrest, brain injury, drug influence.Unequal: Stroke, head injury, artificial eye, eye drops.Constricted: central nervous system disorder, use of narcotics.Dilated: cardiac arrest, use of stimulant drugs like cocaine, amphetamine, LSD.Slow cap refill = possible hypoperfusion.Capillary Refill: more reliable for children under 6.Red: anaphylactic or vasogenic shock, poisoning, overdose or other medical condition.Clammy (cool and wet / diaphoretic): indication of shock.Wet or Moist: shock, or heat, cardiac, or diabetic emergencies.Abnormally Dry: severe dehydration or spinal injury.Cool: inadequate circulation, shock, or exposure to cold. ![]() Hot: fever, exposure to heat, localized infection.Pulses can be located in the major arteries- Carotid (neck), Femoral (groin), Radial (wrist), Brachial (arm), Popliteal (behind knee), Posterior Tibial (ankle), Dorsalis Pedis (foot).Severe cardiac or respiratory injury, illness or blood loss Pulsus paradoxus (decrease in pulse strength during inhalation) Head injury, drug use (barbiturate or narcotic), poisons, possible cardiac problem Rapid, regular and weak (also called regular and thready) Normal rate, regular rate, and strong (full) pulseĮxertion, fright, fever, high blood pressure, initial response to injury and bleeding Wheezing: constriction of the bronchioles.Ĭrowing or Stridor (harsh high pitched sound): obstruction of the upper airway at the larynx. Snoring: tongue obstruction of the upper airway at the pharynx. Labored breathing: use of accessory muscles.Shallow breathing: inadequate chest or abdominal wall (children) expansion.Higher in the elderly and lower in children.ĭetailed Vital Signs and Symptoms Breathing Blood Pressure: 120 / 80 (systolic / diastolic) in adults.Fast Capillary refill (under 2 sec male adults and children, 3 for females, and 4 in the elderly).Pulse Oximetry: Measured using a pulse oximeter.Blood Pressure: Taken using a sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope.Pupils: observe size and reaction to penlight.Skin: observing color, feel for temperature and condition using the back of your hand without glove covering, and measure capillary refill by depressing on the patient's nail bed and observe for return of color.Pulse: palpate the artery with the index and middle finger tips.Breathing: observing chest rise and fall.The first set of vital signs measured on a patient. ![]()
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