Vital Signs 6th Grade Lesson 4.
Vital Signs 6th Grade Lesson 4.
Vital Signs 6th Grade Lesson 4.
Body temperature
Pulse rate
Respiration rate (rate of breathing)
Blood pressure (Blood pressure is not considered a vital sign, but is
often measured along with the vital signs.)
Heart rhythm
Strength of the pulse
The normal pulse for healthy adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute.
The pulse rate may fluctuate and increase with exercise, illness, injury, and
emotions. Females ages 12 and older, in general, tend to have faster heart
rates than do males. Athletes, such as runners, who do a lot of
cardiovascular conditioning, may have heart rates near 40 beats per minute
and experience no problems.
Using the first and second fingertips, press firmly but gently on the
arteries until you feel a pulse.
Begin counting the pulse when the clock's second hand is on the 12.
Count your pulse for 60 seconds (or for 15 seconds and then multiply
by four to calculate beats per minute).
When counting, do not watch the clock continuously, but concentrate
on the beats of the pulse.
If unsure about your results, ask another person to count for you.
If your doctor has ordered you to check your own pulse and you are having
difficulty finding it, consult your doctor or nurse for additional instruction.
Normal respiration rates for an adult person at rest range from 12 to 16
breaths per minute.
Two numbers are recorded when measuring blood pressure. The higher
number, or systolic pressure, refers to the pressure inside the artery when
the heart contracts and pumps blood through the body. The lower number,
or diastolic pressure, refers to the pressure inside the artery when the heart
is at rest and is filling with blood. Both the systolic and diastolic pressures
are recorded as "mm Hg" (millimeters of mercury). This recording represents
how high the mercury column in an old-fashioned manual blood pressure
device (called a mercury manometer or sphygmomanometer) is raised by the
pressure of the blood. Today, your doctor's office is more likely to use a
simple dial for this measurement.
Don't smoke or drink coffee for 30 minutes before taking your blood
pressure.
Go to the bathroom before the test.
Relax for 5 minutes before taking the measurement.
Sit with your back supported (don't sit on a couch or soft chair). Keep
your feet on the floor uncrossed. Place your arm on a solid flat surface
(like a table) with the upper part of the arm at heart level. Place the
middle of the cuff directly above the bend of the elbow. Check the
monitor's instruction manual for an illustration.
Take multiple readings. When you measure, take 2 to 3 readings one
minute apart and record all the results.
Take your blood pressure at the same time every day, or as your
healthcare provider recommends.
Record the date, time, and blood pressure reading.
Take the record with you to your next medical appointment. If your
blood pressure monitor has a built-in memory, simply take the monitor
with you to your next appointment.
Call your provider if you have several high readings. Don't be
frightened by a single high blood pressure reading, but if you get
several high readings, check in with your healthcare provider.
When blood pressure reaches a systolic (top number) of 180 or higher
OR diastolic (bottom number) of 110 or higher, seek emergency
medical treatment.
Ask your doctor or another healthcare professional to teach you how to use
your blood pressure monitor correctly. Have the monitor routinely checked
for accuracy by taking it with you to your doctor's office. It is also important
to make sure the tubing is not twisted when you store it and keep it away
from heat to prevent cracks and leaks.
Proper use of your blood pressure monitor will help you and your doctor in
monitoring your blood pressure.