Vital Signs

MEHTAB
BY
PGCN
 OBJECTIVES
• Define Vital Signs.
• Define terms related to Vital sign.
• Describe the physiological concept of temperature,
respiration and blood pressure.
• Describe the principles and mechanisms for normal
thermoregulation in the body.
• Identify ways that affect heat production and heat
loss in the body.
• Define types of body temperature according to its
characteristics.
 OBJECTIVES
• Identify the sign and symptoms of fever
• List the factors affecting Temperature, Pulse,
Respiration.
• Describe the characteristics of Pulse and Respiration.
• List factors responsible for maintaining normal blood
pressure.
• Describe various methods and sites used to measure
T.P & B.P.
• Recognize the signs of alert while taking TPR and B.P.
 Introduction
• Vital sign are the indicator of the body’s physiologic
status and response to physical environment and
psychological stressor.
• The vital sign or the cardinal sign are temperature,
pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. The findings
are governed by the vital organs.
 Definition
• Vital sign are called cardinal signs because of their
importance. These are the indicator of health status,
as these indicate the effectiveness of circulatory,
respiratory, neural, & endocrine body functions.
1. Temperature
2. Pulse
3. Respiration
4. Blood pressure
5. oxygen saturation
6. Pupillary reaction / pain
 When to take Vital Signs
• Upon admission.
• On a routine basis.
• Before and after invasive procedure.
• Before and after administration of medication.
• Any deterioration of patient’s general condition.
• Before and after nursing intervention that may
influence vital sign.
• Prior to medical emergency
 Temperature
Body Temperature: It is the hotness or coldness of the body.
OR
It is balance between the heat produced by the body and
heat lost from the body.

Heat produced – Heat lost = Body temperature

Types: There are two kinds of temperature..

1. Core Temperature
2. Surface Temperature
 Temperature
Core Temperature: is the temperature of the deep tissues
of the body. It remains constant and varies very little as + 1
F except when a person has a fever. We measure it with a
thermometer.
Surface Temperature: by contrast the temperature of the
surface or skin, fluctuate (rises or fall) in response to the
environment.
Normal body temperature: is not an exact point on a scale
but a range of temperatures. When measured orally for an
adult, on an average it is between 36-38 C (96.8 – 100 F)
 Regulation of Body Temperature
The system that regulates body temperature has 3 main parts:
1. Sensors in the periphery and in the core,
2. An integrator in the hypothalamus, and
3. An effector system that adjusts the production and loss of heat.
Most sensors or sensory receptors are in the skin. The skin has more receptors
for cold than warmth. Therefore, skin sensors detect cold more efficiently than
warmth.
When the skin becomes chilled over the entire body, three physiological processes to
increase the body temperature take place:
1. Shivering increases heat production.
2. Sweating is inhibited to decrease heat loss.
3. Vasoconstriction decreases heat loss.
 Regulation of Body Temperature
• Body temperature is regulated by balancing the amount
of heat the body produces with the amount of heat the
body loses.
• Body heat is produced as a by-product of metabolism,
which is the sum of all biochemical and physiological
processes that take place in the body.
• The hypothalamus, a gland located in the brain, acts as a
thermoregulator. It is able to adjust body temperature
that results in either increasing or decreasing heat
production throughout the day.
 • Regulation of Body Temperature
• The anterior Hypothalamus promotes heat loss
through vasodilatation and sweating
• The posterior Hypothalamus promotes: – Heat
conservation by vasoconstriction – Heat production
And maintains the core temperature
 Thermoregulation
Thermoregulation: Balance between heat production
and heat loss. When the amount of heat produced by
the body exactly equals the amount of heat lost, the
person is in heat balance.
1. Heat production
2. Heat loss
Heat production in the body is called thermogenesis.
Heat loss to the environment is called thermolysis.
 Heat Production
Heat production:
• Basal metabolic rate: Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is
the total number of calories that your body needs to
perform basic, life-sustaining functions like breathing
and circulation etc.
• Muscle activity: Body cells are constantly producing
and breaking down ATP (Adenosine triphosphate)
and these chemical reactions produce heat during.
 Heat Production
• Thyroxin: Thyroid hormones stimulate diverse
metabolic activities most tissues, leading to an
increase in basal metabolic rate
• Epinephrine, nor epinephrine and sympathetic
stimulation:
Epinephrine and nor epinephrine are released by the adrenal
medulla and nervous system respectively. They are the
flight/fight hormones that are released when the body is
under extreme stress. During stress, much of the body's
energy is used to combat imminent danger.
 Heat loss
• Radiation: The emission of energy as electromagnetic
waves from the body.
• Conduction: It is the transfer of heat from one surface
to the other through direct contact. Heat is
transferred via solid material
• Convection: Convection is the dispersion of heat by air
currents
• Conversion/Vaporization: Evaporation is the continuous
evaporation of moisture from the respiratory tract and
from the mucosa of the mouth as well as from the skin.
Normal range of body temperature
(Adults)
 Factors affecting body temperature:

• Age Infants greatly influenced by the temperature, children more labile than adult and elderly
are extremely sensitive to environmental change due to decreased thermoregulatory control

• Diurnal variation Body temperature normally change throughout the day, varying as
much as 1.0 °C between early morning and late afternoon  The point of highest body temperature
is usually reached between 8pm and 12 midnight and the lowest point is reached during sleep
between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m.

• Exercise
• Hormones Women usually experience more hormone fluctuations than men, progesterone
secretion in women raises body temperature.

• Stress Epinephrine and nor epinephrine increases metabolic activity and heat production
• Environment
Factors affecting body temperature:
Alteration in body temperature
 Alteration in body temperature
The normal range for adults is considered to be between 36°C
and 37.5°C (96.8°F to 99.5°F).
There are two primary alterations in body temperature:
1. Pyrexia or Hyperthermia
2. Hypothermia.
1. Pyrexia
A body temperature above the usual range is called pyrexia,
hyperthermia, or (in lay terms) fever. A very high fever, such as
41°C (105.8°F), is called hyperpyrexia.
Febrile: The client who has a fever is referred to as febrile.
Afebrile: The one who does not, is called afebrile.
 Pyrexia
1. Low Pyrexia: The fever does not rise more than 99
to 100 F
2. Moderate Pyrexia: Body temperature remain between
100-103 degree F
3. High Pyrexia: Body temperature remain between
103- 105 degree F
4. Hyperpyrexia: Temperature above 105 degree F
 Pyrexia (Conti…)
4 Common Types Of Fever
1. Intermittent fever: The body temperature alternates at regular
intervals between periods of fever and periods of normal or
subnormal temperature e.g. Malaria
2. Remittent fever: A wide range of temperature fluctuation (more
than 2 0c) occurs over the 24 hr period, all of which are above
normal e.g. a cold or influenza
3. Relapsing fever: Short febrile periods of a few days are
interspersed with periods of 1 or 2 days of normal temperature e.g.
4. Constant fever: The body temperature fluctuates minimally but
always remains above normal e.g. typhoid fever
 Pyrexia (Conti…)
Fever Spikes: A temperature that rises to fever level
rapidly following a normal temperature and then
returns to normal within a few hours is called a fever
spike. Bacterial blood infections often cause fever
spikes.
Inverse Fever: The highest range of temperature is
recorded in morning hours and lowest in the evening.
Hectic Or Swinging Fever: When difference between
high and low temperature is very great.
 Alteration in body temperature
In some conditions, an elevated temperature is not a true
fever. Two examples are heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat exhaustion: is a result of excessive heat and
dehydration. Signs of heat exhaustion include paleness,
dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fainting, and a moderately
increased temperature (38.3°C to 38.9°C [101°F to 102°F]).
Heat stroke: Persons experiencing heat stroke generally have
been exercising in hot weather, have warm, flushed skin, and
often do not sweat. They usually have a temperature of
41.1°C (106°F) or higher, and may be delirious, unconscious,
or having seizures
 Stages / Phases of Fever
• Invasion, onset of Fever, Period of
Onset rising
• Also called Cold or Chilled Phase

• Stadium, fever has reached its

Course peak level and remains constant
• Also called Plateau Phase

• Defervescence, elevated
ABATEMENT temperature declines
• Also called as Flush Phase
 Clinical Manifestation of Fever
ONSET (COLD OR CHILL PHASE)
Increased heart rate, Increased respiratory rate and depth, Shivering
Pallid, cold skin ,Complaints of feeling cold , Cyanotic nail beds
“Gooseflesh” appearance of the skin ,Cessation of sweating
COURSE (PLATEAU PHASE)
Absence of chills ,Skin that feels warm , Photosensitivity , Glassy-eyed
appearance , Increased pulse and respiratory rates , Increased thirst
Mild to severe dehydration , Drowsiness, restlessness, delirium, or
convulsions ,Herpetic lesions of the mouth , Loss of appetite (if the
fever is prolonged) ,Malaise, weakness, and aching muscles
DEFERVESCENCE (FEVER ABATEMENT/FLUSH PHASE)
Skin that appears flushed and feels warm , Sweating , Decreased
shivering , Possible dehydration
 Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a core body temperature below the lower
limit of normal i.e. 95 F or 35 C. The three physiological
mechanisms of hypothermia are
(a) Excessive heat loss,
(b) Inadequate heat production to counteract heat loss,
(c) Impaired hypothalamic thermoregulation
If skin and underlying tissues are damaged by freezing cold, this
results in frostbite. Frostbite most commonly occurs in hands,
feet, nose, and ears in which ice crystal forms inside the cell and
damage it.
 Clinical Manifestation of
Hypothermia
• Decreased body temperature, pulse, and respirations
• Severe shivering (initially)
• Feelings of cold and chills
• Pale, cool, waxy skin
• Frostbite (discolored, blistered nose, fingers, toes)
• Hypotension
• Decreased urinary output
• Lack of muscle coordination, Disorientation, drowsiness
progressing to coma
 Types of Hypothermia
1. Induced hypothermia: is the deliberate lowering of
the body temperature to decrease the need for oxygen
by the body tissues such as during certain surgeries.
2. Accidental hypothermia: can occur as a result of
(a) exposure to a cold environment,
(b) immersion in cold water, and
(c) lack of adequate clothing, shelter, or heat.
In older adults, the problem can be compounded by a
decreased metabolic rate and the use of sedative
medications.
 Sites to Measure Temperature

Oral
Rectal
Axillary
Tympanic membrane
Temporal artery

Condition of resident determines which is the best site for measuring body
temperature.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Sites for Body
Temperature Measurement
Types Of Thermometer
Thermometer
 Thermometer
Two parts of thermometer-bulb and stem
• Blub is fragile part, containing mercury, sensitive to
temperature.
• Stem is hollow tube in which mercury can rise.
There are two scales, Fahrenheit and Celsius

Mercury, a liquid metal, with silvery appearance is used in

thermometers, because it is very sensitive to a small changes in
temperature, expansion of mercury is uniform, easily visible.
 Temperature: Safety Precautions
• Hold rectal and axillary thermometers in place 
• Stay with resident when taking temperature 
• Prior to use, shake liquid in glass down 
• Shake thermometer away from resident and hard
objects 
• Wipe from end to tip of thermometer prior to
reading 
• Delay taking oral temperature for 10 - 15 minutes
if resident has been smoking, eating or drinking
hot/cold liquids
 Conti…
• Oral – most common, most convenient
• Rectal – registers one degree Fahrenheit higher than
oral, most accurate
• Axillary – least accurate; registers one degree
Fahrenheit lower than oral
• Tympanic – probe inserted into the ear canal
 Pulse
The pulse is an index of the heart’s rate and rhythm.
Pulse provides valuable data about person’s
cardiovascular status.
DEFINITIONS- “The pulse is a wave of blood created by
contraction of the left ventricle of the heart.”
 Physiology of Pulse
Blood flows through the body in a continues circuit. Electrical
impulses originating from the SA node travel through heart
muscle to stimulate cardiac contraction.
Approximately 60 to 70 ml (stroke volume) of blood enters
the aorta with each ventricular contraction.
With each stroke volume ejection, the wall distends, creating
a pulse wave that travels rapidly toward the distal ends of the
arteries.
When a pulse wave reaches a peripheral artery, it can be felt
by palpating the artery lightly against underlying bone or
muscles.
 Regulation of Pulse
Pulse is regulated by the Autonomic Nervous System through the
Sino-atrial node.( Often called pace-maker.)
• Para sympathetic stimulation decreases the heart rate
• Sympathetic stimulates increase the heart rate.
The quantity of blood forced out of the left ventricle during each
contraction is called stroke volume.(70 ml for an average adult).
Cardiac output = Stroke volume × Pulse rate =70ml × 80 BPM
=5600 ml =5.6 L/min
The number of pulsing sensation occurring in 1minute is the pulse rate.
The volume of blood pumped by the heart during 1 minute is the Cardiac output.
Pulse rate X Stroke Volume = Cardiac out put
70 beats per minute X 70 ml / beat = 4.9 L/min
60 beats per minute X 85 ml / beat = 5.1 L/min
 Pulse assessment:
A pulse is commonly assessed by palpation (feeling) or auscultation
using stethoscope. A pulse is normally palpated by applying
moderate pressure with the three middle fingers of the hand. The
pads on distal aspects of the finger are the most sensitive areas for
detecting a pulse with gentle pressure. A stethoscope is used for
assessing apical pulse. While palpating a pulse a nurse should assess
the followings…….
 Pulse Rate
 Pulse Rhythm
 Pulse Volume
 Character
 Bilateral Equality
 Conti..
Pulse Rate :- It is stated as number of pulses or beats
per minute. Count the pulses for not less than half
minute. BPM
• Normal 60-100 b/min (80/min)
• Adult PR > 100 BPM is called tachycardia
• Adult PR < 60 BPM is called bradycardia
 Conti..
Pulse Volume, or force, refers to the strength of the pulse when
the heart contracts. The pulse volume is also called the pulse
strength or quality, refers to the force of blood with each beat
It can be range from absent to bounding.
• Bounding- Strong full force pulse.
• Thready / weak- Difficult to palpate, a pulse of diminished
strength.
• Absent- No palpable pulse.

Volume is influenced by the forcefulness of the heartbeat, the condition

of the arterial walls, and hydration or dehydration.
 Conti …
Pulse  Rhythm refers to the regularity, or equal spacing,
of all the beats of the pulse. Normally, the intervals
between each heartbeat are of the same duration.
A pulse with an irregular rhythm is known as a
dysrhythmia or arrhythmia.
• Equal time elapses between beat of a normal pulse;
this steady beat is called Pulsus regularis.
• A pulse with an irregular rhythm is referred to an
Arrhythmia.
 Conti…
Bilateral Equality or Symmetry of Pulse
When assessing peripheral pulse to determine the
adequacy of blood flow to a particular area of the body.
To check the blood flow of bilateral is important.
 Types of Pulse
1. Peripheral pulse is a pulse located away from the
heart, for example, in the foot or wrist. Assessed via
fingers
2. The apical pulse, in contrast, is a central pulse; that
is, it is located at the apex of the heart. It is also
referred to as the point of maximal impulse (PMI).
Assessed or taken via stethoscope
Pulse Sites
 Pulse Sites
1. Radial – base of thumb
2. Temporal – side of forehead
3. Carotid – side of neck
4. Brachial – inner aspect of elbow
5. Femoral – inner aspect of upper thigh
6. Popliteal - behind knee
7. Dorsalis pedis – top of foot
8. Posterior tibial
9. Apical pulse – over apex of heart
– taken with stethoscope
– left side of chest
Reason For Using Specific Pulse Site
Variations in Pulse by Age
 Factors Affecting Pulse
• Age
• Sex
• Exercise or Physical training
• Body fluids
• Position
• Drugs
• Illness
• Emotions
• Temperature
 Factors Affecting Pulse
Age
As age increases, the pulse rate gradually decreases overall. See
Table 29–2 for specific variations in pulse rates from birth to
adulthood.
Sex
After puberty, the average male’s pulse rate is slightly lower than the
female’s.
Exercise
The pulse rate normally increases with activity. The rate of increase
in the professional athlete is often less than in the average person
because of greater cardiac size, strength, and efficiency.
 Factors Affecting Pulse
Hypovolemia/dehydration. Loss of blood from the
vascular system increases pulse rate. In adults, the loss
of circulating volume results in an adjustment of the
heart rate to increase blood pressure as the body
compensates for the lost blood volume.
Stress. In response to stress, sympathetic nervous
stimulation increases the overall activity of the heart.
Stress increases the rate as well as the force of the
heartbeat. Fear and anxiety as well as the perception
of severe pain stimulate the sympathetic system
 Factors Affecting Pulse
Fever
The pulse rate increases (a) in response to the lowered
blood pressure that results from peripheral vasodilation
associated with elevated body temperature and (b)
because of the increased metabolic rate.
Medications.
Some medications decrease the pulse rate, and others
increase it. For example, cardiotonics (e.g., digitalis
preparations) decrease the heart rate, whereas
epinephrine increases it.
 Factors Affecting Pulse
Position. When a person is sitting or standing, blood
usually pools in dependent vessels of the venous
system. Pooling results in a transient decrease in the
venous blood return to the heart and a subsequent
reduction in blood pressure and increase in heart rate.
Pathology. Certain diseases such as some heart
conditions or those that impair oxygenation can alter
the resting pulse rate.
 Respiration:
Respiration: Respiration is the mechanism the body
uses to exchange gases between the atmosphere and
the blood and the blood and the cell. Respiration
involves the following processes....
Ventilation; the movement of gases between in and
out of the lungs (inspiration and expiration).
Diffusion; the movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide
between the alveoli and the red blood cells.
Perfusion; the distribution of red blood cells to and
from the capillaries.
 Physiological control:
The respiratory center (medulla oblangata) in the brain stem
regulates the involuntary (adults normally breathe in a smooth,
uninterrupted pattern, 12- 20 times / min) control of respiration.
Ventilation is regulated by CO2, O2, and hydrogen ion
concentration (PH) in the arterial blood.
The most important factor in the control of ventilation is the
level of CO2 in the arterial blood.
An elevation in the Co2 level causes the respiratory control
system in the brain to increase the rate and depth of breathing.
The increased ventilatory effort removes excess CO2 by
increasing exhalation.
 Mechanism of breathing:
1. Inspiration/ inhalation ( active process)
2. Expiration / exhalation ( passive process)
3. Pause
 Mechanism of breathing
1. Inspiration:
During this phase the respiratory center sends impulses
along the phrenic nerve, causing the diaphragm to contract.
Abdominal organs move downward and forward, increasing
the length of the chest cavity to move air into the lungs.
The diaphragm moves approximately 1 cm, and the ribs
retract upward from the body’s midline approximately 1.2 -
2.5 cm.
During a normal, relaxed breath, a person inhales 500ml of
air. This amount is referred as Tidal volume.
 Mechanism of breathing
2. Expiration / Exhalation:
During expiration the diaphragm relaxes and the abdominal
organs return to their original position.
The thorax decreases in size, and thus the lungs are
compressed.
The ribs move downward and inward
The sternum moves inward
3. Pause: the relaxation time between inspiration and
expiration.
The normal (breath) rate and depth of ventilation is called Eupnoea,
interrupted by sigh.
 Types of breathing
1. Costal (thoracic)
Observed by the movement of the chest up ward and
downward.
Commonly used for adults
2. Diaphragmatic (abdominal)
Involves the contraction and relaxation of the
diaphragm, observed by the movement of abdomen.
Commonly used for children.
 Factors affecting respiration:
• Body position
• Exercise
• Acute pain
• Medications
• Smoking
• Hemoglobin function
• Anxiety
• Abdominal trauma
• Neurological Injury
BEAMS-HAAN
 Characteristics of the respiration:
When the respiration rate is taken, several
characteristics should be noted:
• Rate,
• Rhythm,
• Depth, and
• The quality or characteristics of breathing.
 Characteristics of the respiration:
Respiratory Rate: It is the number of respirations per
minute. The normal respiration rate for healthy adults at
rest is 12 to 20 cycles per minute. Children have a more
rapid rate of breathing than adults. Respiratory Rate
Ranges of Various Age Groups
Newborn 30–50
1–2 years old 20–30
3–8 years old 18–26
9–11 years old 16–22
12–Adult 12–20
 Characteristics of the respiration:
Respiratory Rate:
 Tachypnea—quick, shallow breaths
 Bradypnea—abnormally slow breathing
 Apnea—cessation of breathing
 Characteristics of the respiration:
 Respiratory Rhythm: It refers to the regular and equal
spacing of breaths. In a regular respiratory rhythm, the
cycles of inspiration and expiration have about the
same rate and depth. With irregular breathing patterns,
the depth and amount of air inhaled and exhaled and
the rate of respirations per minute will vary.
 Characteristics of the respiration:
Respiratory Depth: The depth of respiration is the
volume of air that is inhaled and exhaled. It is described
as either “shallow” or “deep.” Rapid but shallow
respirations occur in some disease conditions, such as
high fever, shock, and severe pain.
Hyperventilation refers to deep and rapid respirations,
and hypoventilation refers to shallow and slow
respirations.
 Characteristics of the respiration:
Respiratory Quality: Respiratory quality or character
refers to breathing patterns — both normal and
abnormal. Labored breathing refers to respirations that
require greater effort from the patient.
Dyspnea—difficult and labored breathing during which the individual
has a persistent, unsatisfied need for air and feels distressed
Orthopnea—ability to breathe only in upright sitting or standing
positions
Breath Sounds: Normal respirations do not usually have
any noticeable sounds. However, certain diseases and
illnesses can cause irregular respiration sounds.
 Characteristics Of The Respiration:
• Abnormal breath sounds that are audible without
amplification include the following:
• Stridor: A shrill, harsh sound, heard more clearly during
inspiration but that can occur during expiration. This sound
may occur when there is airway blockage, such as in
children with croup and patients with laryngeal obstruction.
–
• Stertor (stertorous breathing): Noisy sounds during
inspiration, sounds similar to those heard in snoring.
• Crackles (also called rales): Crackling sounds resembling
crushing tissue paper, caused by fluid accumulation in the
airways.
 Characteristics Of The Respiration:
• Rhonchi — Rattling, whistling, low-pitched sounds made in
the throat. Rhonchi can be heard in patients with
pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, or COPD.
• Wheezes — Sounds similar to rhonchi but more high
pitched, made when airways become obstructed or severely
narrowed, as in asthma or COPD.
• Cheyne-Stokes breathing — Irregular breathing that may be
slow and shallow at first, then faster and deeper, and that
may stop for a few seconds before beginning the pattern
again. This type of breathing may be seen in certain patients
with traumatic brain injury, strokes, and brain tumors.
Assessment of respiration Respiratory rate

• Eupnoea ( 12 – 20/ min)

• Ventilatory depth: The depth of respiration is
assessed by observing movement of chest wall
A deep respiration involves a full expansion of the lungs
with full exhalation.
• Ventilatory depth: Diaphragmatic breathing results
from the contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm
and is best observed by watching abdominal
movements.
 Conti…
Ventilatory diffusion and perfusion:
The respiratory process of diffusion and perfusion can
be evaluated by measuring the oxygen saturation of the
blood.
• Color of skin
• Capillary refill
 Alterations In Respirations
Apnea: Absence of breathing.
Eupnea: Normal breathing
Orthopnea: Only able to breathe comfortable in upright position
(such as sitting in chair), unable to breath laying down.
Dyspnea: Subjective sensation related by patient as to breathing
difficulty.
Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea attacks of severe shortness of
breath that wakes a person from sleep
Hyperpnea: Increased depth of breathing
Tachypnea: Increased frequency without blood gas abnormality
Bradypnea: is a respiratory rate that is lower than normal for
age.
 Alterations in respiration
• Hyperventilation: Increased rate or depth, or
combination of both.
• Hypoventilation: Decreased rate or depth, or some
combination of both.
• Kussmaul's Respiration: is a deep and labored
breathing pattern often associated with severe
metabolic acidosis, particularly diabetic ketoacidosis
(DKA) but also kidney failure.
 Blood Pressure
BLOOD PRESSURE
Blood pressure (BP) is one of the most important vital signs
because it aids in diagnosis and treatment, especially for
cardiovascular health. Blood pressure readings are almost
always taken at every medical visit, even if it is the only vital
sign obtained.
Definition: Blood pressure is the amount of force
exerted on the arterial walls while the heart is pumping
blood— specifically, when the ventricles contract.
 Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is measured by gauging the force of this
pressure through two specific readings: Systolic and
Diastolic.
Systolic blood pressure is the highest pressure that
occurs as the left ventricle of the heart is contracting.
Diastolic blood pressure is the lowest pressure level
that occurs when the heart is relaxed and the ventricle
is at rest and refilling with blood.
 Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is read in millimeters (mm) of mercury
(Hg), or “mmHg”. Blood pressure is recorded using just
the systolic (highest pressure) reading over the diastolic
(lowest pressure), similar to writing a fraction.
For example, 120/80 would indicate a systolic pressure of
120 (mmHg) and a diastolic reading of 80 (mmHg).
 Conti..
Pulse pressure: PP is the difference between the systolic
and diastolic readings and calculated by subtracting the
diastolic reading from the systolic reading. If the blood
pressure is 120/80, the pulse pressure is 40.
In general, a pulse pressure that is greater than 40 mmHg is
considered widened, and one that is less than 30 mmHg is
considered to be narrowed.
.
 Conti..
Pulse pressure
A widened pulse pressure may be an indicator for
cardiovascular disease and anemia
A narrowed pulse pressure may be an indicator for
congestive heart failure (CHF), stroke, or shock.
Although pulse pressure is useful in predicting
cardiovascular risk in patients, it should not be used
alone and depends on various other factors, such as the
patient’s BP and age.
 Physiology and Regulation:
There are two basic mechanisms for regulating blood
pressure:
(1) short-term mechanisms, which regulate blood
vessel diameter, heart rate and contractility
(2) long-term mechanisms, which regulate blood
volume
 Conti..
2. Long-term mechanisms, which regulate blood
volume Kidneys regulate arterial blood pressure by
Direct renal mechanism
Indirect renal (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone)
mechanism
 Physiology of arterial blood pressure
A person’s blood pressure reflects the interrelation ship
of followings…..
1. Cardiac out put
2. Peripheral Vascular Resistance
3. Blood volume
4. Blood viscosity
5. Artery elasticity
Blood Pressure Guidelines
Blood Pressure Guidelines
 Factors affecting blood pressure
• Race
• Exercise
• Age
• Diurnal variation
• Stress
• Gender
• Medications
 Blood Pressure Assessment
Equipment used are
blood pressure cuff, a sphygmomanometer, and a stethoscope.
Types of sphygmomanometers:
• Mercury
• Aneroid
• Electronic
1. Direct (invasive, arterial blood pressure monitoring)
2. Indirect
I. Auscultatory method
II. Palpatory method
 Blood Pressure Assessment
1.Direct method- A monitor is used for this method. This is
a continuous method which measures mean pressures. A
needle or catheter is inserted into the brachial, radial or
femoral artery and a monitor displays arterial pressure in
wave form.
Direct (invasive) blood pressure monitoring is
recommended in sick and compromised patients, those
who are at risk of developing major blood loss during
surgery or for whom abnormal blood gases are anticipated
(patients with respiratory disease or undergoing
thoracotomies).
 Blood Pressure Assessment
2. Indirect method- Taking blood pressure by using
sphygmomanometer.
Palpatory method
In the palpatory method of blood pressure
determination, instead of listening for the blood flow
sounds, the nurse uses light to moderate pressure to
palpate the pulsations of the artery as the pressure in
the cuff is released. The pressure is read from the
sphygmomanometer when the first pulsation is felt
 Conti..
The auscultatory method is most commonly used in
hospitals, clinics, and homes. External pressure is applied to
a superficial artery and the nurse reads the pressure from
the sphygmomanometer while listening with a stethoscope.
When carried out correctly, the auscultatory method is
relatively accurate.
When taking a blood pressure using a stethoscope, the
nurse identifies phases in the series of sounds called
Korotkoff’s sounds. The systolic pressure is the point where
the first tapping sound is heard while the diastolic pressure
is the point where the sounds become inaudible .
 BP Assessment sites:
1. Upper arm
2. Thigh
3. Leg
4. Forearm
Upper arm (using brachial artery (commonest)
Thigh around popliteal artery
Fore -arm using radial artery
Leg using posterior tibial or dorsal pedis
 Alteration in Blood Pressure
1.Hypertension
2.Hypotension:
3. Orthostatic Hypotension or Postural Hypotension
 Alteration In Blood Pressure
1. Hypertension:
It is an often a symptomatic disorder characterized by
persistently elevated blood pressure. The diagnosis of
hypertension is made when an average of two or more
diastolic readings on at least two visits is 90 mm Hg or
higher. Or
when the average of multiple systolic blood pressures on
two or more subsequent visits is consistently higher than
135 mm Hg.
 Alteration in Blood Pressure
2. Hypotension: is generally considered present when
the systolic blood pressure falls 90 mm Hg or below.
3. Orthostatic Hypotension or Postural Hypotension:
It occurs, when a normotensive person develops
symptoms of and low blood pressure when rising to an
upright position. Or change his position from lying to
sitting and to standing position.
 REFERENCES

kozier & Erb’s Fundamental of Nursing ,8th edition

( Audrey Berman ,Shirlee J. Synder).

Fundamentals of Nursing: Standards & Practice, 2nd Edition

( Sue C. DeLaune Patricia K. Ladner.)

www.slideshare.com

www.google.com

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