Editing Fundamentals of Nursing – LPN Flashcards (section)

== Vital signs and data collection ==

;What are the adult normal ranges for vital signs?
:Temperature about 36.5 to 37.5 degrees Celsius (97.7 to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit) orally, pulse 60 to 100 beats per minute, respirations 12 to 20 breaths per minute, blood pressure below 120 over 80 millimeters of mercury for normal, and oxygen saturation about 95 to 100 percent on room air.

;How are respirations counted accurately?
:Count without telling the patient, ideally while appearing to continue taking the radial pulse, because awareness changes the rate and depth. Count for a full minute if the pattern is irregular or the patient is an infant.

;What must be done before taking an oral temperature?
:Wait 15 to 30 minutes after the patient has had hot or cold liquids, smoked, or chewed gum. Always document the route used, because rectal readings run higher and axillary readings run lower than oral.

;When is the pulse counted for a full minute?
:Whenever the rhythm is irregular, when the patient is an infant, and always when assessing the apical pulse before giving digoxin. Hold digoxin and notify the registered nurse if the adult apical rate is below 60 beats per minute.

;Which arm should be avoided for blood pressure measurement?
:An arm with a dialysis access, an intravenous infusion, a cast or injury, or on the side of a mastectomy with lymph node dissection. A cuff that is too narrow or applied over clothing gives a falsely high reading.