Week 4: Basic Observations
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Why do we take basic obs?
A baseline so abnormal changes can be identified and to make a plan for immediate treatment
What is heart rate/pulse?
The rise and fall of pressure associated with the contraction and relaxation of the heart, can be felt palpating an artery
How do you measure a pulse?
-measure for 1 minute ( or 30s X2) - check for regularity, volume and character
How long should you take a paediatrics pulse for?
1 whole minute
What are some common sites for palpating arterial pulses?
• carotid • brachial • femoral • radial • popliteal • posterior tibia • dorsalis pedis
What does tachycardia mean?
Rapid resting heart rate <100bpm
What does bradycardia mean?
Slow heart rate >60bpm
What are some factors that affect heart rate?
• exercise • stress • illness • overdose/drugs/intoxicated • anxiety • excitement • cardiac related issues • pain
What is first vital observation to alter in a patient whose condition is deteriorating?
Respiratory Rate
What can resp rate be influenced by?
• pain • stress • emotion
Define tachypnoea
A raised respiratory rate
Define hyperventilation
When breathing removes more CO2 than is produced
Define dyspnea
Difficulty breathing/SOB
Define orthopnea
Difficulty in breathing when laying flat
Define apnea
No resp rate
What are the two ways oxygen is transported to the tissues?
-98.5% bound to haemoglobin -1.5% dissolved in the plasmas
What is pulse oximetry?
A measure of the amount of heamoglobin saturated with oxygen by projecting 2 pulsating beams of light through the peripheral blood vessel, a portion is absorbed by the HB and converted to saturation
What is a normal value of SPO2?
> 95%
When should you be mindful when taking SPO2?
Nail polish or cold peripherals
When resting where generates the most heat?
Heart, liver, brain and endocrine glands
What is a normal range for temperature?
36.5-37.2 C
What is blood pressure?
A measure of the pressure exerted by the blood against the walls of the blood vessels. The most simple indicator of haemodynamic well-being
Why is blood pressure important?
• oxygen transport • tissue perfusion
What are the two numbers associated with blood pressure?
• systolic (the highest pressure when the heart beats) • diastolic (the lowest pressure in between beats)