Vital signs

Objectives
1- To know the types and significance of vital signs.
2- To learn the principles of examination of the vital
signs

Suggested reading:
Macleod s Clinical Examination,
Davidson s Principles and Practice of
Medicine.
12th Edition

Vital signs are measurements
the body s basic
circulation & breathing
of
functions mainly

The assessment of a patient’
provides you with important information as
they are the initial test for breathing &
circulation.
They can be taken any where (home ,clinic,
emergency room or the ward ) & for
conscious & unconscious patient
patient’s vital signs

In a patient who is alert and orientated, you would
assess and record the
following vital signs:
? Pulse
? Respiration
? Body temperature
? Blood pressure
Other
Conscious level , urine output, drain output

Pulse
Blood is forced into the aorta and then the
arteries when the left ventricle contracts. The
resulting pressure wave is transmitted through
the arteries, and is felt as a pulse.
most often palpated by compressing an artery
against a bone.

Peripheral pulses are checked to assess blood
flow to a limb, or the head, as well as to
assess heart rate, rhythm, character and
volume.
Normal rate :
Variability :

In the absence of a pulse, the feeding artery
should be examined; for example, if you are
unable to palpate a dorsalis
popliteal artery may be compromised.
Diminished or absent pulses may be indicative
of impaired blood flow and
disease.