Week 4 Edapt – NR 302 Vital Signs Pulse Rate

Pulse rate generally varies by age, gender, and physical condition. In infancy and childhood, pulse rates are faster, slowing as individuals age. After puberty, females tend to have slightly faster pulse rates than males. For any client with an irregularly high or low pulse, it is essential first to verify these findings by assessing the apical pulse for one full minute. Only after a focused assessment is completed and findings are verified should healthcare providers be notified. Patient histories, including prior heart rate and rhythm, are accessible in the Electronic Health Record (EHR), eliminating the need for additional information from the client’s family.

Blood Pressure Physiology

The physiology of blood pressure (BP) involves both systolic and diastolic pressures, reflecting heart activity. Diastolic pressure, also known as the “bottom number,” measures arterial pressure during ventricular rest. The difference between systolic and diastolic pressures, known as “pulse pressure,” provides additional insights into cardiovascular health. Systolic pressure represents the heart’s force during contraction, while the diastolic reading occurs when Korotkoff sounds cease, marking relaxation. The term “auscultatory gap” refers to the absence of sound during BP measurement, indicating reduced peripheral blood flow.

Vital Signs and Abnormal Findings

Vital signs are fundamental indicators of health, with values varying across normal and abnormal ranges. For example, a temperature below 95.1 °F (35.1 °C) signals hypothermia, while a heart rate exceeding 100 bpm in adults is tachycardia. Respiratory rates of 12-20 breaths per minute are standard for adults, and deviations may indicate underlying health issues. Additionally, a BP reading above 140/90 mm Hg is classified as hypertension. Vital signs should be measured during specific circumstances, such as admission, after surgery, or before administering medications that affect heart rate, blood pressure, or respiratory function.

Vital Signs Table

References

American Nurses Association. (2020). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice. Silver Spring, MD: American Nurses Association.