Question

Why is it important to obtain vital signs?

What is the difference between core temp and surface temp?

Why is oral temperature not obtained in a comatose patient?

What tool does the nurse use to obtain an apical heart rate?

What part of the stethoscope is utilized to assess lung sounds?

Answer 1

Ans)• Vital signs are an important component of patient care.

- Vital signs ( Temperature, Pulse, Respiration, Blood pressure, SPO²) are an indication of the basic body functioning and can be a basis for problem solving to determine physiological abnormalities.

- They determine which treatment protocols to follow, provide critical information needed to make life-saving decisions, and confirm feedback on treatments performed.

Ans)• Core body temperature:

The temperature inside of the body, which is produced by metabolic process of the tissues.

Surface body temperature:

The temperature of the surface of the skin.

Difference between core body temperature and surface body temperature:

- Core temperature is the temperature of the deep tissues of the body, and surface temperature is the temperature of the skin.

- Core body temperature is slightly higher than surface body temperature.

Ans)• Oral temperature is not obtained in a comatose patient because the patient is unable to assist with holding the thermometer.

Ans)• Stethoscope is the tool used by the nurse to obtain an apical heart rate.

Ans)• Diaphragm is the part of the stethoscope which is utilized to assess lung sounds