Question

Discuss the importance of vital signs in healthcare.

Answer 1

The vital signs of an individual animal are measured to test the internal homeostasis and general health. Abnormal values of vital signs indicates a disease or disorder. The veterinary assistant measures the vital signs from time to time. The vital signs include,

• Temperature
• Indications of perfusion
• Pulse
• Respiration rate and effort
• Heart rate and rhythm

To identify the abnormal signs, the veterinary assistant must know the normal ranges specific to that animal, age group, and species.

The average values of body temperature for various age groups are given below:

Age group	Temperature (oC)
Newborn	36.8
One year	37.6
6 years to adult	37
Elderly over age 70	36

The average values of pulse ranges for various age groups are given below:

Age group	Pulse range (per minute)
Newborn	120-160
1-2 years	80-140
3-6 years	75-120
7-11 years	75-110
Adolescence to adulthood	60-100

The average values of respiration ranges for various age groups are given below:

Age group	Pulse range (per minute)
Newborn	30-50
1-3 years	20-30
4-6 years	18-26
7-11 years	16-22
Adolescence to adulthood	12-20

The average values of blood pressure ranges for various age groups are given below:

Age group	Blood-pressure range (mm/Hg)
Newborn	60-96/30-62
1-3 years	78-112/48-78
4-6 years	78-112/50-79
7-11 years	85-114/52-79
Adolescent	94-119/58-79
Adult	100-119/60-79

Some of the abnormal vital signs are given below:

1. Apnea – Absence or cessation of breathing
2. Arrhythmia – An irregular heart rhythm
3. Bradycardia – The pulse rate below 60 beats per minutes
4. Dyspnea – Difficult or painful breathing
5. Febrile – Pertaining to increased body temperature
6. Hyperpnoea – Increased depth of breathing
7. Hypertension – High blood pressure
8. Pyrexia – Fever