Does anyone know how to read vital signs - is this anything to worry too much about

kids · Dec 1, 2009

What is the source of the VS?

Homework question? Family member? What?

Holly.G · Dec 1, 2009

Its for school... I have lab coming up this Thursday that I'm getting tested in for taking vital signs. None of its getting through me head. Id prefer someone explain it to me than give me straight cut answers.

kids · Dec 1, 2009

Well, *just* the vital signs really isn't enough information.

As stand alone information, yes there are things there that are concerning.

But they can also be typical of many elderly people depending on other factors.

NSC11 · Dec 1, 2009

BP and HR - yes to worry about. A perfect BP is 120/80. and HR should be between 60-100 bpm.

GO4ABSN · Dec 1, 2009

Not sure what you're trying to ask. Are you supposed to interprete the underlying cause of the abnormal VS?

Be sure to memorize normal values for vitals and labs for each patient population you work with (Peds, OB, Geriatrics, etc). My clinical instructor loves to ask those types of questions during clinical and you have to know it off the top of your head. As far as this patient a low BP and high HR would indicate hypovolemia possibly due to fluid loss from hyperemesis, diarrhea, or hemorrhaging. Hope this helps. Good Luck!

rn/writer, RN · Dec 1, 2009

120/80 is no longer considered normal. It is now described as pre-hypertensive.

Vital signs for an elderly 80 year old lady: BP 85/50; HR 120; RR 20; SpO2 98%

85/50 could be normal for an 80 yo female if she is on the small side. Might also indicate some dehydration, a common (and often undiagnosed) problem in older folks. The higher heart rate tends to back this up. When there is a fluid deficit, the heart rate speeds up to keep what fluid there is circulating. Respirations and O2 sat seem okay.

This may not be on your test, but here is a pearl of wisdom I learned way back when. One set of vitals doesn't tell you much unless the numbers are really out of whack. In medical matters you learn to look for trends. The snapshot of one set of vitals is a starting point, a baseline, but it's when you see several sets over time that you begin to see where the patient is "trending."

It's helpful to have a normal baseline or to ask the patient what is normal for them. If normal is 90/55, then 85/50 is still within a reasonable range. If normal is 130/85 you might be looking at some kind of med reaction or shock, and you had better act quickly.

Same for pulse. An athlete could have a resting pulse of 54 without any problem because their stroke volume is much greater than the average person has. That means they move a larger than normal volume of blood with each heartbeat. But someone who normally runs in the 80s would probably start feeling bad with a pulse this low.

Things to look at when v/s are abnormal--

What is normal for this person?

What is their medical history?

Have there been any recent med changes?

What is their hydration status?

When was their last meal?

Are they anxious about anything?

Is there anything out of the ordinary going on?

Hope this helps.

Holly.G · Dec 1, 2009

Thanks you guys!!! :nuke:

FLmomof5 · Dec 1, 2009

Could tell you are a yankee...... down here we say, "Thanks, ya'll!" LOL

tiffanyleigh0212 · Dec 2, 2009

Could tell you are a yankee...... down here we say, "Thanks, ya'll!" LOL

hahaha right on! i just feel awkward saying thanks you guys to a group of girls! ya'll just fits perfect

katrenia04 · Dec 3, 2009

With those vital signs, for normal range, B/P is a little low (but depends on pt history, condition, etc) HR is high (should be 80-100), resp are a lil high but ok, (again depends on pt info) and spo2 is good.. especially if not on o2.... hope this helps!

dalilama · Dec 5, 2009

BP 85/50 low

HR 120 fast, possibly to "make up" for the low blood pressure....