Vital Signs Terminology

Without fever

heart beat as listened to with the bell or diaphragm of a stethoscope placed on the apex of the heart

the pressure of the blood in the circulatory system, often measured for diagnosis since it is closely related to the force and rate of the heartbeat and the diameter and elasticity of the arterial walls

slower than normal heart rate; heart contracts fewer than 60 times per minute

abnormally slow rate of breathing

(CO); volume of blood expelled by the ventricles of the heart, equal to the amount of blood ejected at each beat multiplied by the number of beats in the period of time used for computation (usually 1 minute)

a scale of temperature based on 0°C for the freezing point of water and 100°C for the boiling point of water

secretion of sweat, especially profuse secretion associated with an elevated body temperature, physical exertion or emotional stress

(Diastole); the blood pressure at the instant of maximum cardiac relaxation (chambers fill with blood)

(Systole); ventricular contraction

sensation of shortness of breath

measure of temperature based on 32°F freezing point of water and 212°F boiling point of water at sea level

pertaining to or characterized by an elevated body temperature (fever)

Fever of Unknown Origin

Despite investigation by a physician

disorder characterized by an elevated blood pressure persistently exceeding 120/80 mm Hg

abnormal lowering of blood pressure that is inadequate for normal perfusion and oxygenation of tissues

abnormal lowering of body temperature below 35°C or 95°F, usually caused by prolonged exposure to cold

Respiratory rate in excess of that required to maintain normal carbon dioxide levels in the body tissues

respiratory rate insufficient to prevent carbon dioxide retention

Jugular Venous Distention

sign of increased central venous pressure (CVP) inside the vena cava

• Symptom of:
• Right-sided heart failure
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Tricuspid valve stenosis
• Superior vena cava obstruction
• Constrictive pericarditis

abnormally low blood pressure occurring when a person stands

amount of hemoglobin fully saturated with oxygen, given as a percent value

rapid regular heart rate ranging between 100 and 150 beats per minute

abnormally rapid rate of breathing