Do you want to rescue someone else who is in need of help but you have no idea what to do first? For you to detect and be able to monitor the medical problems of a person, you have to determine the status of his/ her vital signs. Vital signs are measurement of the body's basic functions. It is measured to help assess the general physical health of a person, give clues to possible diseases and show progress toward recovery. The normal ranges will depend on person's age, weight, gender and overall health.
Here are the main vital signs to watch out for:
- Body temperature is a measure of how well your body can make and get rid of heat. The average body temperature is 98.6º Fahrenheit, but normal temperature for a healthy person can range between 97.8º to 99.1º Fahrenheit (36.5 or 37.2 degrees Celsius) or slightly higher. Body temperature is measured using a thermometer inserted into the mouth, anus, or placed under the armpit and by a special thermometer inserted into the ear canal. Any temperature that is higher than a person's average body temperature is considered a fever. A drop in body temperature below 95º Fahrenheit is defined as hypothermia. Keep in mind that temperature can vary due to factors other than illness or infection. Stress, dehydration, exercise, being in a hot or cold environment, drinking a hot or cold beverage and thyroid disorders can influence body temperature.
- Blood pressure is the measurement of the pressure or force of blood against the walls of your arteries. Blood pressure is written as two numbers, such as 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The first number is called the systolic pressure and measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and pushes blood out to the body. The second number is called the diastolic pressure and measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. Healthy blood pressure for an adult, relaxed at rest, is considered to be a reading less than 120/80 mm Hg. A systolic pressure of 120-139 or a diastolic pressure of 80-89 is considered "prehypertension" and should be closely monitored. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is considered to be a reading of 140/90 mm Hg or higher. Blood pressure that remains high for an extended period of time can result in such health problems as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), heart failure and stroke.
- Pulse is the number of times your heart beats per minute. Your pulse is lower when you are at rest and increases when you exercise (because more oxygen-rich blood is needed by the body when you exercise). A normal pulse rate for a healthy adult at rest ranges from 60 to 80 beats per minute. Your pulse can be measured by firmly but gently pressing the first and second fingertips against certain points on the body — most commonly at the wrist or neck (but can also be measured at the bend of the arms, in the groin, behind the knees, inside the ankles, on the top of the feet or at the temple area of the face) — then counting the number of heart beats over a period of 60 seconds. A faster than average pulse can indicate such health problems as infection, dehydration, stress, anxiety, a thyroid disorder, shock, anemia or certain heart conditions.
- Respiratory rate is the number of breaths you take per minute. The normal respiration rate for an adult at rest is 12 to 20 breaths per minute. A respiration rate under 12 or over 25 breaths per minute while resting is considered abnormal. Among the conditions that can change a normal respiratory rate are asthma, anxiety, pneumonia, congestive heart failure, lung disease, use of narcotics or drug overdose.
- SpO2 also known as Oxygen Saturation is the fraction of oxygen saturated- hemoglobin relative to the total hemoglobin in the blood. Normal blood oxygen levels in humans are considered 95-100 percent. Any level lower than 95% may compromise organ function, so consistent monitoring of this vital sign is crucial.
Gaining some knowledge about health conditions and with proper monitoring of these vital signs even if you are not a healthcare professional may improve patient care and outcomes. It may also help prevent harm or errors that may occur to a person to better save lives.
ZS DMO II Karla P. Calapardo, RND
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