Frequently Asked Questions
Chapter 27: Health Assessment

In what ways are vital signs affected by exercise, anxiety, and stress?

Exercise, anxiety, and stress result in increases in temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure.

Mr. Jones has a temperature of 36.5° centigrade. What is his temperature in Fahrenheit?

The formula for converting from centigrade to Fahrenheit is:

°Fahrenheit = (oC x 9/5) + 32

If Mr. Jones has a temperature of 36.5 oC, his temperature in Fahrenheit would be

°Fahrenheit = (36.5 X 9/5) +32 = 97.7oF

Mrs. Smith has a temperature of 98.8° Fahrenheit. What is her temperature in centigrade?

The formula for converting from Fahrenheit to centigrade is:

°Centigrade = (cF – 32) X 5/9

If Mrs. Smith has a temperature of 98.8o Fahrenheit, her temperature in centigrade would be:

°Centigrade = (98.8 – 32) X 5/9 = 37.1oC

Who determines the best site for measuring a client’s temperature?

The physician may order a specific site, but nursing judgment usually determines the optimal site based on the client’s age, physical condition, and mental condition.

What are some precautions to observe when taking a client’s temperature?

Several precautions are appropriate when taking a client’s temperature:

(1) Do not take a cardiovascular client’s temperature rectally to prevent stimulating a rectal temperature.
(2) Hot or cold fluids and smoking may alter the client’s temperature.
(3) Shake down glass thermometers to avoid false high readings.
(4) Leave glass oral and rectal thermometers in place three to five minutes to improve accuracy. For axillary temperatures, leave six to eight minutes.
(5) Observe good aseptic techniques and use disposable sheaths while handling thermometers, and wash your hands thoroughly when done to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
(6) Instruct clients to take a deep breathe before you insert a rectal temperature to relax the anal sphincter.
(7) When using a tympanic thermometer, store it in the device provided to protect the probe and to restore batteries.

What is the difference between costal (thoracic) and diaphragmatic (abdominal) breathing?

Costal breathing involves using the external intercostal muscles and others to move the chest upward and outward. Diaphragmatic breathing involves the contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm, resulting in movement of the abdomen.

What are the contraindications for brachial artery blood pressure measurement?

The contraindications for brachial artery blood pressure measurement are (1) the presence of venous access devices, such as an intravenous infusion or arteriovenus fistula; (2) surgery involving the breast, axilla, shoulder, arm, or hand; (3) injury or disease to the shoulder, arm, or hand.

What are the abnormalities commonly seen in the face?

The abnormalities commonly seen in the face include exophthalmia (the protrusion or bulging of the eye), acromegaly (an elongation of the head with prominent features), Cushing’s syndrome (an adrenal disease causing a round or “moon” face with excessive hair growth), pallor and swelling around the eyes (caused by chronic renal failure), and a mask-like posture of the face (caused by Parkinson’s disease).

What are the common refractive errors of vision?

The common refractive errors of vision are myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), presbyopia (farsightedness caused by a loss of elasticity of the lens of the eye), and astigmatism (an unequal spherical curve of the cornea).