These notes are for the Diagnostic Imaging program at Dawson College for Patient care. It summarizes all the basic nursing skills needed to pass the test. Its one topics worth of notes
, Basic nursing skills
Ability to obtain vital signs- also called cardinal signs
Vital signs are indicators of a patients health status. RT’s do not take vital signs on the majority of patients,
but when the need does arise it is often in response to an urgent situation
Vital signs that are standard in medical environments include an assessment of:
• body temperature
• Pulse or heart rate
TPR
• Respirations
• Blood pressure
Vital signs must be measured if the patient is having an interventional/invasive procedure and the department
does not have a radiology nurse available
The vitals should also be taken before and after a patient receives meds in the imaging
department. Also take if patient is not feeling well
A physicians order is not required for the MIT to take the vital signs
The MIT must always ensure that the sphygmomanometer, a stethoscope, and the equipment
necessary for vital signs are functional
Homeostasis: stable or state of equilibrium of the internal environment of the body
Normal vital signs for adults and children
Temperature (T): physiologic balance between the temperatures produced in the body tissues and
heat loss by the body
Body temperature is controlled by the basal region of the diencephalon of the
brain called hypothalamus. Humans are homeothermic (warm, blooded and
maintain body temperature independently of their environment)
1. Anterior aspect of hypothalamus controls heat dissipation.
2. Posterior aspect of hypothalamus controls the heat conservation
Metabolic activity produces heat and increases body temperature:
• usually lower in the morning
• Higher after exercise As the body temperature increases, the bodies need
• Higher after eating for oxygen increases.
• Higher during stressful event (psychogenic fever)
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller nicoletachionis. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $8.39. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
