Vital Signs
He is transported to the hospital in stable condition, with vital signs showing temperature 36.9°C., pulse 80/minute, respirations 18/minute, and blood pressure 115/80 mm Hg.
What our notes say
- He is transported to the hospital in stable condition, with vital signs showing temperature 36.9°C., pulse 80/minute, respirations 18/minute, and blood pressure 115/80 mm Hg. (CNS PATHOLOGY — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
- Monitor the mother and fetus (vital signs, glucose, urine output, and fetal heart rate). (Junior Clerkship in Reproductive Health (MBOG 4200): end of year examination, 4 )
- Do not delay urgent care to complete a routine examination or obtain every vital sign. (Paediatric History Taking and Physical Examination)
- Measure and interpret vital signs against age-specific reference ranges and the child's clinical state. (Paediatric History Taking and Physical Examination)
- Monitor urine output (catheter) and vital signs closely. (Sepsis and septic shock)
- Depends on size; vital signs often normal in small ones. (Pneumothorax: Classification, Clinical Features and Emergency Management)
Study material on Vital Signs
- Vital Signs Assessment
- Cranial Nerves, Eye Exam & Vital Signs: MBChB Clinical Revision
- Paediatric History Taking and Physical Examination
- CARDIOVASCULAR PATHOLOGY
- Chemical pathology and Endocrine pathology
- CNS PATHOLOGY
- renal pathology
- Vital Signs Assessment
- Vital Signs Assessment
Practice questions on Vital Signs
A 25-year-old woman incurs a head injury from a skiing accident. She is now in stable condition and her vital signs are normal. Serum electrolytes now show Na 134 meq/L, K 7.6 meq/L, Cl 100 meq/L, and CO2 25 meq/L. What is the most likely etiology for these laboratory test findings?
- Severe diarrhea
- Mannitol infusion
- Acute renal failure
- Excess intravenous fluids
Answer: A. ** Stable patient with markedly elevated potassium (7.6) but normal other electrolytes suggests pseudohyperkalemia from hemolysis during blood collection, releasing intracellular potassium. --- ---
A 25-year-old woman incurs a head injury from a skiing accident. She is now in stable condition and her vital signs are normal. Serum electrolytes now show Na 134 meq/L, K 7.6 meq/L, Cl 100 meq/L, and CO2 25 meq/L. What is the most likely etiology for these laboratory test findings?
- Diabetes insipidus
- Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH) secretion
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Hemolyzed specimen
Answer: D. The markedly elevated potassium (7.6 meq/L) in the presence of a normal or slightly low sodium and normal CO2 is highly suggestive of a hemolyzed specimen. Red blood cell lysis releases intracellular potassium into the serum, leading to falsely elevated potassium levels. Other electrolyte abnormalities like hyponatremia and hypernatremia seen in DI or SIADH, or adrenal insufficiency, would not typically present with
A 25-year-old woman incurs a head injury from a skiing accident. She is now in stable condition and her vital signs are normal. Serum electrolytes now show Na 134 meq/L, K 7.6 meq/L, Cl 100 meq/L, and CO2 25 meq/L. What is the most likely etiology for these laboratory test findings?
- Hemolyzed specimen
- Severe diarrhea
- Mannitol infusion
- Acute renal failure
- Excess intravenous fluids ✅ Answer: A. Hemolyzed specimen
Answer: A.
A 25-year-old woman incurs a head injury from a skiing accident. She is now in stable condition and her vital signs are normal. Serum electrolytes now show Na 134 meq/L, K 7.6 meq/L, Cl 100 meq/L, and CO2 25 meq/L. What is the most likely etiology for these laboratory test findings?
- Hemolyzed specimen
- Severe diarrhea
- Mannitol infusion
- Acute renal failure
- Excess intravenous fluids ✅ Answer: A. Hemolyzed specimen
Answer: A.
A 25-year-old woman incurs a head injury from a skiing accident. She is now in stable condition and her vital signs are normal. Serum electrolytes now show Na 134 meq/L, K 7.6 meq/L, Cl 100 meq/L, and CO2 25 meq/L. What is the most likely etiology for these laboratory test findings?
- Hemolyzed specimen
- Severe diarrhea
- Mannitol infusion
- Acute renal failure
- Excess intravenous fluids ✅ Answer: A. Hemolyzed specimen
Answer: A.