Essay Nvqundertake Physiological Measurements - 1328 Words

James Edwards 03/04/1985 CU2698 Undertake Physiological Measurements 1. 1.1 2. Physiological state in defined as â€Å"the condition or state of the body or bodily functions†. This can be measured when we perform our observations. By measuring a patient’s respiratory rate, oxygen saturations, peak flow (in asthma patients), pulse rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, core temperature, blood sugar, pupil reaction and Glasgow coma scale. All these combined measurement can give us an insight into the patient’s health or Physiological state. 2.1 The heart is simple a pump which forces the blood around our bodies through the pipe work we call our arteries and veins. We can measure this force on our vascular system by measuring our blood†¦show more content†¦From above you would think this was only a good thing. But unfortunately a systolic blood pressure of below 90mmHg can cause real problems. The lower you blood pressure becomes the less blood reaches our vital organs like the brain. This can cause simple symptoms such as dizziness or faints. However prolonged hypotension below 80-90mmHg can cause toxins to build up in the blood, this is because the kidneys need a certain amount of blood pressure to filter the blood properly. This can be fatal if left untreated. 2.2 Body temperature is a measurement of the body’s ability to generate or get rid of excess heat. When the body gets to hot the blood vessels near the skin dilate to carry the excess heat to your skins surface. You will also begin to sweat as the sweat evaporates this helps cool you body. When the body becomes too cold our blood vessels contract, this reduces the blood flow to the skins surface to conserve body heat. As we become colder the body can start an involuntary response called shivering. This is where the muscles of the body rapidly contract this extra muscle activity helps generate more heat. Normal body temperature is around 37 °C this is an average of normal body temperatures. Your temperature may actually be 0.6 °C above or below 37 °C depending on the outside temperature or you level of activity. Pyrexia is an elevated body temperature usually above 37.5 °C. This is one of the ways are immune system attempt to fight an infection. Usually the