PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of hospital-based emergency medical technician (EMT) training on pre-hospital evaluation. METHODS: Three level 1 EMTs were trained at a regional emergency center for three months in an education program designed to improve pre-hospital evaluation. In order to assess the effectiveness of the training, we compared the rates at which EMTs measured vital signs during the three months before training (pre-training group) and the three months immediately after training (post-training group). We assigned one point to each of the following vital sign parameters when it was measured by an EMT: systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse rate (PR), respiratory rate (RR), and body temperature (BT). The composite scores (range 0-5) were calculated and compared. RESULTS: Of a total of 1,364 cases, 674 cases (49.4%) involved the pre-training group and 668 (52.2%) involved male patients. There were no significant differences in prehospital parameters (sex, proportion of injury, mental status, vital signs) or in pre-hospital management between the preand post-training group. The measurement rates of SBP, DBP, PR, and BT were not improved in the post-training group compared to the pre-training group, but the RR measurement rate was much greater in the post-training group than in the pre-training group (30.0% versus 7.7%, p<0.001). As a result, the composite score was also higher to a statistically significant degree in the post-training group (1.42+/-1.62 versus 1.18+/-1.39, p=0.003). CONCLUSION: Hospital-based training for EMT improved the rate at which vital signs were measured, mostly particularly the respiratory rate.
Blood Pressure ; Body Temperature ; Education ; Emergencies* ; Emergency Medical Services ; Emergency Medical Technicians* ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Male ; Respiratory Rate ; Vital Signs*

Background: The clinical guideline for prehospital blood glucose measurement in hypoglycemia presenting with mental change has not been sure, maybe it has depended on individual decision. Therefore we was going to find out whether the difference of the vital sign between hypoglycemia and non hypoglycemia can give important message or not. Methods: Retrospective study was carried out from Jan 2004 to Dec 2005. The patients with mental change were divided into hypoglycemic group and non hypoglycemic group. Then we compared the difference of vital sign (Blood pressure, respiration rate, heart rate) based on paramedic run reports and medical records. Results: 66 person in hypoglycemic group were aged 60.92+/-16.90 on average. And 67 person in non hypoglycemia were 58.53+/-16.58. The difference of blood pressure, respiration rate is not significantly but only body temperature makes significant difference(P=0.014). Furthermore it was inclined that the lower body temperature was more likely in hypoglycemia(P<0.001). Compared with over 36.0degrees C, probability of hypoglycemia in less than or equal to 36.0degrees C of temperature was more (OR: 54.28, 95% CI: 18.956~155.464). Conclusion: The body temperature gives more significant information in Prehospital blood glucose measurements for hypoglycemic patients with mental change is not absolutely, but recommended in less than 36.0degrees C.
Allied Health Personnel ; Blood Glucose ; Blood Pressure ; Body Temperature ; Heart ; Humans ; Hypoglycemia* ; Medical Records ; Respiratory Rate ; Retrospective Studies ; Vital Signs*

PURPOSE: Some studies indicate that vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, body temperature correlate with each other. However, no study has rigorously confirmed the correlations between vital signs due to study limitations. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship of pain to vital sings and to assess its clinical utility in ureter stone patients. METHODS: All 371 patients with ureter stone admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) at Kyung Hee University Hospital from September 1, 2005 to August 31, 2006 were prospectively involved in our study. We recorded vital signs of all patients 3 times every 10 minutes before analgesic injection and determined mean values. We analyzed the data by using the SPSS 13.0 statistics program. RESULTS: The means for systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and respiration rate were significantly different in pain score (p<0.05), but were not different by body temperature. Correlations of pain grade to vital signs were calculated, and blood pressure, heart rate and respiration rate showed positive correlation with pain grade (p<0.05). In multivariate analysis by general linear analysis, only systolic blood pressure and respiration rate were significantly associated with pain scores (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In general, we have a tendency to underestimate the importance of the respiration rate relative to blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature except in special circumstances, such as COPD or asthma exacerbation. Self-reported pain scores of patients correlate with vital signs, especially blood pressure and respiration rate.
Asthma ; Blood Pressure ; Body Temperature ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Multivariate Analysis ; Prospective Studies ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; Respiratory Rate ; Ureter* ; Urinary Calculi ; Vital Signs*

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a well-known chemical asphyxiant, which causes tissue hypoxia with prominent neurological injury. Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) has been shown to be an effective neuroprotective method in post-cardiac arrest patients. A 26-year-old man presented to the emergency department with severe CO poisoning. On arrival, the patient was comatose. His vital signs were blood pressure, 130/80 mm Hg; heart rate, 126/min; respiratory rate, 26/min; body temperature, 36degrees C; and O2 saturation, 94%. Initial carboxyhemoglobin was 45.2%. Because there was no available hyperbaric chamber in our local area, he was intubated and treated with TH. The target temperature was 33 +/- 1degrees C for 24 hours using an external cooling device. The patient was then allowed to reach normothermia by 0.15-0.25degrees C/hr. The patient was discharged after normal neurological exams on day 11 at the hospital. TH initiated after exposure to CO may be an effective prophylactic method for preventing neurological sequelae.
Anoxia ; Blood Pressure ; Body Temperature ; Carbon ; Carbon Monoxide ; Carbon Monoxide Poisoning ; Carboxyhemoglobin ; Coma ; Emergencies ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Hypothermia ; Hypothermia, Induced ; Respiratory Rate ; Vital Signs

BACKGROUND: Preoperative anxiety is described as an unpleasant state of uneasiness or tension that may adversely influence the quality of anesthesia and outcome of surgery. This study was designed to assess the effects of sensory information on preoperative anxiety of outpatients for day-case surgery. METHODS: One hundred healthy patients scheduled for elective day-case surgery were randomly assigned to one of two groups. A leaflet consisting of sensory information describing what they could expect to feel during anesthesia, surgery, and recovery time was provided by a trained nurse to the patients in information group (n = 50) in the preparation room before the operation. However, no information was provided to the patients in control group (n = 50). All patients were requested to complete the Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory on the day before the operation in the clinic, and at the conclusion of the sensory information or standard interview in the preparation room before the induction of anesthesia. Blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate were recorded during the observational period. RESULTS: Although no significant difference existed between the two groups on the pre and postintervention anxiety scores and vital signs, the question about feeling of objective anxiety in the information group was significantly higher than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Implications are presented for identifying the patients at risk for preoperative anxiety and coping styles and for designing effective interventions to enhance the patient's sense of control.
Anesthesia ; Anxiety* ; Blood Pressure ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Outpatients ; Respiratory Rate ; Vital Signs

PURPOSE: This study was done to examine the effects of aroma inhalation therapy on pain post tonsillectomy. METHOD: A non-equivalent control group pre- and post-test design was used. The research instruments used in this study were a pain perception measurement and vital signs (systolic & diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate levels). Twenty-five patients in the experimental group went through aroma inhalation therapy for ten minutes after the tonsillectomy. The aroma inhalation therapy used was a blended oil, a mixture of Lavender and Loman chamomile in the ratio of 2:1. The 25 patients in the control group did not receive the therapy. Before and after the experiment, both groups were tested for pain (pain perception and vital signs). Collected data were processed with the SPSS WIN. Ver. 14.0 program and analyzed using frequencies, percentages, chi2-test, Fisher's exact test, t-test and ANCOVA. RESULTS: Pain perception of patients was not significantly reduced. However systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate were significantly reduced. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate that aroma inhalation is a partially effective nursing intervention to reduce the post-operative tonsillectomy pain.
Aromatherapy ; Blood Pressure ; Chamomile ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Inhalation ; Lavandula ; Pain Perception ; Respiratory Therapy ; Tonsillectomy ; Vital Signs

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of hand massage with nail art on depression, self-esteem and vital signs of elderly women. METHODS: The research design was one group pre and post test experimental design. Data were collected from December 7 to December 14, 2015. All participants had hand massage with nail art for 10 minutes. Depression, self-esteem and vital signs were measured before, immediately after the hand massage with nail art and one week later. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and repeated measures ANOVA with SPSS/Win 12.0 Program. RESULTS: Depression (F=30.80, p<.001), self-esteem (F=60.02, p<.000), diastolic pressure (F=29.56, p<.001) and body temperature (F=13.87, p<.001) were significantly different compared to pre-study values. Systolic pressure (F=3.85, p=.059) and pulse rate (F=0.32, p=.576) had no significant difference compared to pre-study values. CONCLUSION: The findings of this research show that hand massage with nail art has positive effects on decreasing depression and improving self-esteem for senior women who chose nail polish colour by themselves.
Aged* ; Blood Pressure ; Body Temperature ; Depression* ; Female ; Hand* ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Massage* ; Nursing Homes* ; Nursing* ; Research Design ; Vital Signs*

OBJECTIVES: It is to evaluate the effect of black cohosh on genital atrophy and its adverse effect in postmenopausal women. METHODS: A total of 100 postmenopausal women having moderate to severe degree of climacteric symptoms were randomly allocated to receive black cohosh combined proparation (n = 50) or placebo (n = 50) daily for 12 weeks. A total of seventy eight subjects completed the study. The effect of black cohosh on vaginal atrophy was evaluated by measuring Maturation value (MV). MV was determined from vaginal smear at 0 and 12 weeks of treatment. Safety assessment included vital signs, physical examinations, adverse events, and routine laboratory parameters. Assessments were carried out at the beginning, and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: The mean (+/- standard deviation) MV decreased 0.18 (0.48 +/- 0.33 to 0.30 +/- 0.24) in the black cohosh group and 0.13 (0.44 +/- 0.31 to 0.31 +/- 0.22) in the placebo group. There was no statistical difference between the groups. But adverse events were observed in 7 (14%) patients in the black cohosh group and 6 (12%) patients in the placebo group, without statistical significance. No significant effects were observed on blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, physical findings, and laboratory values. Black cohosh was well tolerated. CONCLUSION: Black cohosh did not exert estrogenic effects with regards to vaginal atrophy. Further studies on the long-term safety and the appropriate doses of cohosh are needed.
Atrophy ; Blood Pressure ; Body Temperature ; Cimicifuga ; Climacteric ; Estrogens ; Female ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Physical Examination ; Vaginal Smears ; Vital Signs

PURPOSE: The existing triage systems for trauma at prehospital field sites have limitations when applied to various nontraumatic conditions at hospitals and show disagreement in inter- or intra-rater assessments. The purpose of study was to develop a simple and objective triage tool which could be applied to both traumatic and non-traumatic patients and would reduce the rate of disagreement in inter- or intra-rater assessments by using a computerized system. METHODS: A prospective study was designed to evaluate the characteristics and the outcomes of patients who visited Korea University Emergency Medical Center between April 1 and May 31, 2002. The observed parameters were age, sex, AVPU scale, mode of visit, and vital signs including blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature. The patient's outcome, which reflected the severity of condition, was expressed on the basis of progress, including home discharge, admission to general ward, and admission to intensive care unit (ICU) or death. RESULTS: Of the 3,242 patients enrolled in the study, 724 were traumatic patients, and 2518 were non-traumatic patients. The accuracy rate between the actual and the calculated classification of a patient's outcome for all patients was 66.2% for discharge, 64.1% for admission to general ward, 30.6% for admission to ICU or death. The corresponding numbers for non-traumatic patients were 70.3%, 70.6%, 32.1%, and those for traumatic patients were 61.3%, 52.5%, 29.8%. CONCLUSION: The Computerized Triage System provides a useful guideline to classify patients into two groups (discharge vs admission), especially in non-traumatic conditions, but it has limitations for classifying into critically ill patients.
Blood Pressure ; Body Temperature ; Classification ; Critical Illness ; Discriminant Analysis ; Emergencies* ; Emergency Service, Hospital* ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Intensive Care Units ; Korea ; Patients' Rooms ; Prospective Studies ; Respiratory Rate ; Triage* ; Vital Signs

Cardiopulmonary depression of long-term constant rate infusion (CRI) administration of multiple analgesic drugs is important, especially in critically ill dogs. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of lidocaine, ketamine or combined lidocaine-ketamine combination CRI treatment on vital signs and left ventricular (LV) function in healthy dogs. Six adult Beagle dogs were administered either ketamine (initial loading dose of 0.5 mg/kg followed by 10 microg/kg/min CRI), lidocaine (initial loading dose of 2 mg/kg followed by 0.025 mg/kg/min CRI), or combined lidocaine-ketamine intravenously. Arterial blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), body temperature (BT) and echocardiographic LV dimensions were measured before administration of medications, immediately after administration of drugs, and then every 10 min for 2 h. There were no significant changes in HR, RR, BT and BP after the administration of either lidocaine CRI, ketamine CRI, or combined lidocaine and ketamine CRI. There were also no significant changes in LV dimensions and stroke volume. The results revealed that treatment with either lidocaine, ketamine or combined lidocaine-ketamine may not cause cardiopulmonary suppression in healthy dogs.
Adult ; Analgesia ; Analgesics ; Animals ; Arterial Pressure ; Body Temperature ; Critical Illness ; Depression ; Dogs* ; Echocardiography* ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Ketamine* ; Lidocaine* ; Respiratory Rate ; Stroke Volume ; Ventricular Function, Left* ; Vital Signs*