Unit 35 Temperature Pulse and Respiration TPR Graphics

Unit 35 Temperature, Pulse, and Respiration (TPR) Graphics

Basic Principles of Recording TPR Graphics • Graphics are special records used for recording temperature, pulse, and respiration (TPR) measurements. • They are used most often in hospitals and long-term care facilities but can also be used in medical offices and other health care facilities. They present a visual diagram of variations in a patient’s vital signs.

Basic Principles of Recording TPR Graphics • When notations are made on the graphic, be sure to find the right day and time column. • Move down the correct column to the correct reading for temperature, pulse, or respiration. – Place a dot in the middle of the block between the time lines. – To connect readings, use a ruler or straight edge. – This is a legal record and must be accurate, neat, and legible.

Basic Principles of Recording TPR Graphics • For pulse and respiration, only dots are used to record a measurement. A plain dot in the temperature column indicates an oral temperature measurement. • In some agencies, drugs that alter or change the temperature or other vital signs are noted on the graphic.

TPR Graphics • Example: See the TPR graphic below. – What was the patient’s temperature at 4 a. m. , on 2/3/2___? – According to the chart, the patient’s temperature was 101° at 4 a. m. on 2/3.

Practical Problem • Using the chart below, what was the patient’s pulse on 11/28/___ at midnight? [COMP: insert section of chart on p. 251 (top row and 11/28 and 11/29 portions)]

Practical Problem • By tracing down to 12 mn on 11/28/___ you will find that the patient’s pulse was 118.