BTEC First Diploma in Health and Social Care
Unit 7 Assignment: Anatomy and physiology for Health and Social Care
P3-Carry out routine measurements and observations used to monitor the two body systems. The Circulatory and Respiratory System

Date given: 25th November 2011
Due date: 13th January 2012
Tutor/Lecturer: Jadgdish Kalsi
Done by: Shandon Aubrey-AUB10129184

Circulation
Pulse Rate
The pulse rate is a non-invasive measurement of the heart rate. It is frequently measured by medical or nursing staff as it can be good indicator of how healthy we are. The rate, strength and rhythm are all important as they can also provide vital statistics. The pulse is verified in beats per minute (bpm). The pulse is generally taken where an artery crosses a bone, and the most common place to take the pulse is at the wrist just below the thumb. However, there are other places on the body where the pulse can be taken. A fast pulse rate can indicate fever, fright or bleeding, and a slow pulse rate can indicate heart problems, compression of the brain or the fact that a person is very fit and active.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of the blood vessels. The blood pressure is normally measured by a sphygmomanometer, which is battery or electrically operated. A cuff containing a rubber is place round the upper arm at the level of the heart and is inflated, which blocks off blood supply to the arm. A valve is then slowly released and the cuff deflates, allowing blood to flow again. Once the machine has recorded the data, the results are shown on a display screen. Frequently the pulse will be displayed as well. Respiration
Breathing Rate
A person’s breathing rate is simply the number of times they take a breath per minute. A healthy adult would be expected to have a breathing rate of 16-18 breaths per minute. Babies and children have a faster breathing rate, which slows as their lungs grow and develop to maturity. Breathing rate can be measured by:
Observing and counting the number of times a person’s chest rise and falls in a minute
Putting your cheek close to the person’s nose and mouth and counting the number of breathers you feel on your cheek.

Peak Flow
A peak flow meter measure the maximum rate at which air is expelled (pushed out) from the lungs when a person breathes out as hard as they can. A health adult should record a peak flow result of 400-600 litres of air per minute. Peak flow tests flow is used to monitor several aspects of the respiratory function. For example, the peak flow meter can be used to diagnose whether a person has a problem with the use of their lungs, because there is a standard scale of expected scores against which the results can be compared. People with chronic (long – term) asthma usually record a measurement that is lower than 350 on the peak flow scale when they breathe out as hard as they can.
Measurement
Range of measurement
Pulse
60-80beats per minute
Blood pressure
110/75mmHg(young person); 140/90 mmHg(older person)
Breathing rate
8-17 breaths per minute
Peak flow
500-700 litres per minute (men); 380-500 litres per minute (women)
Body temperature
36.5-37.2◦c
(This table shows the normal measurements)

At rest
Gentle exercise
Strenuous exercise
After exercise
My partner’s results

Pulse
67
83
89
63
Respiration rate
18
33
36
15
My results

Pulse
66
74
80
50
Respiration rate
15
24
30
10
In this table I will be explaining the different measurements and the results, at rest my partner’s pulse reading was 67beats per minute after a gentle exercise my partner’s pulse was 83 beats per minute. After doing a bit of strenuous exercise my partner’s pulse reading was 89 beats per minute. However, after the exercise my partner’s pulse rate drops to 63 beats per minute. At rest my partner’s respiration rate was 18 breaths per minute. After