Vital Signs: Understanding What the Body Is Telling Us

University of Pennsylvania

课程信息

The vital signs – heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, respiration rate, and pain – communicate important information about the physiological status of the human body. In this six-part course we explore the anatomy and physiology underlying the vital signs so that you will develop a systematic, integrated understanding of how the body functions. Relevant body systems are reviewed including cardiovascular and respiratory, followed by explanations of how the function of these systems affects vital signs. We discuss normal ranges, normal variants, and the mechanisms that underlie changes in the objective measurement of vital signs. The course also includes demonstrations of appropriate techniques for measuring vital signs in yourself and others. The course is designed for a broad, general audience but will be particularly interesting for individuals working in healthcare, those considering a career as a healthcare professional, lay caregivers, those with an interest in personal health and fitness, or anyone who simply wants to understand how the body functions.

100% 在线课程

立即开始，按照自己的计划学习。

Approx. 15 hours to complete

建议：3-5 hours/week

English

字幕：English, Dutch

您将获得的技能

Pain ManagementMetabolic PathwaysDolor AssessmentPain Medicine

100% 在线课程

立即开始，按照自己的计划学习。

Approx. 15 hours to complete

建议：3-5 hours/week

English

字幕：English, Dutch

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

1

Section

3 hours to complete

Week 1: Pulse/Heart Rate

This week we start our exploration of the vital signs with a look at the heart. We'll study the basic structure of the heart, think about how the heart pumps blood through the body, and learn how clinicians assess and think about heart rate and the pulse. ...

10 videos (Total 104 min), 4 readings, 1 quiz

10 videos

1.1 Basic Heart Anatomy 15m

1.2a Your Beating Heart 10m

1.2b ECG Demonstration 12m

1.3a Heart Valves, Part 1 8m

1.3b Heart Valves, Part 2 9m

1.3c Assessing Heart Rate Demonstration 8m

1.4a Cardiac Cycle, Part 1 6m

1.4b Cardiac Cycle, Part 2 13m

1.4c Assessing Pulse Demonstration 6m

1.5 Cardiac Output 12m

4 readings

Week 1 Lecture Outline10m

Week 1 In-Video Quizzes10m

Optional Readings10m

Lecture Transcripts (SRT Files)10m

1 practice exercises

Week 1 Quiz46m

2

Section

2 hours to complete

Week 2: Blood Pressure

During week 2 we will learn about the anatomy of the blood vessels and how they function. You will have a better understanding of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and assessing blood pressure accurately. ...

6 videos (Total 65 min), 4 readings, 1 quiz

6 videos

2.1 Introduction to the Blood Vessels 8m

2.2 Blood Vessel Structure 15m

2.3 Blood Circulation 10m

2.4a Maintaining Blood Flow 11m

2.4b Assessing Blood Pressure Demonstration 11m

2.5 Blood Pressure Regulation 8m

4 readings

Week 2 Lecture Outline10m

Week 2 In-video Quizzes10m

Optional Readings10m

Lecture Transcripts (SRT Files)10m

1 practice exercises

Week 2 Quiz40m

3

Section

2 hours to complete

Week 3: Metabolism

This week we will explore metabolism. We will discuss anabolism and catabolism, basal metabolic rate, how the body generates heat. You will also have a better understanding of how health care providers assess metabolic rate. ...

5 videos (Total 53 min), 4 readings, 1 quiz

5 videos

3.1 Introduction to Metabolism 12m

3.2a Cellular Respiration, Part 1 6m

3.2b Cellular Respiration, Part 2 13m

3.3 Assessing Metabolic Rate Demonstration 14m

3.4 Metabolic Lab Discussion5m

4 readings

Week 3 Lecture Outline10m

Week 3 In-video Quizzes10m

Optional Readings10m

Lecture Transcripts (SRT Files)10m

1 practice exercises

Week 3 Quiz44m

4

Section

3 hours to complete

Week 4: Temperature

During week 4 you will learn the definition of mean body temperature and how the body regulates temperature. We will discuss hypothermia and the difference between hyperthermia and fever. Lastly, you will learn how to assess body temperature....

5 videos (Total 71 min), 4 readings, 1 quiz

5 videos

4.1 Introduction to Thermoregulation18m

4.2 Maintaining Body Temperature 15m

4.3 Hypothermia & Hyperthermia18m

4.4 Fever 8m

4.5 Assessing Body Temperature Demonstration 10m

4 readings

Week 4 Lecture Outline10m

Week 4 In-video Quizzes10m

Optional Readings10m

Lecture Transcripts (SRT Files)10m

1 practice exercises

Week 4 Quiz42m

5

Section

3 hours to complete

Week 5: Respiration Rate

This week we will learn about pulmonary anatomy, capillary gas exchange, and regulation of respiration. You will have a better understanding of how health care providers assess respiration rate and the quality of lung sounds....

8 videos (Total 87 min), 4 readings, 1 quiz

8 videos

5.1 Basic Anatomy of the Respiratory System11m

5.2 Anatomy of Ventilation11m

5.3 The Mechanics of Breathing10m

5.4 Gas Exchange 13m

5.5 Regulating Respiration Rate21m

5.6 Assessing Respiration Rate Demonstration6m

5.7 Regulating Respiration Rate Review 5m

5.8 Assessing Breath Sounds Demonstration6m

4 readings

Week 5 Lecture Outline10m

Week 5 In-video Quizzes10m

Optional Readings10m

Lecture Transcripts (SRT Files)10m

1 practice exercises

Week 5 Quiz40m

6

Section

3 hours to complete

Week 6: Pain

This week we will explore the neurological pathways associated with pain, and the difference between pain tolerance and pain threshold. We will understand what pain is telling us and why accurately assessing and effectively managing pain are important. In addition, we will review how healthcare providers asses pain....

8 videos (Total 86 min), 4 readings, 1 quiz

8 videos

6.1 The Anatomy & Physiology of Pain, Part 1 16m

6.2 The Anatomy & Physiology of Pain, Part 2 9m

6.3 The Anatomy & Physiology of Pain, Part 3 10m

6.4 Types of Pain 9m

6.5 Assessing Pain Demonstration 10m

6.6 Social, Cultural & Psychological Influences on Pain 11m

6.7 The Treatment of Pain 16m

6.8 Wrapping Up Vital Signs 1m

4 readings

Week 6 Lecture Outline10m

Week 6 In-video Quizzes10m

Optional Readings10m

Lecture Transcripts (SRT Files)10m

1 practice exercises

Week 6 Quiz32m

Instructor

Connie B. Scanga, PhD

Practice Professor

About University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania (commonly referred to as Penn) is a private university, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. A member of the Ivy League, Penn is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, and considers itself to be the first university in the United States with both undergraduate and graduate studies. ...

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I pay for this course?
If you pay for this course, you will have access to all of the features and content you need to earn a Course Certificate. If you complete the course successfully, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. Note that the Course Certificate does not represent official academic credit from the partner institution offering the course.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
Yes! Coursera provides financial aid to learners who would like to complete a course but cannot afford the course fee. To apply for aid, select "Learn more and apply" in the Financial Aid section below the "Enroll" button. You'll be prompted to complete a simple application; no other paperwork is required.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center

Vital Signs: Understanding What the Body Is Telling Us