Learn to use community resources to enhance self and family well-being. These resources include trauma services, ambulance support, old age homes, orphanages, and HelpAge India.

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Trauma Services

Trauma services help victims of road accidents by providing timely medical care.

Key Strategies in India

• Golden Hour Treatment: Quick medical care within the first hour after an accident.
• Ambulance Availability: Basic life support ambulances every 50 km on highways.
• Trauma Care Facilities: Upgraded hospitals every 100 km.
• Communication Network: Public access to trauma care through emergency calls.
• Training for Professionals: Doctors, nurses, and paramedics receive special trauma training.
• Injury Surveillance System: National database for injury and trauma tracking.
• Public Awareness: Promoting road safety and injury prevention.

Trauma System Design

• No victim should travel more than 50 km for care.
• A trauma center should be available every 100 km.

Levels of Trauma Care Facilities

1. Level IV: Mobile hospitals/ambulances for first aid.
2. Level III: District/Taluka hospitals (100–200 beds) for initial stabilization.
3. Level II: Medical college hospitals (300–500 beds) for serious trauma cases.
4. Level I: Advanced hospitals for complex injuries with specialist doctors.

Ambulance Services (Under National Health Mission)

• Dial 108: For critical care, trauma, and accident victims.
• Dial 102: For pregnant women (institutional delivery) and sick infants.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare manages the National Trauma Registry to track and improve trauma care services.

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Old Age Homes

Old age homes provide shelter, medical care, and social support. They serve senior citizens without family support. They also accommodate those who choose not to live with relatives.

Key Features of Old Age Homes in India

• Found in states like Delhi, Kerala, Maharashtra, and West Bengal with good facilities.
• Equipped with medical care, ambulances, and nutritious meals.
• Operated by NGOs—some are free, while others charge a fee.
• Paid homes may include telephone, internet, and better amenities.
• Some function as daycare centers, offering social interaction.
• Residents share their experiences, reducing loneliness.

Help Age India

• Established in 1978, it is a leading charity for elderly care.
• Works for medical aid, poverty relief, and income support.
• Lists 484 old age homes across 16 cities on its website.

Tamaraikulam Elders Village (TEV) – Cuddalore

• Free stay for rural elderly (100 inmates).
• Self-sufficient: Residents manage livestock, fish ponds, vegetable plots, and rice fields.
• Handicraft Production: Makes toiletries, ropes, bags, and pickles for income.
• Healthcare facilities and active ageing programs.
• Celebrates festivals and social events.

Kalyan Ashram, Kolkata

• A two-story care home for elderly women in Chetla.
• Can accommodate 10 residents.

Other Services by Help Age India

• Mobile healthcare, cataract surgeries, physiotherapy, cancer care, health camps, and disaster relief.

Orphanages

Orphanages provide shelter, food, and care for children who have lost one or both parents.

Global Statistics

• Around 153 million children worldwide have lost at least one parent.
• 17.8 million have lost both parents.

Definition of Orphans

• Single Orphan: A child who has lost one parent.
• Double Orphan: A child who has lost both parents.

Causes of Child Separation from Parents

• Poverty and lack of basic needs.
• Child abuse (physical, emotional, or psychological).
• Neglect by parents.
• Diseases and disabilities.
• Disasters (floods, storms, etc.).
• Kidnapping or bad company.

Challenges in Orphanages

• Provide basic needs but may lack emotional care.
• Large numbers of children make individual attention difficult.
• Lack of family love, warmth, and emotional bonding.

Adoption

• Some orphans are legally adopted, and adoptive parents take full responsibility.
• Without proper care, some orphans may fall into antisocial activities and end up in remand homes.

Borstals

• A rehabilitation facility between a school and an adult prison.
• For boys above 16 years who misbehave or cannot be managed in certified schools.
• Provides training and reformation instead of punishment.

Remand Homes

• Aim to improve the mental and physical well-being of children in custody.
• Care provided by doctors, psychiatrists, and trained personnel.
• Children receive basic schooling, art & craft activities, and recreational opportunities.

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Homes for Physically and Mentally Challenged Individuals

• Offer 24×7 care with both paid and free services.
• Day care centers allow parents/caregivers to bring individuals for training and support.
• Help individuals develop skills, education, and employment opportunities.

Key Activities in These Homes

• Screening of newborns for disabilities.
• Support services for parents of disabled children.
• Job-oriented training programs.
• Self-help group formation.
• Parent support groups (PSCs).
• Therapies provided:
  • Physiotherapy
  • Speech therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Medical care

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National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD)

• Established: 2005 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• Services provided:
  • Physiotherapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Psychological intervention
  • Special education
  • Community outreach programs

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Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY)

• A centrally sponsored housing scheme for rural poor.
• Provides free housing to those below the poverty line.
• Unit cost:
  • ₹20,000 in plains
  • ₹22,000 in hilly/difficult areas
• 3% of funds are reserved for housing disabled individuals.

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Adhar

Adhar is an institution founded by parents of special children. The association began in 1990 as the “Association of Parents of Mentally Retarded Children.” It aims to support and empower children with special needs.

Activities at Adhar

Children receive vocational training based on their physical and mental abilities, including:

• Handicraft production: Chalk sticks, candles, paper bags, incense sticks (agarbatti), dusters, mats, and decorated earthen lamps (Diwali).
• Creative work: Wall hangings and other decorative items.
• Work schedule: 3:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

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The Banyan

The Banyan is a non-governmental organization (NGO) providing a continuum of care for people with mental illnesses. It operates mainly in Chennai and Maharashtra, offering rehabilitation, treatment, and community-based care for individuals affected by mental health disorders.

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Karuna Home

Karuna Home is a rehabilitation and residential center for young individuals with physical and/or mental disabilities from Tibetan refugee families in India.

Key Features

• Located in South India, near Tibetan refugee settlements and major Tibetan monasteries.
• Provides care for residents from both South and North India.
• Supports individuals with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, polio, and other disabilities.
• Encourages community involvement and inclusion.

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Home for Destitute

These homes provide shelter for individuals without family or social support. They offer food and care for individuals without family or social support, including men, women, children, and the elderly.

Objectives and Services

• Psychological support to boost confidence and self-esteem.
• Empowerment programs for sick, poor, and abandoned individuals.
• Basic needs: Shelter, food, clothing, and healthcare.
• Health and well-being: Focus on physical and mental health.
• Independent living support for daily activities.
• Family reunification when possible.
• Social, economic, and physical security for residents.
• Quality of life enhancement through skill-building and engagement activities.

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COURSES

GNM

BSC NURSING

✅ “Learn about vital signs, their normal ranges, guidelines for measurement, and body temperature regulation, including physiology and abnormalities.”

Vital Signs

What are Vital Signs?

Vital signs are key indicators of a person’s basic body functions. They help assess overall health and detect medical conditions early. The four main vital signs are:

1. Body Temperature – Measures heat inside the body.
2. Pulse (Heart Rate) – Number of heartbeats per minute.
3. Respiration Rate – Number of breaths per minute.
4. Blood Pressure – The force of blood against artery walls.

Importance of Vital Signs

• Help in early detection of diseases.
• Monitor response to treatments.
• Guide doctors and nurses in making decisions about care.

Guidelines for Taking Vital Signs

1. Use proper equipment (thermometer, stethoscope, blood pressure monitor).
2. Understand normal ranges and recognize abnormalities.
3. Measure vital signs accurately and regularly.
4. Report any unusual findings to senior nurses or doctors.
5. Record vital signs correctly for future reference.

When to Check Vital Signs?

• On hospital admission.
• Before and after surgery or procedures.
• After giving medications affecting heart or breathing.
• When a patient’s condition changes.
• As per doctor’s instructions.

Normal Ranges of Vital Signs

• Temperature: 97°F – 99°F (36.1°C – 37.2°C)
• Pulse Rate: 60 – 100 beats per minute
• Respiration Rate: 12 – 20 breaths per minute
• Blood Pressure: 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg

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Body Temperature

Body temperature is the measure of heat inside the body. It is the balance between heat produced and heat lost. The normal body temperature is 36-38°C (96.8-100.4°F), with an average of 37°C (98.6°F).

Physiology of Body Temperature

What is Body Temperature?

Body temperature is the measure of how well the body produces and loses heat. The body maintains a safe temperature range, even when the external temperature changes.

How the Body Regulates Temperature

• When too hot:
  • Blood vessels widen (vasodilation) to release excess heat.
  • Sweat glands produce sweat, which cools the body as it evaporates.
• When too cold:
  • Blood vessels narrow (vasoconstriction) to conserve heat.
  • Muscles shiver to generate more heat.

Normal Body Temperature

• Varies based on time, location, and person.
• Generally ranges from 36°C to 38°C (96.8°F to 100.4°F).
• The average oral temperature for a healthy adult is 37°C (98.6°F).

Abnormal Body Temperature

• Hyperthermia: Body temperature higher than normal (fever, heatstroke).
• Hypothermia: Body temperature lower than normal (cold exposure).

Types of Body Temperature

1. Core Temperature
   • Temperature of deep body tissues (brain, chest, abdomen).
   • Stays stable at around 37°C (98.6°F).
   • Measured by medical devices inside the body (esophagus, bladder).
2. Surface Temperature
   • Temperature of the skin and fat layer.
   • Changes with the environment.
   • Measured at the skin, armpit (axilla), or mouth (oral temperature).

✅ Key Fact: Oral temperature is commonly used, with an adult’s normal range being 36.7°C (98°F) to 37°C (98.6°F).

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Regulation of Body Temperature (Thermoregulation)

• Controlled by: The hypothalamus, which detects temperature changes and sends signals to regulate heat.

1. Neural and Vascular Control

• Neural Control: Hypothalamus processes signals from temperature receptors and sends nerve impulses to adjust heat.
• Vascular Control:
  • When Hot: Blood vessels dilate, sweat increases to cool the body.
  • When Cold: Blood vessels constrict, shivering occurs, and hormones like epinephrine are released to produce heat.

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2. Heat Production (Thermogenesis)

• Heat is produced by:
  1. Metabolism (Oxidation of Food): Energy is released from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
  2. Exercise: Increases metabolic rate and heat production.
  3. Hormones: Thyroid hormones, adrenaline, and testosterone increase heat.
  4. Shivering: Involuntary muscle activity that generates heat.
  5. Non-shivering Thermogenesis: Found in newborns using brown fat to generate heat.
  6. Diseases: Infections and fever increase body temperature.
  7. Environmental Changes: Extreme heat or cold affects body temperature.
  8. Emotions: Stress, anxiety, and excitement increase heat production.

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3. Heat Loss (Thermolysis)

1. Heat Loss Mechanisms

The body loses heat mainly through the skin (90-95%) and lungs. Heat is transferred from the body’s core to the skin via blood circulation. The skin plays a key role in regulating body temperature.

When the body temperature increases:

• Blood vessels dilate, making the skin warm and red.
• Heat is lost through radiation, conduction, convection, and evaporation.

When the body temperature decreases:

• Blood vessels constrict, keeping warm blood deeper inside the body to reduce heat loss.

2. Methods of Heat Loss

🔹 Radiation – Heat transfer without direct contact.

• Heat moves from the body to cooler surroundings.
• Example: Sitting in a cool room leads to heat loss.

🔹 Conduction – Heat transfer through direct contact.

• Heat moves from the body to cooler objects.
• Example: Lying on a cold surface results in heat loss.

🔹 Convection – Heat loss through air movement.

• Warm air around the body is replaced by cooler air.
• Example: A fan increases heat loss.

🔹 Evaporation – Heat loss through sweat and breathing.

• Sweat evaporates, cooling the body.
• Example: Sweating during exercise reduces body heat.

3. Behavioral Control of Body Temperature

Humans adjust their behavior to regulate body temperature based on:

• Environmental temperature
• Comfort level
• Emotional state
• Activity level

Infants and older adults may need help adjusting to temperature changes.

4. Thermoregulation by the Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus regulates body temperature through:

• Cold response: Vasoconstriction, shivering, increased metabolism.
• Heat response: Vasodilation, sweating, reduced activity.

Factors Affecting Body Temperature

Body temperature is influenced by various factors that affect heat production and heat loss. Nurses must consider these factors when assessing temperature changes.

1. Age

• Newborns: Have an immature thermoregulation system. Their body temperature ranges from 35.5° to 37.5°C. They lose 30% of body heat through the head.
• Children: Temperature regulation remains unstable until puberty.
• Older Adults: Have a lower average body temperature (36°C) due to reduced fat, decreased activity, and poor diet.

2. Exercise

• Physical activity increases body temperature by raising metabolism.
• Strenuous exercise, like running, can increase body temperature up to 41°C (105.8°F).

3. Hormones

• Women experience temperature changes due to hormones.
• During ovulation, increased progesterone raises body temperature by 0.3-0.6°C.
• Menopause causes hot flashes due to unstable vasomotor control.

4. Circadian Rhythm

• Body temperature follows a 24-hour cycle.
• Lowest between 1-4 AM.
• Highest around 6 PM.
• People who work night shifts take 1-3 weeks to adjust their temperature cycle.

5. Stress

• Physical and emotional stress stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, increasing metabolism and heat production.
• Anxiety before a hospital visit may cause a temporary rise in temperature.

6. Environment

• Extreme temperatures affect infants and older adults the most due to weaker thermoregulation.
• Hot environments can increase body temperature.
• Cold environments can lower body temperature due to heat loss.

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COURSES

GNM

BSC NURSING

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✅ “Get detailed 6th unit notes on vital signs for 1st semester B.Sc Nursing students. Covers temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and documentation.”

6th Unit Vital Signs Notes for 1st Semester B.Sc Nursing Students

Chapter Section
Guidelines for Taking Vital Signs
Body Temperature
– Definition, Physiology, Regulation, Factors Affecting
– Assessment: Sites, Equipment, and Technique
– Temperature Alterations
– Fever/Pyrexia: Definition, Causes, Stages, Types, and Nursing Management
– Hot and Cold Applications
Pulse
– Definition, Physiology and Regulation, Characteristics, Factors Affecting Pulse
– Assessment: Sites, Equipment, and Techniques
– Alterations in Pulse
Respiration
– Definition, Physiology and Regulation, Mechanics of Breathing, Characteristics, and Factors Affecting Respiration
– Assessment of Respiration: Techniques
– Arterial Oxygen Saturation
– Alterations in Respiration
Blood Pressure
– Definition, Physiology and Regulation, Characteristics, and Factors Affecting Blood Pressure
Documenting Vital Signs

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COURSES

GNM

B.SC NURSING

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