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.
Vital Signs: Understanding What the Body Is Telling Us
Offered By
University of Pennsylvania
About this Course
4.8
1,865 ratings
Skills you will gain
Dolor AssessmentMetabolic PathwaysVital SignsPain Management
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
13 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
1.2a 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 exercise
Week 1 Quiz46m
Week
22 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
2.2 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 exercise
Week 2 Quiz40m
Week
32 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
3.2a 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 exercise
Week 3 Quiz44m
Week
43 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
4.2 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 exercise
Week 4 Quiz42m
4.8
524 Reviews38%
started a new career after completing these courses
32%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
18%
got a pay increase or promotion
Top Reviews
Yes, it is very useful to me and I will suggest to my friends to take this course. My sincere Thanks to Connie B. Scanga, PhD, she taken the all lecture clearly and her lecture was easy to understand.
I really enjoyed to the professor and the idea of learning the material with her students. It made me feel as if I was in the classroom learning with them. She broke down the material in a great way.
Instructor
Connie B. Scanga, PhD
Practice ProfessorSchool of Nursing
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 purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
Is Vital Signs a free course?
Yes! You can access the full course, including assessments and all videos, through the Audit track. Learners also have the option of earning Course Certificate by submitting all assignments for a grade and purchasing the course for $49. Financial aid is available.
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
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