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Connie B. Scanga, PhD
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/g0acua/vital
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What's inside
Syllabus
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.
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Syllabus
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.
Read more
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Traffic lights
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possible dealbreakers
Taught by Dr. Connie B. Scanga who is highly experienced and knowledgeable in Physiology
Explores metabolism in detail, which forms the basis of understanding how the body functions
Covers hands-on techniques for measuring vital signs
Teaches the anatomy and physiology of critical body systems, such as cardiovascular and respiratory systems
Appropriate for a broad audience, including individuals with healthcare experience and those interested in health
Adopts a systematic approach that explores vital signs in an integrated manner
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Reviews summary
Understanding vital signs: a clear foundation
According to learners, this course offers an excellent foundation in understanding vital signs and what they reveal about the body. Students consistently praise the clarity of explanations regarding complex anatomy and physiology, making it highly accessible for beginners and those without a medical background. The instructor is widely commended for their engaging teaching style and ability to simplify concepts. While many appreciate the useful demonstrations on measuring vital signs, some with prior medical knowledge found the content too basic, suggesting it's best suited as an introduction. Overall, it's seen as a valuable and interesting overview.
Provides a good foundation but lacks advanced depth.
"It's a good overview and foundation, but doesn't go into significant depth on pathologies or complex cases."
"While excellent for beginners, healthcare professionals might find it covers familiar territory without much new detail."
"I was hoping for a bit more clinical depth, but it serves well as a comprehensive introductory course."
"Great overview, but if you're looking for advanced physiology, this might be too basic."
Course organized logically week by week.
"The week-by-week structure was very logical and made the learning manageable."
"I found the progression through each vital sign effective."
"The course is well organized and easy to navigate."
"Good flow from week to week covering different topics."
Practical demos for measuring vital signs included.
"The demonstrations on how to measure vital signs were very helpful and practical."
"I liked the videos showing how to take a pulse and blood pressure."
"Useful hands-on tips even though it's an online course."
"The measurement techniques were clearly shown."
Accessible introduction for those new to subject.
"This course is perfect for someone with no prior medical knowledge looking for a solid introduction to vital signs."
"As a complete beginner, I found this course easy to follow and understand."
"It provides a great starting point for understanding basic body functions."
"Ideal for general learners or aspiring healthcare professionals starting out."
Instructor is knowledgeable and engaging.
"The instructor was fantastic - very engaging and made the subject matter interesting."
"I really enjoyed the professor's teaching style. He was easy to follow and enthusiastic."
"Excellent instructor who clearly knows the subject and communicates it effectively."
"The best part was the instructor, made learning enjoyable."
Concepts are explained clearly and simply.
"The explanations were very clear, making complex physiological processes easy to understand for a non-medical person."
"I really appreciated how the course broke down potentially difficult topics into digestible parts."
"Everything was explained so clearly. I finally understand how blood pressure works!"
"The instructor did an amazing job explaining the material clearly."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Vital Signs: Understanding What the Body Is Telling Us with these
activities:
Create a Vital Signs Notebook
Show steps
Organize notes, assignments, and practice measurements to enhance retention and understanding of vital signs.
Show steps
-
Gather all course materials, including notes, assignments, and practice exercises.
-
Create a dedicated notebook or digital document for organizing these materials.
-
Review and summarize key concepts regularly.
Create a Presentation on Blood Pressure Regulation
Show steps
Deepen understanding of blood pressure regulation by creating a presentation that explains the mechanisms involved.
Show steps
-
Research the different factors that affect blood pressure.
-
Create a visual representation of the blood pressure regulation system.
-
Present your findings to a small group or online forum.
Read a Book on Respiratory Physiology
Show steps
Supplement course materials with a comprehensive text on respiratory physiology to deepen understanding of vital signs related to respiration.
View
West's Pulmonary Pathophysiology: The Essentials
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Obtain a copy of the book.
-
Read specific chapters related to respiration and vital signs.
One other activity
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all four activities
Assist in a Health Fair or Screening Event
Show steps
Gain practical experience in measuring vital signs and interacting with patients in a healthcare setting.
Show steps
-
Contact a local health center or organization to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Attend a training session on proper vital sign measurement techniques.
-
Assist healthcare professionals in measuring vital signs and providing health information.
Create a Vital Signs Notebook
Show steps
Organize notes, assignments, and practice measurements to enhance retention and understanding of vital signs.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather all course materials, including notes, assignments, and practice exercises.
- Create a dedicated notebook or digital document for organizing these materials.
- Review and summarize key concepts regularly.
Create a Presentation on Blood Pressure Regulation
Show steps
Deepen understanding of blood pressure regulation by creating a presentation that explains the mechanisms involved.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the different factors that affect blood pressure.
- Create a visual representation of the blood pressure regulation system.
- Present your findings to a small group or online forum.
Read a Book on Respiratory Physiology
Show steps
Supplement course materials with a comprehensive text on respiratory physiology to deepen understanding of vital signs related to respiration.
View
West's Pulmonary Pathophysiology: The Essentials
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain a copy of the book.
- Read specific chapters related to respiration and vital signs.
One other activity
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all four activities
Assist in a Health Fair or Screening Event
Show steps
Gain practical experience in measuring vital signs and interacting with patients in a healthcare setting.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Contact a local health center or organization to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Attend a training session on proper vital sign measurement techniques.
- Assist healthcare professionals in measuring vital signs and providing health information.
Career center
Learners who complete Vital Signs: Understanding What the Body Is Telling Us will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory Therapists help patients breathe better and recover quickly from respiratory illnesses. An understanding of metabolism, respiration, and temperature would be incredibly helpful in this role. In this course, you will learn about these topics and how they impact the vital signs. This knowledge can help you diagnose and treat respiratory problems more effectively.
Cardiologist
Cardiologist
Cardiologists specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases of the heart and blood vessels. This course would provide a strong foundation for a career as a Cardiologist. You will learn about the heart's anatomy and physiology, as well as how to assess and think about heart rate and the pulse.
Nurse
Nurse
Nurses provide care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. This course would be beneficial for Nurses because it covers the basics of anatomy and physiology, as well as how to assess and monitor vital signs. This knowledge can help nurses provide better care to their patients.
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants work under the supervision of physicians to provide medical care to patients. This course would be helpful for Physician Assistants because it covers the basics of anatomy and physiology, as well as how to assess and monitor vital signs. Physician Assistants who understand how vital signs can help diagnose, manage, and prevent chronic diseases.
Paramedic
Paramedic
Paramedics provide emergency medical care to patients in a variety of settings. The knowledge gained from this course, such as how to measure vital signs and how to interpret the results, can help Paramedics make quick decisions about the best course of treatment.
Medical Assistant
Medical Assistant
Medical Assistants perform a variety of tasks to support physicians and other healthcare professionals. This course will be beneficial for Medical Assistants by providing a strong foundation in the basics of anatomy and physiology, as well as how to assess and monitor vital signs. This knowledge will enable Medical Assistants to support healthcare professionals more effectively.
Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiologists administer anesthesia to patients before surgery and other procedures. They monitor patients' vital signs during surgery to ensure their safety. This course would be helpful for Anesthesiologists because it covers the basics of anatomy and physiology, as well as how to assess and monitor vital signs. This knowledge will help Anesthesiologists provide better care to their patients.
Health Educator
Health Educator
Health Educators develop and implement programs to promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease. This course would be beneficial for Health Educators because it covers the basics of anatomy and physiology, as well as how to assess and monitor vital signs. This knowledge can help them develop more effective programs.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists help people with disabilities or injuries to regain their independence. This course would be helpful for Occupational Therapists because it covers the basics of anatomy and physiology, as well as how to assess and monitor vital signs. Occupational Therapists may have to measure vital signs in order to improve a patient's functional abilities.
Pharmacist
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications and provide information about their use. A course such as this one can help Pharmacists understand how medications affect vital signs and how to monitor patients for side effects. This knowledge can help Pharmacists provide safer and more effective care to their patients.
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists help people with disabilities or injuries to regain their movement and function. This course may be beneficial for Physical Therapists because it covers the basics of anatomy and physiology, as well as how to assess and monitor vital signs.
Physician
Physician
Physicians diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. This course would be helpful for Physicians because it covers the basics of anatomy and physiology, as well as how to assess and monitor vital signs. This knowledge is essential for Physicians to be able to provide effective care to their patients.
Chiropractor
Chiropractor
Chiropractors diagnose and treat neuromusculoskeletal disorders. This course may be useful for Chiropractors because it covers the basics of anatomy and physiology, as well as how to assess and monitor vital signs.
Massage Therapist
Massage Therapist
Massage Therapists use massage to promote relaxation and relieve pain. This course may be helpful for Massage Therapists because it covers the basics of anatomy and physiology, as well as how to assess and monitor vital signs.
Athletic Trainer
Athletic Trainer
Athletic Trainers work with athletes to prevent and treat injuries. This course may be helpful for Athletic Trainers because it covers the basics of anatomy and physiology, as well as how to assess and monitor vital signs.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/g0acua/vital
Reading list
We've selected 15 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Vital Signs: Understanding What the Body Is Telling Us.
This advanced textbook comprehensive reference for medical physiology, providing in-depth coverage of all major physiological systems.
Save
This textbook takes an integrated approach to human physiology, emphasizing the interactions between different organ systems. It valuable resource for understanding how the body functions as a whole.
This introductory textbook is commonly used in human physiology courses at the college level. It provides an overview of all the major physiological systems of the body and their functions.
This textbook covers the structure and function of the major organ systems of animals, including humans. It valuable resource for gaining a foundational understanding of physiology and anatomy, providing much of the background information needed for this course.
Provides a comprehensive guide to physical diagnosis, including a detailed discussion of vital signs and their clinical significance. It is particularly useful for health care professionals seeking to develop a strong foundation in physical examination.
Provides a comprehensive overview of pathophysiology, including discussions of the pathophysiological processes that can affect vital signs. It is particularly useful for health care professionals seeking to understand the underlying mechanisms of abnormal vital signs.
Provides a comprehensive overview of pharmacology, including discussions of the pharmacological effects of drugs on vital signs. It is particularly useful for health care professionals seeking to understand how drugs can affect vital signs and how to manage these effects.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of medical microbiology, including discussions of the microorganisms that can cause infections and the effects of these infections on vital signs. It is particularly useful for health care professionals seeking to understand the microbiological basis of abnormal vital signs.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of clinical biochemistry, including discussions of the biochemical processes that are relevant to vital signs. It is particularly useful for health care professionals seeking to understand the biochemical basis of abnormal vital signs.
Provides a comprehensive overview of internal medicine, including discussions of the clinical manifestations and management of conditions that can affect vital signs. It is particularly useful as a reference tool for practicing health care professionals seeking to expand their knowledge of internal medicine.
Provides a comprehensive overview of internal medicine, including discussions of the clinical manifestations and management of conditions that can affect vital signs. It is particularly useful as a reference tool for practicing health care professionals seeking to expand their knowledge of internal medicine.
Provides a portable and concise overview of the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of conditions, including those that can affect vital signs. It is particularly useful as a quick reference tool for health care professionals seeking to refresh their knowledge or to stay up-to-date on the latest treatment guidelines.
Provides a comprehensive and regularly updated online resource for the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of conditions, including those that can affect vital signs. It is particularly useful for health care professionals seeking to stay up-to-date on the latest evidence-based practices.
Provides a free and online database of biomedical and life sciences literature, including articles on vital signs and related topics. It is particularly useful for health care professionals seeking to access the latest research findings on vital signs.
Provides a free and online search engine for scholarly literature, including articles on vital signs and related topics. It is particularly useful for health care professionals seeking to quickly find articles on a specific topic related to vital signs.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/g0acua/vital
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Rating
4.8
Effort
13 hours to complete
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Institution
University of Pennsylvania
Instructor
Connie B. Scanga, PhD
Language
English
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