Question d, Foundation of physical examination methodologyBP Blood pressure reflects the pressure exerted on the walls of the arteries. Variable with the cardiac cycle, high with systole and low with diastole. A measurement of blood pressure in the arteries. When the ventricles contract you have systolic blood pressure and when the ventricles relax you have diastolic blood pressure. Expressed as the ratio of systolic to diastolic blood pressure, external influences such as caffeine, nicotine, exercise, emotions, pain and temperature influence blood pressure as it reflects the stroke volume of the volume of blood expelled with each heartbeat. Blood pressure can vary depending on the position of the body and arm. (Preassessment Overview, 2003) HR When the heart contracts, a shock wave is produced that forcefully pumps blood from the ventricles into the aorta. The shock wave travels along the fibers of the arteries and is commonly called an arterial or peripheral pulse. Regular, irregular, weak or strong pulse provides a good general picture of the client's health status. Several features should be evaluated when measuring the radial pulse rate, rhythm, amplitude, contour, and elasticity of the various features. the amplitude can be quantified as follows 1 weak or feeble 2 normal 3 bounded If abnormalities are noted during the radial pulse assessment, further evaluation should be performed to gain more insight into the pulse assessment and abnormal pulse findings (Preassessment Overview, 2003)Rr The respiratory rate is a further indication of the client's general health status. Respirations can easily be observed without alerting the client by observing chest movements before removing the center of the sheet of paper. 2003). Pre-assessment overview. In J. Weber and J. Kelley, Health Assessment in Nursing Second Edition (p. 85). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. (2003). Take vital signs. In J. Weber and J. Kelly, Health Assessment in Nursing Second Edition (p. 99). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. (2003). The customer in context Chapter three. In J. Weber and J. Kelley, Health Assessment in Nursing (pp. 19 to 26). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. (2008). Unit 2 Approach to the clinical context. In C. Jarvis, Jarvis Physical Examination & Health Assessment (p. 169). Missouri: Saunders Elsevier. (2008). Unit 3. In C. Jarvis, Jarvis Physical Examination & Health Assessment fifth edition (p. 542 Chapter 20 Unit 3 Peripheral vascular system and lymphatic system). St. Louis: Saunders Elsevier.