University of Pennsylvania
Vital Signs: Understanding What the Body Is Telling Us

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University of Pennsylvania

Vital Signs: Understanding What the Body Is Telling Us

396,681 already enrolled

Included withCoursera Plus

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(6,482 reviews)

13 hours to complete
3 weeks at 4 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
97%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(6,482 reviews)

13 hours to complete
3 weeks at 4 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
97%
Most learners liked this course

Details to know

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Assessments

6 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 6 modules in this course

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.

What's included

10 videos3 readings1 assignment

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.

What's included

6 videos3 readings1 assignment

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.

What's included

5 videos3 readings1 assignment

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.

What's included

5 videos3 readings1 assignment

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.

What's included

8 videos3 readings1 assignment

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.

What's included

8 videos3 readings1 assignment

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.9 (1,763 ratings)
Connie B. Scanga, PhD
University of Pennsylvania
1 Course396,681 learners

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Learner reviews

Showing 3 of 6482

4.8

6,482 reviews

  • 5 stars

    86.26%

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    11.62%

  • 3 stars

    1.46%

  • 2 stars

    0.29%

  • 1 star

    0.35%

DO
4

Reviewed on Feb 3, 2021

JA
5

Reviewed on Oct 10, 2020

SM
4

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2023

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