Nursing Assistant Monthly Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Vital Signs Review: Clues to health and illness OCTOBER 2010

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. October 2010Vital Signs Review What is “vital” about vital signs? Vital signs are, literally, the signs of life:  Temperature  Pulse  Respiratory rate  Blood pressure

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. October 2010Vital Signs Review General tips Always follow your facility’s policies and procedures when taking vital signs.  Follow good hand hygiene procedures  Explain to the resident what you are doing  Use the proper equipment (e.g., the right size BP cuff)  Observe the resident  Immediately report any changes or concerns to the nurse or supervisor

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. October 2010Vital Signs Review Improving vital signs accuracy Blood pressure  Choose the correct size BP cuff  Avoid having clothing between the arm and BP cuff  Slowly release the air from the cuff, about 2-3 mm per second Pulse  Feel for the pulse at the wrist just below the thumb  Count for a full minute

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. October 2010Vital Signs Review Improving vital signs accuracy (cont.) Respirations  Count respirations without telling the person you are doing so  Count for a full minute

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. October 2010Vital Signs Review Factors that can affect vital signs  Age  Gender  Weight  Physical condition  Medications  Illnesses  Emotions

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. October 2010Vital Signs Review After measuring vital signs What next?  Documentation –Promptly enter the results on the proper form –Be sure your handwriting is legible  Reporting –Don’t wait to report a change in vitals signs; tell the nurse right away –If the resident doesn’t look right to you, or reports not feeling well, tell the nurse─even if the vital signs seem normal to you

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. October 2010Vital Signs Review A final word  Keep in mind the importance of accurate vital signs.  Vital signs are a clue to the person’s health status.  The doctor, nurse practitioner, and nurse will rely on your results to make decisions on medical care and treatments.  Use your powers of observation while taking vital signs.  Taking accurate vital signs is part of providing quality care.