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.