BAY AREA COLLEGE OF NURSING Nursing Assistant Program Module 10: Vital Signs

EQUIPMENT: watch with second hand pen and paper BEGINNING STEPS: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Wash hands. Knock and pause before entering the residents room. Introduce self. Identify resident. Explain procedure. Gather equipment, if applicable. Provide for privacy. Apply gloves, if necessary.

MANUAL SKILL: Respiration

SKILL STEPS: 1. 2. 3. 4. Take residents arm and place it over chest. After counting the pulse, count respirations by observing the rise and fall of chest (one rise and fall of the chest is one respiration. (Resident should not be aware that their respirations are being counted). Count respirations for one minute. Note depth, regularity, symmetry, if any pain or difficulty. Record respirations on a piece of paper; note any irregularity.

ENDING STEPS: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Clean and return equipment and supplies, if applicable. Remove gloves, if wearing. Position resident comfortably. Place call light within reach. Lower bed to safe position for the resident.
_________________________________________________ Do Not Reproduce. BACN Property/2010

BAY AREA COLLEGE OF NURSING Nursing Assistant Program Module 10: Vital Signs
6. 7. 8. 9. Leave room neat. Wash hands. Document. Report abnormal findings to licensed nurse.

MANUAL SKILL: Respiration

_________________________________________________ Do Not Reproduce. BACN Property/2010