Vital Signs

With Samantha Rhea MSN, RN

Vital Signs

1 Temperature 2 Pulse

Respiratory Blood
3 rate
4 pressure

Oxygen
5 saturation

© by Lecturio
Vital Signs
Vital signs are used to:

Determine
baseline health

Implement Evaluate
Identify problems
interventions interventions

Gain a more
accurate
understanding of
Guidelines for Measuring Vital Signs

Ensure that the equipment is

functional and appropriate for the vital signs.
size and age of the client.

Delegate measurements
appropriately. history, therapies, and prescribed
medications.

Be able to understand and Control or minimize environmental

interpret values. factors that affect vital signs.
Guidelines for Measuring Vital Signs

Use an organized, systematic

approach when measuring vital
signs.
Know the safe vital sign and
assessment findings before
administering medications.
Communicate findings.
Document findings accurately.
Analyze the vital sign
measurements.
Instruct the client or family caregiver
about the assessment and
significance of findings.
Health Promotion and Vital Signs

Emphasize health promotion and

activities that support health.

You may need to teach clients and

their families to assess and record
vital signs.

Stress that vital signs should be taken

at the same time everyday.
Recording Vital Signs

Record values on electronic or paper graphic.

Record any accompanying or precipitating

symptoms in nurses' notes.

Document interventions.

If a vital sign is outside the anticipated ranges,

consider contacting the healthcare provider.
Safety Guidelines for Skills

Communicate clearly with Assess and incorporate Use the best evidence
members of the when making decisions
healthcare team. care and preferences.
Safety Guidelines for Skills
Remember the following points to ensure safe, individualized
client-centered care:

• Cleaning devices between clients decreases the risk for

infection.

• Rotating sites during repeated measurements of blood

pressure and pulse oximetry decreases the risk for skin
breakdown.

• Analyze vital sign trends and report abnormal findings.

• Determine the appropriate frequency of measuring vital