Vital signs (V.S.) are measurements of body functions (heart, breathing, and temperature regulation) which are “vital” to life. V.S. include taking the blood pressure, the temperature, counting the pulse, counting the rate of respirations, and observing and reporting the level of pain, which are also known as BP & TPR. Changes may indicate illness or a life threatening condition.
Vital signs (one or all) should be taken:
As ordered – on admission, monthly, weekly etc.
After a fall
c/o chest pain.
Factors that affect V.S. include:
Illness
Emotions
Exercise/activity
Age
Weather
Caffeine/smoking
Medications
Always protect patient privacy when taking vital signs! Take them to their room and pull privacy curtain or close the door. Remember confidentiality and do not discuss vital sign measurements in front of other people.
Source: Kathy Girard
This PP video will explain what Vital Signs are.Click here to view Vital Signs Overview
Source: Kathy Girard
This is the script for the 3 blood pressure videos in case they won't play.
Source: Kathy Girard, Hartman's Nursing Assistant Care
What is Blood Pressure? The following 3 videos will explain what blood pressure is.
Click here for Part 1https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/92961720/vital%20signs/2012-08-16_1306-BP_part_1.swf
Click here for Part 2https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/92961720/vital%20signs/2012-08-16_1334_BP_part_2.swf
Click here for Part 3https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/92961720/vital%20signs/2012-08-16_1351_BP_part_3.swf
Source: Kathy Girard
This video will allow you to hear what a blood pressure sounds like
Source: YouTube education
The following websites allow you to practice listening to and reading a BP:
http://www.abdn.ac.uk/medical/bhs/tutorial/tutorial.htm
http://familymedicine.osu.edu/products/physicalexam/exam/ You will have to scroll down to the blood pressure activity
This PDF outlines the steps for taking a blood pressure
Source: Kathy Girard
Describes what a pulse is, where pulse points are and how to take a pulse
Source: Kathy Girard
Source: Kathy Girard
Describes what a respiration is and how to take a respiration
Source: Kathy Girard
Source: YouTubeEducation
Source: YouTube Education
Explains the different ways that a temperature can be taken and what a normal temperature should be.
Source: Kathy Girard
Source: YouTube Education
Describes the importance of pain as the fifth vital sign
Source: Kathy Girard
