Lecture on Taking Vital Signs

Introduction

• Presenter: Sarah from RegisteredNurseRN.com
• Purpose: Demonstrate how to take vital signs

Supplies Needed

• Stethoscope with a blood pressure cuff
• Thermometer
• Pulse oximeter
• Watch
• Gloves
• Disinfectant wipe

Preliminary Steps

• Perform hand hygiene
• Wear appropriate PPE if necessary

Vital Signs to Measure

1. Blood Pressure
2. Heart Rate
3. Respirations
4. Temperature
5. Pain Rating (referred to as the fifth vital sign)
6. Oxygen Saturation

Patient Interaction

• Introduce yourself
• Explain the procedure
• Confirm patient identity using armband and verbal confirmation (name and date of birth)

Pain Assessment

• Ask for pain level using 0-10 numerical scale
• Document numerical score and description of pain

Oxygen Saturation

• Use pulse oximeter on nail bed
• Ensure fingers have good circulation
• Normal range: 95-100%
• Document oxygen saturation

Body Temperature

• Normal adult range: 97-99°F (average 98.6°F orally)
• Considered a fever if >100.4°F
• Methods: oral, temporal artery, tympanic, rectal, axillary
• Document temperature and method used

Pulse Measurement

• Use radial artery
• Assess rate, strength (0-3+ scale), and rhythm (regular/irregular)
• Normal adult range: 60-100 bpm

Respiration Assessment

• Normal rate: 12-20 breaths per minute
• Assess depth and rhythm
• Count for 30 seconds (multiply by 2 if regular)

Blood Pressure Measurement

• Ensure proper patient positioning
• Use correct cuff size
• Locate brachial artery
• Steps include estimating systolic pressure and using stethoscope to listen to systolic and diastolic sounds
• Normal blood pressure: <120/80 mmHg

Conclusion

• Review and document all findings
• Clean all equipment
• Importance of accurate vital sign measurement

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