Vital Signs

Objectives
Describe factors that affect the vital signs and accurate measurement of them.
Identify the variations in normal body temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure that occur from infancy to old age.
Identify nine sites used to assess the pulse and state the reasons for their use.
Describe the mechanics of breathing and the mechanisms that control respirations.
Identify the components of a respiratory assessment.
Differentiate systolic from diastolic blood pressure
What are the Vital signs?
In includes:
1. Body temperature
2.Pulse
3. Respiration
4. Blood pressure
5. Pain
T – BP – P - RR
Objective data that contributes to all other nursing and medical information
Baseline values establish the norm against which subsequent measures are compared
Information must be obtained and recorded accurately
Should be a thoughtful, scientific assessment
Monitor functions of the body, an outward clue to what is going on in the patient’s body
When to Assess Vital Signs
On admission
Change in client’s health status
Client reports symptoms such as chest pain, feeling hot, or faint
Pre and post surgery/invasive procedure
Pre and post nursing intervention that could affect vital signs