Vital Signs PDF

VITAL SIGNS 1 Aims To provide an understanding of the importance of recording vital signs. To ensure students are able to demonstrate the correct techniques for measuring and recording vital signs. To communicate the relevant information clearly to the pati...

VITAL SIGNS 1 Aims To provide an understanding of the importance of recording vital signs. To ensure students are able to demonstrate the correct techniques for measuring and recording vital signs. To communicate the relevant information clearly to the patient 2 Outcomes Show an appreciation of the importance of measuring and recording vital signs. Know the normal range values for vital signs and have a basic understanding of why the results may be different from the normal parameters. 3 Outcomes Identify the correct equipment for the required task. Aware of the importance of communicating with the patient. 4 WHY MEASURE VITAL SIGNS? They are an indication of disease or of an abnormality. Usually performed in conjunction with each other. 5 Normal Ranges – adults Temperature 36.5 - 37.5c Pulse 60 - 100 bpm 6 Normal Ranges - adults Respiration male = 14-18 breaths/minute female = 16-20 breaths/minute 7 Normal Ranges - adults Blood Pressure Normal blood pressure generally ranges from 100-140 mm/Hg for systolic pressure & 60-90 mm/Hg for diastolic pressure. Blood pressure measurements are usually represented as fractions: 100 - 140 60 90 BUT Blood pressure can fluctuate within a wide range and still be considered normal. 8 Blood Pressure continued Average systolic pressure is 120mm/Hg, and is registered when the heart is contracting. Average diastolic pressure is two thirds of systolic pressure (80mm/Hg), when the heart is relaxing. 9 Before attempting any procedure you need to: Gather the relevant equipment Identify yourself Identify the patient Gain informed consent Ensure that the patient is relaxed and comfortable. 10 Before recording any vital sign, it is important to check: That the person has not carried out any of these activities within the last 30 minutes: Eaten a large meal Had a hot bath Smoked a cigarette Undertaken vigorous exercise AND If there is any reason why blood pressure cannot be measured on a particular arm. If there is any reason why temperature cannot be measured in a particular ear 11 TEMPERATURE For reliable, consistent recording it is important to use the same type of thermometer and the same site each time. 12 Types of Thermometer A A = Tympanic B = Digital B C C = Chemical 13 How to take a temperature: Tympanic Place disposable cover over probe. Gently pull back the pinna of the ear. Insert the tip of the thermometer into the ear canal. Activate and wait for electronic signal. Remove thermometer, read and record your findings 14 How to take a temperature: Thermometer turned on when cover Keep silver button pressed down until presses the red button. the electronic signal indicates temperature has been recorded. 15 Pulse Defined as: the alternate expansion and recoil of elastic arteries after each contraction of the left ventricle, producing a pressure wave through the artery. 16 PULSE The pulse is palpated to assess the following: Rate Rhythm Amplitude 17 How to take a pulse: Ensure you are at the same height as patient, to avoid a top heavy posture. Determine the appropriate site to palpate (usually radial), place the second and third fingers gently along the artery to record the pulse. Count the pulsations for 60 seconds. Record your findings. 18 19 RESPIRATION Defined as: a full cycle of an inspiration and expiration. 20 Respirations in an individual should be observed for: Rate Depth Pattern 21 How to record respirations: Respiratory movement can be difficult to see so placing the patient's arm on their upper abdomen or across the chest will allow you to feel respiratory movement. If the rate is regular, count for 30 seconds and multiply by two to give the number of breaths per minute. If the rate, depth or pattern of respiration is irregular or abnormal then count for a full 60 seconds. Record your findings. 22 BLOOD PRESSURE Measures the pressure exerted by the turbulence of blood on the artery walls, specifically the brachial artery. 23 It is divided into two readings: Systole = the peak pressure of blood in the artery as a result of the ventricular contraction of the heart. Diastole = the lowest pressure of blood in the artery when there is ventricular relaxation in the heart. 24 The equipment needed will be: A Sphygmomanometer A Stethoscope and A Steret 25 Sphygmomanometer & Cuff 2mm/Hg increments Cuff sizer Release valve 26 How to take a blood pressure Support the patient’s arm with a pillow; ensuring it’s in line with the heart. Ensure that tight or restrictive clothing is removed from the arm. Apply the cuff to the upper arm; ensuring the brachial artery indicator arrow is in correct alignment and the cuff is at least two finger widths above the antecubital fossa The cuff should fit snugly. Position the manometer closely to the patient, ensuring it is at heart level, it should also be at your eye level. 27 brachial artery indicator arrow 28  Palpate either the radial or brachial pulse. To establish an estimation of the systolic pressure inflate the cuff until the pulse can no longer be palpated. Make a note of the measurement. deflate the cuff completely and wait 15-30 sec before continuing to measure by positioning the diaphragm of the stethoscope onto the brachial artery re-inflating the cuff 10 – 30 mmHg above the systolic estimation. 29 30  Deflate the cuff at 2-3mm/Hg per sec or per heartbeat until faint but clear tapping sounds are heard, these will increase in volume as the cuff is deflated, and then suddenly become muffled before they disappear. 31 References Honeyman A M (2002) Measuring Techniques for Health Care. Available at: (Accessed 24/09/06). Blood Pressure Monitoring (2003). Available at: