Vital Signs Taking: Body Temperature, Pulse Rate (PR), Respiratory Rate (RR), Blood Pressure (BP)

Summary

This video demonstrates the proper procedure for assessing a patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. It covers important steps such as identifying the patient, preparing equipment, ensuring privacy, and performing hand hygiene to prevent infection. The video details techniques for taking an axillary temperature, pulse, respiration rate, and blood pressure, emphasizing correct positioning, equipment use, and communication with the patient. Finally, it stresses the importance of documenting findings and reporting abnormalities to ensure proper follow-up care.

Takeaways

• 👤 **Identify the Patient**: Discuss the procedure and assess the patient's ability to assist to promote active participation.
• 🧰 **Prepare Equipment**: Gather all needed equipment and ensure it's in good condition for organized assessment.
• 🔒 **Ensure Privacy**: Provide privacy to build trust between the patient and healthcare provider.
• 🧼 **Perform Hand Hygiene**: Wash hands to reduce the transmission of microorganisms.
• 🌡️ **Assess Temperature**: Position the patient comfortably for axillary temperature measurement and use a thermometer correctly.
• 🔄 **Clean Thermometer**: Clean the thermometer with alcohol swabs to prevent pathogen transmission.
• 💓 **Measure Pulse**: Position the patient with relaxed arms and use fingertips to palpate the pulse for one minute.
• 🌬️ **Count Respirations**: Keep fingertips in place after pulse measurement to count respirations without patient awareness.
• 🩸 **Take Blood Pressure**: Position the patient correctly and expose the area for cuff application for accurate blood pressure readings.
• 🔍 **Use Manometer Correctly**: Arrange the manometer gauge at eye level for precise readings and palpate the artery during inflation.
• 🎧 **Use Stethoscope Properly**: Position the stethoscope over the artery without touching clothing to avoid extraneous noise.
• 📝 **Record and Report**: Document the vital signs and report any abnormal findings for patient care continuity.

Q & A

What is the first step in assessing vital signs according to the video script?

The first step is to identify the patient, discuss the procedure, and assess the patient's ability to assist with the procedure.

Why is it important to prepare all the equipment needed and ensure they are in good condition?

Preparing all the equipment and ensuring they are in good condition facilitates organized assessment and measurement.

Why is privacy provided during the procedure?

Privacy is necessary to build trust between the patient and the healthcare provider.

How does performing hand hygiene help in assessing vital signs?

Performing hand hygiene reduces the transmission of microorganisms.

What position should the patient assume for an axillary temperature measurement?

The patient should assume a position of comfort to promote relaxation.

How is the thermometer placed for an axillary temperature reading?

The thermometer is placed in the armpit with the device in contact with the axillary blood supply.

What should be done after removing the thermometer?

After removing the thermometer, the digital display should be read, and the thermometer should be cleansed using alcohol swabs before being placed back in its holder.

How should the patient be positioned for pulse measurement?

The patient's arms should be relaxed and supported.

What part of the fingers should be used to palpate the pulse?

The fingertips of the index and middle finger should be used on the inner surface of the wrist.

How long should the healthcare provider count the pulse for?

The pulse should be counted for one full minute.

What is the correct position for the patient when taking blood pressure?

The patient should assume a correct position that promotes comfort and relaxation, with the arm extended through the palm facing upward and the cuff approximately one to two inches above the inner aspects of the elbow.

Why is it important to arrange the manometer gauge at eye level?

Arranging the manometer gauge at eye level ensures an accurate reading.

How should the stethoscope be positioned for blood pressure measurement?

The stethoscope should be positioned firmly but with as little pressure as possible over the artery where the pulse is felt, without touching clothing or the cuff.

What should be done after measuring blood pressure?

Air should be released entirely from the cuff, and the cuff should be removed from the patient's arm to prevent arterial occlusion and discomfort.

Why is it necessary to disinfect the stethoscope after use?

Disinfecting the stethoscope prevents cross-contamination between patients.

What should be recorded after assessing vital signs?

Temperature, respiratory rate, pulse rate, and blood pressure readings should be recorded on a flow sheet, along with the time, and any abnormal findings should be reported.

Outlines

00:00

🌡️ Assessing Vital Signs: Introduction and Temperature Measurement

The video begins by explaining the steps for assessing vital signs, starting with patient identification and preparation. It emphasizes the importance of discussing the procedure with the patient, ensuring equipment readiness, providing privacy, and performing hand hygiene to prevent infection. The script then details the process of taking axillary temperature, including positioning the patient comfortably, using a digital thermometer, and reading the temperature after it beeps. It also advises on cleaning the thermometer with alcohol swabs and securing it in its holder for the next use.

05:02

💓 Measuring Pulse and Respiration Rates

This section of the script instructs on measuring pulse and respiration rates. It describes positioning the patient with relaxed and supported arms to facilitate palpation of the pulse. The script advises gently compressing the artery to feel the pulse distinctly and counting for one minute using a watch with a second hand. For respiration, it suggests counting the breaths without the patient's awareness to prevent controlled breathing. The video script concludes this part by emphasizing the importance of informing the patient of their vital rates.

🩸 Blood Pressure Measurement Technique

The script outlines the correct patient positioning for blood pressure measurement, emphasizing comfort and proper exposure of the arm for cuff application. It details the placement of the cuff above the brachial artery and the importance of arm positioning relative to the heart level. The video demonstrates the use of a manometer gauge, palpation of the artery, and inflation of the cuff. It also covers the steps for auscultation, including proper stethoscope placement, inflation of the cuff, and noting the systolic and diastolic pressures. The script advises deflating the cuff completely to prevent discomfort and emphasizes the importance of disinfecting equipment and maintaining hygiene.

📝 Recording and Reporting Vital Signs

The final paragraph focuses on the post-assessment procedures. It highlights the need to disinfect the stethoscope and perform hand hygiene to prevent cross-contamination. The script instructs on recording the patient's temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, and blood pressure on a flow sheet, including the time of measurement. It also stresses the importance of reporting any abnormal findings to the appropriate personnel, which aids in determining the necessity of follow-up care.

Keywords

💡Vital Signs

Vital signs are a group of four measurements recorded by medical professionals to assess a patient's overall health and monitor changes. They include body temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. In the video, assessing vital signs is the main theme, as it demonstrates how to measure each of these parameters accurately.

💡Axillary Temperature

Axillary temperature refers to the measurement of body temperature in the armpit. It is a non-invasive method and is mentioned in the script as a part of the vital signs assessment. The video describes the process of taking axillary temperature, emphasizing the importance of proper positioning and device usage.

💡Pulse

Pulse is the rhythmic beating of the heart that can be felt at the arteries. It is a key vital sign that reflects the heart's function. The video script provides instructions on how to locate the pulse, count it accurately for one minute, and inform the patient about the rate.

💡Respiration

Respiration refers to the process of breathing, which includes both inhalation and exhalation. The video script describes how to count respirations without the patient's awareness to prevent controlled breathing, which could skew the results.

💡Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels. It is a critical vital sign that indicates the cardiovascular system's health. The script details the correct positioning of the patient and the cuff, as well as the procedure for obtaining an accurate blood pressure reading.

💡Manometer

A manometer is an instrument used to measure pressure, often associated with blood pressure measurements. In the context of the video, the manometer is used to gauge the blood pressure, and the script emphasizes the need to arrange it at eye level for accurate readings.

💡Stethoscope

A stethoscope is a medical instrument used for listening to the internal sounds of a patient's body, such as the heartbeat or breathing. The video script explains how to use the stethoscope to listen for the pulse and blood pressure, highlighting the importance of proper positioning for accurate readings.

💡Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene refers to the practice of cleaning one's hands to reduce the spread of pathogens. The script mentions hand hygiene before and after procedures, emphasizing its importance in preventing the transmission of microorganisms in a healthcare setting.

💡Palpation

Palpation is the act of examining by touch, used in the video to locate the artery before taking blood pressure. It is a manual method to feel the pulse and determine the appropriate location for the cuff, ensuring an accurate blood pressure reading.

💡Inflation

Inflation in the context of the video refers to the process of filling the blood pressure cuff with air to a certain pressure. The script describes the inflation process, noting the importance of exceeding the patient's systolic pressure to ensure an accurate reading.

💡Disinfection

Disinfection is the process of cleaning and disinfecting objects to kill pathogens. The video script includes the step of disinfecting the stethoscope with alcohol swabs, which is crucial for preventing cross-contamination between patients.

Highlights

Identifying the patient and discussing the procedure promotes active participation.

Preparing all equipment and ensuring its good condition facilitates organized assessment.

Providing privacy builds trust between the patient and healthcare provider.

Performing hand hygiene reduces the transmission of microorganisms.

Positioning the patient for axillary temperature measurement promotes relaxation.

Placing the thermometer in contact with the axillary blood supply ensures proper positioning for accurate reading.

Cleansing the thermometer after use prevents the transmission of pathogens.

Positioning the client’s arms in a relaxed state helps in accurate pulse reading.

Using fingertips to feel the pulse facilitates palpation of the pulsation.

Not allowing the patient to know when respiration is being measured helps avoid controlled breathing.

Assisting patients to the correct position during blood pressure measurement ensures comfort and accurate readings.

Placing the cuff over the brachial artery ensures accurate blood pressure measurement.

Positioning the manometer gauge at eye level ensures accurate reading.

Deflating the cuff and removing it after reading prevents patient discomfort.

Disinfecting the stethoscope after use prevents cross-contamination between patients.

Transcripts

foreign

[Music]

student nurses so for today's video we

will be demonstrating how to assess

Vital Signs so first step you have to do

is identify the patient discuss the

procedure and assess the patient's

ability to assist with the procedure

this promotes active participation of

the patient during the procedure second

prepare all the equipment needed and

ensure that they are all in good

condition this facilitates organized

assessment and measurement third provide

privacy this is necessary to build trust

between patient and health care provider

lastly perform hand hygiene this is to

reduce the transmission of

microorganisms

foreign

temperature help the client to assume a

position of comfort for axillary

temperature this is to promote

relaxation take the thermometer out of

its holder turn on the thermometer and

place it in the armpit placing the

device in contact with axillary blood

supply can maintain the device in its

proper position

remove the thermometer when it beeps and

reads the digital display

this allows accurate temperature reading

inform your patient about his or her

body temperature

cleanse the thermometer using alcohol

swabs before placing it back this

prevents the transmission of pathogens

or microorganisms place a thermometer

back in its holder and keep it securely

until its next use

[Music]

in taking the pulse position the client

so that her arms are relaxed and

supported Place fingertips index and

middle finger on the inner surface of

the wrist fingertips are sensitive

facilitating pulpation of pulsating time

compress artery gently so it can be felt

distinctly this stabilizes risk and

allow pressure to be exerted using a

watch with a second hand count pulsation

for one full minute in taking the

respiration keep fingertips in place

after counting the pulse and note of

patient's inspiration and expiration

make sure they do not know your

accounting respiration to avoid

controlled breathing count the number of

respirations for one full minute lastly

inform your patient about their pulse

rate and respiratory rate

[Music]

in taking the blood pressure assist

patients and assume a correct position

this promotes patient comfort and

relaxation

remove or rearrange clothing to expose

the area where the cuff will be applied

this is to avoid any disturbance while

taking blood pressure

extend the arms through the Palm facing

upward place the cuff approximately one

to two inches above the inner aspects of

the elbow with a bladder over the

brachial artery blood pressure increases

when the arm is below the level of the

heart and decreases when the arm is

above the level of the heart

[Music]

thank you

arrange the manometer gauge at eye level

this is to ensure an accurate reading

pulpate the brachial artery or radial

pulse by pressing gently with the

fingertips tighten the screw valve on

the air pump and inflate the cuff while

continuing to palpate the artery note

the point in the gauge where the pulse

disappears deflate the cuff and wait for

15 seconds to prevent leaks during

inflation ensure the cuff is inflated to

a pressure greater than the client's

systolic pressure

foreign

[Music]

place the stethoscope earpiece to the

ears properly then position the die from

the stethoscope firmly but with as

little pressure as possible over the

artery where the pulse is felt do not

allow the stethoscope to touch clothing

or the cuff sound is heard best directly

over the artery the head of the

stethoscope under the edge of the cuff

results in considerable extraneous noise

and may cause inaccurate readings

pump the pressure through the mmhg above

the point at which the poles disappear

ensure that the cuff is inflated to a

pressure greater than the patient's

systolic pressure

note the point on the gauge at which

there is an appearance to the first

faint but clear some which slowly

increases in intensity note this number

as a systolic pressure read the pressure

to the closest even number

release Air entirely from the cuff and

remove the cuff from patient arm this

prevents arterial oculation and patient

discomfort from numbness or tingling

sensation

[Music]

foreign

disinfect the diaphragm the stethoscope

using alcohol swabs three times this

ensures safety since it prevents

cross-contamination between patients

next perform hand hygiene this is to

reduce the transmission of

microorganisms lastly record the

temperature respiratory rate pulse rate

and blood pressure reading on a flow

sheet and indicate the time report any

abnormal findings to the appropriate

person this documents the completion of

procedure and assessment findings of

patients and it helps to determine the

need for follow-up care