VITAL SIGNS l RETURN DEMONSTRATION (Student Nurse)

Summary

In this video, Chantalati, a student nurse, demonstrates the correct procedure for taking vital signs. She explains the importance of vital signs in assessing a patient's health, including the four key elements: blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate, and respiratory rate, as well as pain level. The video guides viewers through each step, from measuring temperature to checking pulse and blood pressure. Chantalati also reassures the patient that their vital signs are normal, offering a clear, educational overview of how to perform these essential health checks.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video is presented by Chantalati, a student nurse demonstrating how to take vital signs.
• 😀 The purpose of taking vital signs is to check for any health issues or confirm that a person is in good health.
• 😀 Vital signs include four key elements: blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate, and respiratory rate.
• 😀 Pain is also considered as a fifth vital sign in this demonstration.
• 😀 The nurse starts by asking for the patient's birthdate to ensure they have the correct information.
• 😀 The nurse asks the patient if it’s okay to take their vital signs before proceeding.
• 😀 The first vital sign taken is the patient's temperature, using a thermometer.
• 😀 The next step involves checking the patient's pulse rate by feeling for it on the arm.
• 😀 The nurse then takes the patient's blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer.
• 😀 After taking all measurements, the nurse confirms that all vital signs are within the normal range.
• 😀 The final results for the patient's vital signs are: body temperature 36.5°C, pulse rate 86, respiratory rate 17, and blood pressure 110/75.

Q & A

What are vital signs and why are they important?

Vital signs are measurements of the body’s most basic functions, including blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and pain level. They are important because they help healthcare providers assess a person’s overall health and identify any potential issues or changes in the body’s condition.

What are the four main elements of vital signs?

The four main elements of vital signs are blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate, and respiratory rate. Pain is also considered an additional vital sign.

What is the pain scale, and how is it used to assess pain?

The pain scale is used to measure a person’s level of pain. It ranges from 0 (no pain) to 10 (severe pain). The scale helps healthcare providers understand the severity of the patient’s pain and decide on the appropriate treatment.

How is temperature measured during a vital sign check?

The temperature is typically measured using a thermometer. In the transcript, the student nurse waits a few seconds after placing the thermometer to check the patient’s body temperature.

What is considered a normal body temperature?

A normal body temperature for adults is around 36.5°C (97.7°F). In the transcript, the patient’s temperature is 36.5°C, which is within the normal range.

How is pulse rate measured?

Pulse rate is measured by feeling the pulse in the wrist or neck and counting the beats per minute. In the video, the nurse checks the patient’s pulse and records it as 86 beats per minute.

What is a normal pulse rate for an adult?

A normal pulse rate for an adult at rest is typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute. The patient’s pulse rate in the video is 86 beats per minute, which falls within this range.

What does blood pressure measure?

Blood pressure measures the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. It is recorded as two numbers: systolic (the pressure when the heart beats) and diastolic (the pressure when the heart rests between beats). In the transcript, the patient’s blood pressure is 110/75 mmHg, which is within the normal range.

What is a normal blood pressure reading?

A normal blood pressure reading is usually around 120/80 mmHg. The patient’s blood pressure in the video is 110/75 mmHg, which is considered normal and healthy.

Why is it important to check respiratory rate as part of vital signs?

The respiratory rate indicates how well the lungs are functioning and whether the body is receiving enough oxygen. A normal respiratory rate for an adult is typically between 12 and 20 breaths per minute. The patient’s respiratory rate in the video is 17 breaths per minute, which is normal.