NUR 102 VITAL SIGNS Lisa Brock, RN MSN Fall 2006

WHAT ARE VITAL SIGNS? Defined as “those physical signs concerning functions essential to life” (Taber’s, 2005). Blood pressure, pulse, respirations, and temperature Some also consider pain to be the 5 th vital sign

EQUIPMENT NEEDED Stethoscope Blood pressure cuff Watch with second hand Thermometer

STETHOSCOPE

BLOOD PRESSURE CUFF

CUFF SIZES

RADIAL PULSE

RESPIRATIONS No special equipment is needed to assess respirations, other than a watch with a second hand.

TEMPERATURE Body temperature can be measured several different ways: oral, axillary, rectal, and tympanic Body temperature can be measured several different ways: oral, axillary, rectal, and tympanic Rectal temperature is the most accurate, but mostly used on infants and small children Rectal temperature is the most accurate, but mostly used on infants and small children Mercury thermometers are no longer used because of the dangers of a mercury spill Mercury thermometers are no longer used because of the dangers of a mercury spill

CONVERSION OF FAHRENHEIT AND CELSIUS F=9/5(C + 32) F=9/5(C + 32) C = 5/9(F – 32) C = 5/9(F – 32)

CONCLUSION Vital signs are an important indicator of a patient’s health status and should be performed and reported accurately Vital signs are an important indicator of a patient’s health status and should be performed and reported accurately