Recognizing the Signs, Part V

Vital signs can help to paint a critical picture of patient health. It is essential that you know not just how to collect this information, but what it can mean. You must also know how to recognize problems so that you know WHEN to check vital signs and WHAT to report to your nurse. Create a section in your Recognizing the Signs book that provides the following information

• Temperature
• When NOT to take oral temperature
• Normal values for
• Oral temperature
• Axillary Temperature
• Tympanic Temperature
• Signs of a Fever
• Pulse
• Common locations for checking pulse
• Normal values
• Signs of pulse problems
• Possible causes of pulse problems
• Respiratory Rate
• How to check respiratory rate
• Normal values
• Signs of respiratory problems
• Blood Pressure
• Normal Values
• Signs of blood pressure problems
• Possible causes of blood pressure problems

Remember - this book is intended to be a quick reference guide. Information should be short, sweet, and to the point. Pictures rather than words are more beneficial for jogging memory quickly. Keep it simple!