Patient Vital Signs

Question 1

What are the six vital signs ?

Answer 1

(no specific order)

• Blood pressure
• Pulse
• Respiration
• Temperature
• Height + Weight
• Pain level (0-10)

Question 2

How do we prepare to take a patient’s vital signs?

Answer 2

1. Gather all the materials you need (Stethoscope, Blood pressure cuff, thermometer, pulse oximeter, gloves, disinfectants, watch)
2. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
3. Donn(Apply using the donning process) your PPE(Personal Protection Equipment)
   - Gown
   - Mask
   - Googles/Face Shield
   - Gloves

To Doff (Remove PPE):

• Gloves
• Googles/Face Shield
• Gown
• Mask

4. Introduce yourself to the patient and let them know what you will be doing (make sure to ask their permission: say “is that okay with you?” “may I take your blood pressure?”)
5. Identify your patient by having them state and spell their first and last name as well as their D.O.B
6. Begin taking the patient’s vital signs and ask any further questions regarding their pain, symptoms, or concerns.
7. Always make sure to document everything you do, say, and everything that happens while you are with your patient. If you didn’t document it, it is as if you didn’t do it or that it didn’t happen (according to records)