Mastering Vital Signs: Essential Techniques and Best Practices

The video tutorial by Sarah Thread Sterner demonstrates how to take vital signs, including gathering supplies, performing hand hygiene, and donning PPE. It covers patient interaction, pain assessment, and measuring oxygen saturation, temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. The tutorial emphasizes proper techniques, documentation, and understanding normal ranges and guidelines.

What is the first step in preparing to take vital signs?

• Check the patient's pain level

• Perform hand hygiene

• Introduce yourself to the patient

• Gather necessary supplies

Why is it important to ask a patient about their pain level?

• It is required by hospital policy

• It can affect their vital signs

• It helps in diagnosing diseases

• It determines the type of thermometer to use

What is considered a normal range for oxygen saturation?

• 95% to 100%

• 100% to 105%

• 90% to 95%

• 85% to 90%

Which method of temperature measurement is typically one degree higher than oral?

• Rectal

• Temporal

• Forehead

• Axillary

What is the normal heart rate range for an adult?

• 70 to 110 beats per minute

• 60 to 100 beats per minute

• 50 to 90 beats per minute

• 80 to 120 beats per minute

How should you count a pulse if it is irregular?

• For 10 seconds and multiply by 6

• For 15 seconds and multiply by 4

• For 30 seconds and multiply by 2

• For 1 full minute

What is the normal breathing rate for an adult?

• 12 to 20 breaths per minute

• 14 to 22 breaths per minute

• 10 to 18 breaths per minute

• 8 to 16 breaths per minute

What is the first sound you hear when measuring blood pressure called?

• Oscillatory gap

• Diastolic pressure

• Pulse pressure

• Systolic pressure

What is considered a normal systolic blood pressure according to the 2017 guidelines?

• Less than 120

• 120 to 129

• Greater than 140

• 130 to 139

What should you do if the blood pressure cuff is too large for the patient's arm?

• Use it anyway

• Deflate it less

• Find a smaller cuff

• Inflate it more