Adult Vital Signs Evaluation

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Employed by:*

Equipment and Patient Preparation

1. Reviews patient chart for significant findings and data*

2. Identifies and gathers the necessary equipment*

Implementation of Procedure

1. Measures pulse using one of the following sites: radial artery, brachial artery, dorsalis pedis or popliteal. Making sure to use the index and middle finger and assesses pulse for one minute.*

2. Measures respiratory rate for one minute without informing patient, to ensure an accurate number.*

3. Assesses saturation using a pulse oximeter. Appropriately places device on finger or alternate measuring site. Compares measured rate with palpated rate to evaluate accuracy of the device.*

4. Assesses blood pressure using sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope. Inflates cuff to an appropriate level for patient. Releases pressure at a rate that allows for accurate measurement of systolic and diastolic pressure, but not to slow to provide patient discomfort.*

5. Evaluates or measures temperature as appropriate.*

6. Validates vital signs with respect to patient condition or repeats measurement to confirm patient results.*

Follow-up

1. Decontaminates hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or performs a 15 second hand wash.*

2. Records relevant data in patient chart and appropriate departmental records.*

3. Provides modifications to patient care plan as needed, and reports this to appropriate personnel.*

Demonstrates Knowledge of Fundamental Concepts

1. Identifies need for assessing parameters for one minute*

2. Identifies reason for not using thumb during pulse assessment.*

3. Identifies normal ranges for each of the above parameters.*

4. Identifies potential causes for patient values outside of the normal range*

Clinical Competency Performance Criteria

1. Displays rational judgment and is able to explain the relationship between theory and clinical practice*

2. Performs procedure in a reasonable time frame and with attention to appropriate detail*

3. Maintains aseptic technique and takes appropriate safety precautions.*

4. Communicates clearly, and in a courteous manner*

Additional comments: include errors of oversight or sequence, strengths and weaknesses during procedure (i.e. knowledge, communication skills, and patient interaction skills)

Please use the following criteria and select the appropriate pop-up menu.
Satisfactory - ready for clinical application with minimal supervision. Performed procedure accurately, or was able to correct performance without injury to the patient or decreasing effect of therapy being given.

Summary Performance Evaluation:*

References

1. CDC, Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings. MMWR Oct. 25, 2002; vol. 51(No. RR-16)
2. Scanlan CL, Wilkins RL, Stoller JK "Egan's Fundamentals of Respiratory Care" Mosby 8th ed, 2003, Chapter 14, p 317-320

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