After completing chapter 37, you will be able to: Identify the skills necessary to conduct a patient interview; recognize the signs of anxiety; depression; and physical, mental, or substance abuse; use the six Cs for writing an accurate patient history; carry out a patient history using critical thinking skills;. | 37 Vital Signs and Measurements Learning Outcomes (cont.) Describe the five vital signs. Identify various methods of taking a patient’s temperature. Describe the process of obtaining pulse and respirations. Learning Outcomes (cont.) Carry out blood pressure measurements. Summarize orthostatic or postural vital signs. Illustrate various body measurements. Introduction Vital signs Temperature Pulse Respirations Blood pressure Pain assessment Body measurements Height Weight Head circumference Vital signs and body measurements are used to evaluate health problems. Accuracy is essential. Learning Outcome: Describe the five vital signs. Vital signs are one of the most important assessments you can make. Temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and pain assessment give information about how a patient will adjust to changes within the body and in the environment. Measurements like height, weight, and head circumference can indicate | 37 Vital Signs and Measurements Learning Outcomes (cont.) Describe the five vital signs. Identify various methods of taking a patient’s temperature. Describe the process of obtaining pulse and respirations. Learning Outcomes (cont.) Carry out blood pressure measurements. Summarize orthostatic or postural vital signs. Illustrate various body measurements. Introduction Vital signs Temperature Pulse Respirations Blood pressure Pain assessment Body measurements Height Weight Head circumference Vital signs and body measurements are used to evaluate health problems. Accuracy is essential. Learning Outcome: Describe the five vital signs. Vital signs are one of the most important assessments you can make. Temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and pain assessment give information about how a patient will adjust to changes within the body and in the environment. Measurements like height, weight, and head circumference can indicate physical growth and development and are used to evaluate health problems. Other measurements you may need to take Size of a wound or bruise Diameter of an arm or leg In all cases, you must be accurate when performing and recording vital signs and body measurements. They are some of the most important assessments you can make when preparing the patient to be examined by the practitioner. Vital Signs Provide information about patient’s overall condition Taken at each visit Protected health information – HIPAA Learning Outcome: Describe vital signs and common body measurements. The vital signs are taken before the doctor examines the patient. They provide the doctor with information about the patient’s overall condition. Follow the standard procedure used in your office, and be sure to follow the HIPAA regulations regarding the privacy of your results. Vital Signs (cont.) Include Temperature Pulse Respirations Blood pressure Pain assessment Standard range of values Patient .
