The importance and Guidelines of vital sign in health sciences

Vital Signs

The importance of vital sign in health sciences

Vital signs include the physiological measurements of temperature, Pulse, BP and respirations. Vital signs are a quick and efficient way of monitoring a patient' s condition or identifying problems and evaluating the patient' s response to intervening changes. One vital sign can influence characteristics of other vital signs.

The basic techniques of inspection, palpation and auscultation are used to determine vital signs. Assessment of vital signs allows the nurse to identify nursing diagnoses, to implement planned intervention and to evaluate success. When the nurse learns the physiological variables influencing vital signs and recognizes the relationship of vital sign changes to other physiological assessment findings, precise determination of the client' s health problems can be made.

Vital signs and normal ranges for adults

1.       Temperature         36º to 38º C (96.4 to 98.6 F)

2.       Pulse 60      - 100 beats / mt

3.       Respiration 12      - 20 breaths / mt

4.       Blood pressure     Average 120 / 80 mmHg

Guidelines for assessing vital signs

The nurse caring for the patient is responsible for assessing vital signs. The nurse should obtain the vital signs, interpret their significance and make decisions about interventions.

Equipment used to measure vital signs must work properly to ensure accurate findings.

Equipment should be selected based on the client' s condition and characteristics.

The nurse controls or minimizes environmental factors that may affect vital signs.

The nurse uses an organized, systematic approach when taking vital signs. Each procedure requires a step - by - step approach to ensure accuracy.

The manner of approach to the patient can alter the vital signs. The nurse should approach the patient in a calm caring manner while taking vital signs.

Based on patient' s condition, the nurse collaborates with the physician to decide the frequency of vital signs assessment.

The nurse analyzes the results of vital signs measurement. The nurse is often in the best position to assess all clinical finding about a patient.

The nurse verifies and communicates significant changes in vital signs. The nurse informs the physician of abnormal vital signs.

Vital signs are documented and communicated to the nurse assuming care of the patient and well of patient.