Presented by: Jonna Bobeck BSN, RN, CEN

Pullman Regional Hospital CNA Competency: Assessing Vital Signs

• Discuss Pulse• Describe Respiration Assessment• Understand NIBP• Discuss Oxygen Saturation• Describe Body Temperature

Objectives

Assessing Pulse

• Proper hand hygiene

• Patient privacy• Supine• Placement of arm• Assess along radial

groove

Radial Pulse Assessment Procedural Steps

• Lightly compress • Determine strength• Determine rate• Regular• Irregular

Pediatric Considerations

Brachial Pulse Radial Pulse

Documenting Pulse

NUR EDM

Measuring Non-invasive Blood Pressure (NIBP)

• Proper hand hygiene• Turn machine on• Select correct cuff• Expose upper arm

NIBP Procedural Steps

• Check connections• Push start• Digital display• Document

Pediatric Considerations

Documenting NIBP

NUR EDM

• Saturation of arterial blood• Pleth waveform• Pulse rate• Perfusion indicator

Monitoring Oxygen Saturation (Spo2)

Applying the sensor

Correct Placement Incorrect Placement

Pediatric Considerations

Documenting Pulse Oximetry

NUR EDM

• Place patient in position of comfort• Assess after pulse check• Observe complete cycle• Count adults for 30seconds• Infants and children count for 1 full minute

Assessing Respirations

• Pediatric patients’• Elderly patients’

Special Considerations

Documenting Respirations

EDM NUR

• What is temperature• When fever occurs• Research findings• Pic from phone

Measuring Body Temperature

Oral Temperature Procedural Steps

Rectal Temperature Procedural Steps

Axillary Temperature Procedural Steps

Tympanic Temperature Procedural Steps

Temporal Artery Temperature Procedural Steps

Pediatric Considerations

Documenting Temperature

NUR EDM

References

Perry, A., & Potter, P. (Ed.). (2006). Clinical nursing skills and techniques. St. Louis, MI: Elsevier Mosby.