Vital signs are key physiological measurements that indicate the body’s essential functions and overall health status. The primary vital signs include:
- Body Temperature: Reflects the balance between heat production and loss; abnormal values can indicate fever, infection, or hypothermia.
- Heart Rate (Pulse): Measures the number of heartbeats per minute; deviations may signal cardiovascular issues or systemic stress.
- Respiratory Rate: Counts breaths per minute; changes can indicate respiratory or metabolic problems.
- Blood Pressure: Assesses the force of blood against arterial walls; abnormalities can point to hypertension, hypotension, or shock.
- Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂): Shows the percentage of hemoglobin carrying oxygen; low levels suggest impaired oxygenation.
Monitoring vital signs is essential for detecting acute illness, guiding treatment, and tracking patient progress. Abnormal readings often prompt further clinical evaluation and intervention.
Objectives
By the end of this session, students expected to be able to:
- Define common terms used in checking patients vital signs
- Identify reasons for checking patients vital signs
- Demonstrate the procedure of checking patients vital signs
Social Plugin