VITAL SIGNS West Coast University
STUDENT:________________________
Procedure
NPSG
NPSG
NPSG
NPSG
Temperature
Pulse
Respiratory
Rate
Blood
Pressure
(2-Step
Method)
Pain
O2 Sat
NPSG
NPSG
1.
2.
3.
4.
Faculty
Evaluation
Wash hands per CDC guidelines
Introduce yourself
Identify patient correctly using two identifiers (check with armband)
Verify allergy status with patient
***CRITICAL ELEMENT -­­ DOES NOT PASS IF ALL NPSG NOT COMPLETED***
5. Obtains temperature – posterior sublingual pocket for oral temperature
6. Obtain a pulse --- Counting the pulse rate for 30 seconds and multiplying by 2. If rate
is irregular, counts the rate for a full minute. (Your thumb has a pulse do not put it
on the patient)
7. Obtain respiratory rate -­‐ for 30 seconds by watching the chest rise and fall.
Multiply number by 2. If rate is irregular, counts the rate for a full minute.
8. Obtain a Blood Pressure using the two-step method:
a) Determine which extremity is appropriate and select appropriate cuff size
b) Locate brachial artery and inflate the cuff keeping your fingers on the brachial pulse.
Note the number on the manometer at the point that the brachial pulse is no longer
palpable. Deflate the cuff and wait 1 minute. (see note below)
c) Place stethoscope diaphragm over brachial pulse and inflate cuff 20-­­30 mm Hg above
the number from 1st step. Listen for the arterial pulsation, allowing the dial to fall
evenly at a rate of 2-­­3 mm Hg/sec during auscultation.
d) Listen for the 5 Korotkoff sounds and note the numbers on the manometer. – The
first clear sound is the systolic. The final clear sound is the diastolic.
e) Remove the cuff informing the patient of the BP results.
***Note while you are waiting for the patients arm to rest between step 1 and
step 2 of the blood pressure, please ask the pain questions. ***
P = Place/Provokes
Where is your pain? Be specific. (Can ask patient to point to where the pain is)
What causes pain? What makes it better or worse?
Q = Quality
What does it feel like? Is it sharp? Dull? Stabbing? Burning? Crushing?
(Try to let the patient describe the pain)
R = Radiates
Where does the pain radiate? Is it in one place?
S = Severity
How severe is the pain on a scale of 0 -­­ 10?
T = Time/Treatment
Time pain started? How long did it last?
What has worked in the past to treat the pain?
Obtains oxygen saturation (uses Pulse Oximetry)
***Note Document your findings before leaving the patient’s room. ***
Ensure safe environment: bed to appropriate height, brakes locked, appropriate side rails
up and call light within reach
Wash Hands per CDC Guidelines
Faculty Evaluator:
Comments:
Approved: 10/21/2021