454 The Nursing Assistant Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Objectives To provide the best possible care, you must understand how to take vital signs accurately and effectively. This includes temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure. Vital signs are essential in helping monitor important and necessary information about a resident’s condition. To achieve the objectives for this section, you must successfully • discuss the purpose and importance of taking vital signs • identify the normal and abnormal ranges of vital signs • describe the locations and methods used to take vital signs • list the equipment needed to take vital signs • describe the importance of using a pulse oximeter and • explain how to measure and record vital signs accurately and effectively. Key Terms Learn these key terms to better understand the information presented in the section. apical pulse apnea aural axillary temperature bradycardia bradypnea carotid pulse Celsius (C) diastolic blood pressure dyspnea Fahrenheit (F) hyperventilation hypotension hypoventilation hypoxia probe radial pulse stertorous breathing stethoscope systolic blood pressure tachycardia tachypnea temporal arteries tympanic temperature As you have learned, vital signs are the rates or values of a person’s temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure. These signs are considered vital because they relate to essential body functions. When vital signs are taken (measured), a resident’s height and weight may also be measured and recorded. Vital signs that are not within the normal range give healthcare providers important information about a resident’s health and may indicate the presence of a disease, infection, or injury. Why Are Vital Signs Important? Taking the vital signs of body temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure are important skills for a holistic nursing assistant to master. Vital signs can help doctors diagnose particular diseases, determine treatments and medications, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments and medications. For example, a high body temperature can signal that a resident has an infection. If temperature starts to lower once treatment begins, this typically means the body is fighting the infection and the resident is getting better. 18.1 Questions to Consider • When was the last time someone measured your body’s vital signs of temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure? • Did you know why your vital signs were being taken and why they were important? For example, were you sick? Were your vital signs measured for a physical exam? • What was it like to have your vital signs measured? Measuring and Recording Vital Signs