Physical Assessment and Vital Sign Review

Assessment Review

• Direct & indirect data

• Subjective & objective data

• Normal & abnormal findings (expected & unexpected)

  • Based on patient’s personal health history/current status

Temperature

98.6 F or 37 C

Heart rate for an adult

60-100 bpm

Respiratory rate for an adult

12-20 resp/min

BP

Systolic - 120

Diastolic - 80

Pulse Ox

90-100%

Normal pain

0

Temperature errors

Drank an iced beverage before

Heart rate error

• Ran/walk before

• Pain

Blood pressure error

Cuff size

• Too big = decreased reading

• Too small = increased reading

Pulse ox error

• Nail polish

• Cold hands

What if you find an increased HR?

Bleeding

What if you find a low HR?

• Sleep

• Athletes

Orthostatic vital signs

Test for orthostatic hypotension

• Pt lie down for 5 minutes

• Measure bp and pulse rate

• Pt stand

• Repeat bp and pulse after standing 1-3 minutes

Using machines to collect data

• Interface to EHR

• Common errors

• Cleaning/disinfection

• Maintenance of device