Vital Signs Assessment Procedure

Detailed fill-in-the-blank flashcards covering the clinical procedure for measuring temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and pulse oximetry based on lecture notes.

Before assessing vital signs, ensure that the client has not smoked or consumed caffeine within __________ before the assessment.

$$30\,minutes$$

When cleaning the digital thermometer before use, wipe from the bulb toward the stem in a __________ motion.

circular

After measurement, the thermometer should be cleaned by wiping from the __________ toward the __________.

stem; bulb

When counting the respiratory rate, the healthcare provider should observe the client __________ to ensure an accurate breathing pattern assessment.

without informing the client

The center of the blood pressure cuff bladder should be positioned directly over the __________ artery.

brachial

The blood pressure cuff should be placed approximately __________ fingerbreadths above the antecubital fossa.

two

If it is the initial assessment for a client, the __________ pressure should be estimated by palpation.

systolic

Inflate the blood pressure cuff until the manometer reads approximately __________ above the point where the brachial pulse disappears.

$$30\,mmHg$$

The pulse oximeter sensor should be placed securely on the client's fingertip, preferably the __________ or __________ finger.

index; middle

During pulse oximetry, the hand or foot being measured should be positioned comfortably at __________ if possible.

heart level

The nurse records the results once the pulse rate and __________ readings have stabilized.

$$SpO_2$$