CNA Information that reviews important test content regarding basic skills and vital signs

1. Basic Nursing Skills
Measuring Vital Signs
Chpt 14
*Information is primarily based from Hartman’s Nursing Assistant Care/Long
term Care textbook, 4th edition.

2. Vital signs are measurements of
the body’s basic functions.
If a measurement is below or above the given parameters that is a
sign that an organ or body system isn’t functioning properly.

3. Equipment/tools needed to measure VS

4. Vital Signs
● Body temperature
● Pulse rate
● Respirations
● Pain
● Blood Pressure
● Oxygen level

5. Measuring the Temperature
Body temperature is normally very close to 98.6’ F or 37’ C. Body temperature
reflects a balance between the heat created by the body and the heat lost to the
environment.
Average temperature readings change throughout the day.
People tend to have lower temperatures in the morning and higher temps in the
evening.

6. Types of Thermometers
● Digital
● Electronic
● Temporal
RECTAL TEMPS ARE MOST ACCURATE
AXILLARY (armpit) IS THE LEAST ACCURATE

7. What is a FEVER & what are common causes
A fever is when your internal body temperature rises to levels that are
considered above normal. A fever usually indicates an infection.
● Infection
● Legal/illegal drug use
● Trauma or injury (stroke, heat exhaustion, heart attack, burns
● Other medical conditions

8. Counting the Pulse
The pulse is the number of heart beats per minute.
The pulse can be heard and felt.
The normal range for the pulse is 60-100 beats per minute

9. Counting the Respirations
Respiration is the process of inhaling air into the lungs ( inspiration) and exhaling
air out of the lungs (exhalation).
The chest RISES during inhalation and FALLS during exhalation.
The normal range for respirations is 12-20 breaths per minute

10. Breathing Terminology
● Apnea -the absence of breathing
● Dyspnea - difficulty while breathing
● Orthopnea - shortness of breath when lying down & is relieved when sitting up
● Cheyne-Stokes - alternate periods of slow, irregular breathing and rapid
shallow breathing along with short periods of apnea

11. Measuring Blood Pressure
This critical measurement shows how well the heart is functioning.
It measures how the heart pushes & contracts (Systolic pressure or top #).
It measures the heart’s relaxation phase (diastolic pressure or bottom #).
Things that can adversely affect your blood pressure….
Smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, increased sodium, obesity, inactivity, old
age.

12. Blood Pressure Ranges
Hypertension (HTN) is systolic blood pressure 130 or above.
Prehypertension is systolic blood pressure 120-129.
The preferred systolic blood pressure is less than 120 according to latest
guidelines from the AHA
Do want you can to avoid HTN.

13. Observing Pain
Pain is any type of uncomfortable feeling or suffering caused by illness or injury.
Pain can be chronic or acute.
It is subjective.
If you see signs of pain always alert the nurse and advocate for your patient.

14. Treatment for Pain
● Medications
● Massage
● Repositioning
● Warm &/or Cold Applications
● Peaceful environment

15. Oxygen Saturation & Oxygen related diseases
Your normal oxygen saturation level should be 95% - 100% on room air ( no
oxygen).
● COPD
● Asthma
● Emphysema
● Lung cancer
● Tuberculosis
● Pneumonia

16. Oxygen Tanks & Equipment

17. Conclusion
Remember our vitals signs are extremely important as they tell us how well our
body, specifically our organs and immune system is functioning.
Vital signs that are out of the recommended parameters may indicate disease,
organ dysfunction, infection, and pain.
All vitals must be recorded and if out of range must be reported immediately to
the nurse.