This document discusses basic nursing skills related to taking vital signs including blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, respiratory rate, and pain level. It explains the importance of observing and reporting vital signs as they can alert nurses to changes in a patient's condition. Key points covered include normal ranges for blood pressure and temperature, common methods for taking temperature, how to take a pulse and count respirations, the process for taking a blood pressure, assessing pain, and ways nursing assistants can help patients with pain. The document also distinguishes between sterile and non-sterile dressings and notes the roles of nurses and nursing assistants regarding oxygen therapy.