The document outlines the importance of vital signs, specifically normal body temperature and blood pressure measurement, along with guidelines for proper patient preparation and equipment use. It details steps for accurately measuring blood pressure, emphasizing the need for patient comfort and confidentiality during physical assessments. Additionally, it provides instructions for nurses on patient interaction, including communication, consent, and post-procedure support.

2. Vital signs (also known as vitals) are a group of the four to five most important Medical
signs that indicate the status of the body’s vital (life-sustaining) functions:

6. Normal body temperature is ( 36-37.9° C)-
(97.7-99.5 ° F) Average

7. Most common are:

8. 34.0 95.0
34.5 95.9
36.0 96.8
36.5 97.7
37.0 98.6 (normal
oral)
37.5 99.5
38.0 100.4
38.5 101.3
39.0 102.2
39.5 103.1
40.0 104.0
40.5 104.9
41.0 105.8
TABLE 34-3 | Temperature
Conversions
• To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit:
Fahrenheit degrees 5 (Celsius degrees 3 9/5) 1 32
• To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius:
(Fahrenheit degrees 2 32) 3 5/9

9. Mercury Thermometer
Infrared Thermometer
Temporal artery Thermometer
Tympanic Thermometer Digital Thermometer
Normal Values
The normal temperature, based on statistical averages, is as follows for each
measurement site:
Oral 98.6°F (37°C)
Rectal 99.6°F (37.6°C)
Axillary (under arm) 97.6°F (36.4°C) Aural (ear) 98.6°F (37°C)
Temporal artery 98.6°F (37°C)

15. Medications:
Kidney Disease:
Hypotension
(Low Blood Pressure):
Hypertension
(High Blood Pressure):
Several medical conditions and lifestyle factors can affect blood pressure
levels. Here are some common ones:

16. Heart Disease:
Obesity:
Sleep Apnea:
Stress and Anxiety:
Several medical conditions and lifestyle factors can affect blood pressure
levels. Here are some common ones:

18. Measuring blood pressure accurately is crucial for
diagnosing and managing hypertension and other
cardiovascular conditions. Here are the steps for
measuring blood pressure using a standard manual or
automated sphygmomanometer:
Preparation
1. *Choose the Right Equipment*: Ensure you have a
properly calibrated and validated sphygmomanometer
and a cuff that fits the patient’s arm.
2. *Patient Preparation*:
- Ask the patient to avoid caffeine, exercise, and
smoking for at least 30 minutes before measurement.
- Ensure the patient has emptied their bladder.
- Have the patient sit quietly for at least 5 minutes
before taking the measurement.

19. 3. *Positioning*:
- Have the patient sit in a chair with their back
supported and feet flat on the floor.
- The patient's arm should be supported at heart level
on a flat surface (e.g., table).
- The middle of the cuff should be at the level of the
right atrium (the midpoint of the sternum).

20. ### Measurement Procedure
1. *Cuff Placement*:
- Wrap the cuff around the upper arm with the lower edge about 1 inch above
the bend of the elbow.
- Ensure the cuff is snug but not too tight, allowing space for two fingers
between the cuff and the arm.
- The bladder of the cuff should cover 80% of the arm circumference.
2. *Inflation and Deflation*:
- Palpate the brachial artery and place the stethoscope’s bell over it.
- Inflate the cuff to 20-30 mmHg above the point where the radial pulse
disappears.
- Slowly deflate the cuff at a rate of 2-3 mmHg per second.

21. 3. *Reading the Measurement*:
- Listen for the first Korotkoff sound (systolic pressure)
as you begin to deflate the cuff.
- Continue to deflate until the Korotkoff sounds
disappear (diastolic pressure).
- Record the systolic and diastolic pressures to the
nearest 2 mmHg.

22. ### Post-Measurement
1. *Repeat Measurement*:
- If the reading is high, wait 1-2 minutes and repeat the measurement.
- Take at least two readings and average them. If there is more than a 5 mmHg difference between readings, take additional
readings until two close readings are obtained.
2. *Record Results*:
- Document the readings, the arm used, and the position of the patient.
- Note any factors that might affect the reading, such as recent activity or stress.
3. *Clean Equipment*:
- Clean the cuff and stethoscope according to manufacturer guidelines to ensure hygiene and prevent cross-contamination.
### Important Tips
- Ensure a quiet environment to accurately hear Korotkoff sounds.
- Avoid talking or movement during the measurement.
- If using an automated device, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cuff placement and operation.

23. As a Nurse don’t forget to do this in each procedure
* Patient hospitality and Introduction yourself :*
"Good [morning/afternoon/evening], my name is [Your Name],
and I'm here to assist you during your stay. It's a pleasure to
meet you. How has your day been so far? Is there anything
specific you need assistance with or any preferences you have
that I can accommodate?"
*Patient Confidentiality*
Patient privacy encompasses a number of aspects, including
personal space (physical privacy), personal data (informational
privacy), personal choices including cultural and religious
affiliations (decisional privacy), and personal relationships with
family members and other intimates (associational privacy).
*History Taking:*
"Before we proceed, I'd like to ensure your comfort and
satisfaction by understanding any specific preferences or
requirements you may have. Could you please share any
dietary restrictions, allergies, or special requests? Additionally,
is there anything in particular you're looking forward to
experiencing during your stay?"

24. *Patient physical assessment*
Physical examination is the process of evaluating objective
anatomic findings through the use of observation, palpation,
percussion, and auscultation. The information obtained must
be thoughtfully integrated with the patient's history and
pathophysiology.
*Prepare and Sterilization of Equipment: *
"As part of our commitment to cleanliness and safety, I'll
ensure that all necessary equipment is properly prepared and
sterilized for your comfort and well-being. This includes
cleaning and sterilizing surfaces, utensils, and any other items
that will be used during your procedure or stay.“
*Explain Procedure to the Patient:*
"Now, I'd like to explain the procedure we'll be conducting to ensure
your comfort and well-being. [Describe the procedure in detail,
addressing what will happen, how it will be done, and any sensations
the patient may experience.] If you have any questions or concerns,
please feel free to ask."
*Ask Permission from Patient:*
"Before we proceed, I want to make sure you're comfortable
with the procedure we've discussed. May I have your
permission to proceed as we've outlined?"
*Take Procedure:*
"Thank you for your consent. I'll now begin the procedure,
ensuring your comfort and safety throughout."
*Appreciate the Patient:*
"Thank you for your cooperation during the procedure. Your
comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities, and I appreciate
your trust in our services. Is there anything else I can assist you
with at this time?"
*Give Psychological Support to the Patient:*
"I understand that undergoing procedures can sometimes be
stressful. Please know that I'm here to support you every step
of the way. If you need anything or would like to talk about
your experience, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your well-
being is important to us, and we're here to make your stay as
pleasant as possible."