Vital Signs for Nurses An Introduction to Clinical Observations

Accurate clinical observations are the key to good patient care and fundamental to nursing practice. Clinical Observations in Daily Practice will support anyone in care delivery to enhance their skills and reflect upon their own practice and assist in their continuing professional development. This practical introductory text explores how to make assessments of heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, pain and nutrition. It also looks at issues of infection control, record keeping and legal and ethical considerations. With case studies and examples throughout, this text will be invaluable to all Health Care Assistants, student nurses, Trainee Assistant Practitioners and students on foundation degrees.

Joyce Smith is Lecturer in Adult Nursing at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Salford.

Rachel Roberts is Matron in Medicine and Elderly at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust.

Chapter 1: Respiratory Care.+ how the respiratory system functions.+ the systematic approach for the assessment of the lungs based upon the look, listen and feel approach.+ types of breathing patterns- what is normal/ abnormal.+ measuring Oxygen Saturation's.+ respiratory case study.Respiratory Case Study.Chapter 2: Heart Rate (pulse).+ the cardiovascular system within the body.+ how to perform a manual pulse.+ types of pulse patterns- what is normal/ abnormal.Chapter 3: Blood Pressure.+ the cardiovascular system within the body.+ the factors that influence Blood Pressure.+ how to perform a Blood Pressure using the Dinomap.+ how to perform a manual Blood pressure.+ what is 'normal' or 'abnormal' Blood Pressure.+ a cardiovascular case scenario.Chapter 4: Temperature.+ The role of thermoregulation within the body.+ What factors influence temperature.+ How to perform a temperature.+ What is normal/ abnormal range for temperature.Chapter 5: Urine Output.+ The function of the kidneys within the body.+ Factors that influence urine output.+ What is normal / abnormal range for urine output.+ How to measure urine output and fluid balance accurately.+ How to obtain urine sampling and testing.+ Renal case scenario..Chapter 6: The importance of Pain Assessment/ Pain the 5th Vital Sign.+ How pain is transmitted.+ What is pain.+ Factors that influence individuals experience of pain.+ Using a pain assessment tool in practice.+ Pain case scenario..Chapter 7: Early Warning Scoring (EWS).+ The principles of Early Warning Scoring.+ Performing an EWS.+ Concept of Outreach/ Medical Emergency Teams.Chapter 8: Blood Glucose Monitoring.How to perform equipments checks/ quality control test Obtaining a capillary blood sample Abnormal/ normal readings Cleaning and storage of the glucose monitor Documentation ..Chapter 9: Nutrition The role of the Gastrointestinal tract in the body The effects of poor nutrition on health and recovery of patients The role of nutritional screening and assessment tools ( M.U.S.T tool) The different routes that nutrition can be provided ( oral, enteral and parentral) The role of the unqualified nurse in monitoring and reporting the nutritional intake of patients .Chapter 10: Infection Control.Infection Control Standards.+ Maintaining a safe environment.+ Hand washing.+ Prevention of cross infection.+ Clean techniques.+ Organisational Policies and Procedures..Chapter 11: Record Keeping and Documentation.+ Legal issues relating to record keeping.+ Clinical trends and documentation.Chapter 12: Legal and Ethical issues (Unqualified nurses role and responsibility).+ What are your roles and responsibilities?.+ Who is accountable for your practice?.+ How do you know you