Vital signs |
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Primary Vital Signs:
Temperature
Pulse Respirations Blood Pressure Pain |
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Secondary Vital Signs:
Height
Weight Pupil Dilation Pulse Oximetry |
Learning vital signs is essential to continuing on in the medical field because they are taken so often and in so many different circumstances. This is a key skill and if you cannot do these things you will not be able to take part in clinicals during your senior year. Do not waste this opportunity!
Measuring Blood Pressure
During Vital Signs lab Amanda, Me (Left) Jorge (Right) In this lab we were expected to act professional and practice the techniques as if we were doing them on an actual patient. This is the main unit that uses actual practical skills that will be needed in the medical setting. Though a few of the vital signs (weight, height, respiration's) may seen easy and self-explanatory, they definitely aren't. There is a lot more to these processes than you think and it requires practice to get it done perfectly. Nothing but perfection is accepted at clinicals. You must be very accurate and efficient (not having to take blood pressure 4 times before getting the right reading) to go to a respective hospital setting.
Though it is so important to get down exactly, you should have fun with this! You are beginning, so you won't get it perfect on the first time. Just stay relaxed, focus on what you are doing, and you'll be fine. Ask lots and lots and lots of questions! Questions will only benefit you. It's worse to practice these skills the wrong way than to risk being embarrassed and asking a question. Communicate with Lutu, she won't judge you. |
Measuring Height & Weight
During Vital Signs lab Ronalynn (right) Lisa (left) Below is the assignment sheet for the vital signs lab. We had to do primary and secondary vital signs for 6 different "patient's" or classmates. This practice is necessary in order to become comfortable with doing these things easily and accurately. It also gives you the experience of being in the shoes of the patient and knowing how it feels to have your vital signs done.
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