COURSE SYLLABUS For Clinical Content Spring 2012

SKILL LAB: Vital SignsBEHAVIORAL OBJECTIVES - NURSING PROCESS APPLICATION1. Assessmenta. Determines appropriate route, method, time and frequency when performingvital signs in the clinical setting.b. Assess for presence of factors which may alter vital sign readings.2. Planninga. Identify/obtain appropriate equipment needed to monitor vital signs.b. Maintain medical asepsis concepts throughout skill.3. Implementationa. Obtain baseline values for T-P-R-BPb. See assigned pages in nursing fundamentals text book for actual procedurefor monitoring vital signs.4. Evaluation - Identify vital sign values as within normal range/baseline ordeviating from the expected outcome.CRITICAL ELEMENTS:TEMPERATURE:1. Prepare and place the instrument at the correct location for oral and tympanicreading.2. Read and record: +/- 0.2 degrees for temperature3. Maintain medical asepsisRADIAL PULSE:1. Place fingers at the correct location.2. Count pulse for minimum of 30 seconds if pulse is regular.3. Report pulse rate +/- 4 beats per minute.APICAL PULSE:1. Place stethoscope at the correct location.2. Count pulse for one full minute.3. Report pulse rate +/- 2 beats per minute.RESPIRATIONS:1. Count without cueing patient.2. Count respirations for a minimum of 30 seconds.3. Report respiratory rate +/- 2 breaths per minute.25.2