Observations : Patient assessment

Assessment of a patient’s vital signs includes observations of temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation, blood glucose levels and level of consciousness. These observations provide an efficient and accurate method of monitoring a patient’s condition. They also enable evaluation of response to treatment and early detection of problems.

Observations give vital information about a patient’s condition and therefore you have a duty to:

° hold on to the UKCC guiding principle with reference to documentation
(UKCC 1998)

· Report the average deviations from the basic level or another senior staff member and / οr medical colleagues

· Make sure all equipment is calibrated, it is safe and fully functional

• Choose the right equipment, such as the right size cuff to use only one arm, the size of the patient to follow the local infection control policy.

For more observations are made, the patient should be encouraged to relax and be comfortable. In patients with mild exercise should he be allowed to rest for a few minutes. For the state to accurately assess the patient's pain can be alleviated and prevented, in order to reduce anxiety, as these factors can affect vital functions. The body temperature, body position and end-products will also change the patient's perceptions.