Accurate clinical observations are the key to good patient care and fundamental to nursing practice.Vital Signs for Nurses will support anyone in care delivery to enhance their skills, 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 healthcare assistants, student nurses, Trainee Assistant Practitioners and students on foundation degrees.

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

Preface vii

Acknowledgements ix

Introduction xi

1 Legal and Ethical Principles 1Joyce Smith

2 Infection Prevention 20Rachel Roberts

3 The Respiratory System 49Joyce Smith and Rachel Roberts

4 The Cardiovascular System 61Joyce Smith and Rachel Roberts

5 Temperature 82Rachel Roberts and Joyce Smith

6 Urine Output 96Rachel Roberts

7 Pain: The Fifth Vital Sign 115Rachel Roberts and Joyce Smith

8 Early Warning Scoring Tools 138Joyce Smith

9 Communication 156Rachel Roberts

10 Nutrition 167Rachel Roberts

11 Blood Glucose Monitoring 187Joyce Smith

12 Record Keeping 205Joyce Smith and Rachel Roberts

13 Continuing Professional Development 214Joyce Smith

14 Reflective Practice 222Rachel Roberts

15 Conclusion and Multiple Choice Questions 231Joyce Smith

Glossary of Terms 237

Answers to Practice Points and Multiple Choice Questions 245

Index 263