One of the most important jobs that a nurse will have in the care of a patient is checking their vital signs. Many people see this process as nothing more than a process, but it is a very important part of providing proper treatment to a patient. It is the responsibility of a qualified nurse to check the vital signs under the supervision of a doctor and to assess the vital signs periodically while the patient is under the care of the doctor or hospital. Vital signs refer to temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure.
Vital signs should always be checked and assessed by a nurse in the following situations:
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When the patient comes to the doctor’s office complaining of an ailment
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When the patient is admitted to the hospital for diagnosis or treatment
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When the physician instructs the nurse to take vital signs, such as on a schedule
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When there is any minor or major change in the health of the patient
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Sudden onset of chest pain
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Complaints of abnormal sensations within the body
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Before pre-operative medications are given
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After pre-operative medications are given
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After diagnostic procedures
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After surgery
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Before medications that impact the cardio vascular system
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After completing blood infusions
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After completing a new nursing intervention
As you can see, vital signs play an important role in caring for the patient. Taking the vital signs will allow for the nurse to truly begin the nursing process and also to adequately communicate with the doctor about the status of the patient so that diagnosis and treatment can ensue. Failing to check the vital signs of a patient as needed is a failure to provide the patient with adequate care, which could lead to dire circumstances, and in some cases, even preventable death.