Vital Signs
By: Kathy on: 2017-05-04 08:08:43

Vital signs seem straight forward.  However, an untrained person could easily misinterpret or not correctly hear your vital signs.

 

 

 A point being in nursing school, my instructor told this story of one distracted student during the morning a meeting where they reported Mr. A died.  Since Mr. A. was his assigned patient, the student went into the room to prepare Mr. A. for breakfast.  The student managed to get respirations, pulse and blood pressure.  Imagine the family's surprise when they came to say their goodbyes and found Mr. A.  Dressed and sitting up in bed with fork and spoon in his hands with a bowl of oatmeal in front of him and a bib around his neck.  The student reported to the teacher  Mr. A. was sluggish and non-cooperative.  In fact, he said Mr. A. Refused answer when spoken to.   He was in a quandary whether Mr. was obstinate or depressed.

 

Vital Signs:

Pulse:   60-100 a minute

Temperature:  Oral 96.6-99.6

Respirations;  12-20 a minute

Oxygen Sat:  90% or above

Blood Pressure:    Normal Systolic is less than 120,  Normal Diastolic is 80

                                  Prehypertension Systolic  is 120-139,  Prehypertension Diastolic is 80-89

                                  Stage I Very High Systolic is 140-159,  Stage I Very High Diastolic is 90-99

                                  Stage II Very High Systolic is 150-179   Stage II Very High Diastolic is 100-109

                                  Crisis is over 180,  Crisis Diastolic is over 110