The nurse is preparing to obtain a set of vital signs. Which is the most important factor for the nurse to consider when measuring patient vital signs?

Question

a. Documentation of vital signs requires timely and accurate recording.
b. Normal limits are very narrow and are generally the same for all patients.
c. Measuring equipment must be used cor-rectly and appropriately.
d. Environmental factors play a minor role on patient vital signs.

Answer 1

C
It is important that each device be used correctly and appropriately to ensure patient safety and to obtain correct, complete patient information. Improper equipment distorts the results, increasing the risk of patient injury. If data are obtained with improper equipment and patient treatment is based on the faulty data, the people who use the improper equipment and the faulty data are liable for the results. This is especially important when assessing temperature and blood pressure since a variety of devices are available for measuring these vital signs. Documentation is an important part of taking vital signs; however, if the nurse uses improper equipment or technique to obtain vital signs, accurate and prompt recording is to no avail. Depending on the parameter, the normal limits are not relatively narrow. The benefit of a wider normal range is that the body is able to respond to stress and recover while remaining within normal limits. Environmental factors play a significant role on vital signs (e.g., an overly warm room affects patient temperature).