Description
Book SynopsisAccurate 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.
Trade Review"This is a really good book for first and second years. It is short yet comprehensive enough for students to learn all the basics behind taking obs. The explanations are clear and to the point, explaining the rationale behind each of the activities... for a new student nurse this book is pitched perfectly."; 3rd year nursing student, University of Manchester
Table of ContentsPreface vii
Acknowledgements ix
Introduction xi
1 Legal and Ethical Principles 1
Joyce Smith
2 Infection Prevention 20
Rachel Roberts
3 The Respiratory System 49
Joyce Smith and Rachel Roberts
4 The Cardiovascular System 61
Joyce Smith and Rachel Roberts
5 Temperature 82
Rachel Roberts and Joyce Smith
6 Urine Output 96
Rachel Roberts
7 Pain: The Fifth Vital Sign 115
Rachel Roberts and Joyce Smith
8 Early Warning Scoring Tools 138
Joyce Smith
9 Communication 156
Rachel Roberts
10 Nutrition 167
Rachel Roberts
11 Blood Glucose Monitoring 187
Joyce Smith
12 Record Keeping 205
Joyce Smith and Rachel Roberts
13 Continuing Professional Development 214
Joyce Smith
14 Reflective Practice 222
Rachel Roberts
15 Conclusion and Multiple Choice Questions 231
Joyce Smith
Glossary of Terms 237
Answers to Practice Points and Multiple Choice Questions 245
Index 263
