General Nursing (RGN)
Measurement of Vital Signs
Systematic assessment and documentation of temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure to monitor a patient's condition.
Purpose
- Establish baseline observations.
- Monitor changes in patient condition.
- Identify deterioration early.
- Evaluate response to illness and treatment.
Indications
- Routine nursing assessment.
- Admission assessment.
- Monitoring illness or treatment.
- When a patient's condition changes.
Equipment
- Thermometer
- Watch or timer
- Blood pressure equipment
- Stethoscope where required
- Documentation chart or electronic record
Procedure steps
- Explain the procedure to the patient.
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Assess the patient and select appropriate equipment.
- Measure temperature using the appropriate method.
- Measure pulse and assess relevant characteristics.
- Count respirations appropriately.
- Measure blood pressure using appropriate technique and equipment.
- Record the measurements accurately.
- Compare findings with baseline or expected values.
- Report significant abnormalities promptly.
Precautions
- Use appropriate equipment and technique.
- Select an appropriate blood-pressure cuff size.
- Allow the patient to rest when required.
- Avoid inaccurate measurement conditions.
- Document and report abnormal findings.
Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.
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