Vital Signs 1
What color do we typically use for a rectal thermometer and an oral thermometer?
Red
Blue or Green
What tool is used to measure blood pressure
What is a NA allowed to do with a sterile dressing?
Observe and report about the condition of the dressing/site.
What is a box-like device that changes air in the room into air with more oxygen.
Oxygen concentrator
How long can you leave on warm or cold compresses
no more than 20 minutes
what must you do with a mercury-free thermometer before you use it?
Shake it down (below 96 degrees)
What vital signs should you measure when a resident is using oxygen (not Pulse ox)
pulse, respirations
What method gives the most accurate temperature and the least accurate
Axillary
Where would you use a sitz bath?
Perineal area
Name 2 benefits of warm compresses
•relieves pain and muscular tension, reduces swelling, elevates temperature in the tissues, and increases blood flow, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to tissues.
What vital sign should never be performed on a limb with an IV?
blood pressure
When should a NA count respirations
Right after measuring the pulse
Name 2 safety practices when taking a rectal temperature.
•Thermometer must be lubricated for this procedure.
•NA must hold on to the thermometer at all times.
•Gloves must be worn.
* insert thermometer 1/2 to 1 inch
*Never force the thermometer if you meet resistance
Name 2 benefits of cold compresses.
•stops bleeding, prevents swelling, reduces pain, and helps bring down high fevers.
What should be between the resident and a cold or hot compress?
Towel, or some type of cloth barrier.
What phase of blood pressure is when the heart is at rest
Diastole
Name 2 reasons you would not take an oral temperature.
•someone who is unconscious, has recently had facial or oral surgery, is younger than 5 years old, is confused, is heavily sedated, is coughing, is using oxygen, has facial paralysis, has a nasogastric tube, has sores/redness/swelling/pain in the mouth, or has an injury to the face or neck.
Name 3 things a NA would report regarding an IV
•Needle falls out
•Tubing disconnects
•Dressing is loose
•Blood is in tubing or around IV site
•Site is swollen or discolored
•Resident complains of pain
•IV bag is broken or fluid level does not seem to decrease
•IV fluid is not dripping or is leaking
•IV fluid is nearly gone
•Pump beeps
•Pump is dropped
•Resident has difficulty breathing
Name 3 reasons a NA could loosen an elastic bandage, and then what should you do?
•Swelling
•Pale, gray, cyanotic, or white skin
•Shiny, tight skin
•Skin that is cold to the touch
•Sores
•Numbness
•Tingling
•Pain or discomfort
**Inform the nurse
What type of water should be used in an Aqua K-pad machine?
Distilled water
What kind of blood pressure is tested when the resident is laying down, sitting, and then standing
Orthostatic
What are the BP 89/54, 110/68, 142/90, and 122/75
low, normal, hypertension (stage 2), elevated
Give 5 non-verbal signs of pain
•Increased pulse, respirations, and blood pressure
•Sweating
•Nausea
•Vomiting
•Tightening the jaw
•Squeezing eyes shut
•Holding or guarding a body part
•Clenching fists
•Frowning
•Grinding teeth
•Increased restlessness
•Agitation or tension
•Change in behavior
•Crying
•Sighing
•Groaning
•Breathing heavily
•Rocking
•Pacing
•Repetitive movements
•Difficulty moving or walking
Name 4 things you must do when working with a resident regardless of what you are doing
Introduce yourself
hand hygiene
Explain procedure
Provide privacy
maintain confidentiality
What device do you use to auscultate a pulse or blood pressure.
Stethoscope