Main description:

Accurate 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.

Contents:

Preface 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