Title: Measure routine vital signs (blood pressure; apical pulse; radial pulse; oral, aural, temporal artery; rectal, and axillary temperature).
Course: Health Assisting Careers (14002-36) > Section: Assisting with Patient/Client Procedures

Measuring should include recording and should be performed according to industry standards.

For students taking the nurse aide credential at the end of the course, follow the Virginia Board of Nursing regulations: Commonwealth of Virginia Regulations Governing Certified Nurse Aides, Virginia Board of Nursing (https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing/PractitionerResources/LawsRegulations/).

Process/Skill Questions:

- How would you describe the anatomy of the circulatory system?
- What are the definitions of blood pressure (systolic, diastolic), apical pulse, radial pulse, oral temperature, rectal temperature, axillary temperature, and tympanic temperature?
- When do vital signs need to be measured and recorded?
- What are the normal ranges for blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and temperature?
- What are the factors that influence blood pressure, pulse, and temperature?
- What are the proper techniques for taking blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and temperature?