Knowledge and accomplishment of techniques for measurement vital signs
Keywords:
Nursing, Measurement of Vital SignsAbstract
Introduction: The vital signs, known as well as cardinal signs, represent the physiologic status and alterations of normal body functions; reason of which, reliable measurements must be done instead of a daily or automatic routine.
Objective: To identify the knowledge and accomplishment of techniques for measurement of vital signs.
Methodology: Descriptive Study. A survey of 159 was done for general nurses and nursing assistants from emergency room, internal medicine, surgery and gyneco-obstetric services, in the Regional General Hospital No. 1 of IMSS, during August through October, 2005. Level of knowledge was measured through a structured instrument using the following categories: none, insufficient, and sufficient knowledge. The techniques were evaluated as: right and wrong done, using check lists. The content in both instruments was validated by experts. Frequencies and proportions were utilized to complete the analysis.
Results: 35% nursing staff has sufficient knowledge, and only 13.7% implement the technique of measurement of vital signs in the correct way.
Conclusions: It deserves especial attention the low percentage of nurses who implement the techniques for measurement vital signs due to they are basal indicators for the health status of the patient, as well as a worth tool for the diagnosis and treatment.
References
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