Introduction - Observations of vital signs
Want to watch this video? Sign up for the course
or enter your email below to watch one free video.
Unlock This Video Now for FREE
This video is normally available to paying customers.
You may unlock this video for FREE. Enter your email address for instant access AND to receive ongoing updates and special discounts related to this topic.
Triage Scenarios and Vital Signs Assessment in A&E
Importance of Vital Signs in Triage
Each patient in A&E triage undergoes a thorough assessment including:
- Full Set of Vital Signs: Includes blood pressure, pulse, temperature, saturations, and respiration rate, establishing a baseline for further observations.
- Baseline for Comparison: These initial observations serve as a baseline against which subsequent vital signs are compared.
A-E Assessment Framework
The triage nurse follows the A-E assessment framework:
- Subconscious Assessment: Airway, breathing, circulation, neurological disability, and exposure are assessed, often subconsciously integrated into the triage process.
Importance of Pulse Assessment
During observations, it's crucial to assess the pulse:
- Quality of Pulse: Assessing the regularity and character of the pulse provides valuable insights into the patient's condition.
By incorporating these assessments, triage nurses ensure thorough evaluation and effective initial management of patients in A&E.