• Define the vital signs used in healthcare.
• Integrate knowledge about anatomy and physiology with vital sign measurement.
• Evaluate influencing factors related to vital sign measurement.
• Synthesize knowledge about various methods and techniques of vital sign measurement across the lifespan.
• Integrate knowledge about alternative methods of vital sign measurements.
• Assess normal and abnormal vital sign values.
• Evaluate significance of vital sign findings.
• Generate best interventions based on vital sign findings.

The purpose of this chapter is to help you develop best practices in vital sign measurement. It will provide you with the opportunity to read about, observe, practice, and test vital sign measurement. Boxes with helpful tips are provided throughout the chapters:

• Technique Tips provide helpful information about measurement techniques, and
• Points to Consider highlight key points to consider about vital sign measurements and findings.

A Chapter Summary and Printable Flashcards highlighting techniques for each vital sign measurement are provided at the end of each chapter. These printable flashcards are all located together in the textbook’s conclusion chapter.

You can review the full textbook or advance to sections that you have identified as areas you want to work on. The textbook has a self-directed format and provides an interactive and engaging way for you to learn about and develop competence in the measurement of vital signs while integrating knowledge about anatomy and physiology.

You will learn about various vital signs including temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. Measurement of vital signs is a foundational, psychomotor skill for healthcare providers and students in post-secondary health-related programs. These measurements provide information about a person’s overall state of health and more specifically about their cardiovascular and respiratory status. These measurements can also reveal changes in a client’s vital signs over time and changes in their overall state of health. Proficiency in vital sign measurement is essential to client safety, care, and management. Measurements can influence clinical decision-making related to therapeutic interventions.