Question

When taking vital signs on an unstable patient it is important to take them every ______.

1) 2-3 minutes
2) 5 minutes
3) 10 minutes
4) 15 minutes

Answer 1

For an unstable patient, vital signs should generally be taken every 2-3 minutes to ensure timely intervention and care. This frequency allows for monitoring critical factors like heart rate and respiration.

Step-by-step explanation:

When taking vital signs on an unstable patient, it is important to monitor them very frequently to quickly detect any changes in the patient's condition. Nurses and medical staff typically measure vital signs including body temperature, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure. In an emergency or unstable situation, heart rate and respiration are among the most critical factors to assess.

The frequency of monitoring can vary depending on the specific protocols of a healthcare facility and the condition of the patient. Generally, for a severely unstable patient, vital signs might be measured as often as every 2-3 minutes. This allows healthcare providers to make rapid decisions and provide immediate interventions if needed.