Question

The nurse is preparing to assess the client's vital signs. Which principles would the nurse consider?

1) Respirations should be relaxed and regular.
2) A pulse oximeter is a device used to measure the oxygen saturation of the blood.
3) The client should be allowed to rest for 15 minutes before the blood pressure is taken.
4) d. The client should be told that the nurse will count their respirations before the nurse begins.
5) A Doppler can be used to assess a pulse that is not palpable.

Answer 1

To assess vital signs, a nurse observes respirations indirectly, uses a pulse oximeter to measure oxygen saturation, allows the client to rest before taking blood pressure, and may use a Doppler device for impalpable pulses.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing a client's vital signs, a nurse must consider several important principles. Firstly, respirations should be observed indirectly to ensure they are relaxed and regular without altering the patient's breathing patterns. Secondly, a pulse oximeter is used to measure the oxygen saturation of the blood, which can reveal information about the patient's metabolic rate and possible medical conditions. Thirdly, it is essential for accuracy that the client rests for about 15 minutes before measuring blood pressure to avoid artificially elevated readings due to recent activity. Lastly, if a pulse is not palpable, such as in patients with peripheral arterial disease, a Doppler device may be used to assess the pulse.