Final answer:
To take Mrs. Shumway's vital signs, a nurse should wash their hands, identify the patient and themselves, and gather the appropriate equipment. These procedures ensure accurate and safe patient care, following established protocols and guidelines.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before taking Mrs. Shumway's vital signs, a nurse must implement a series of steps to ensure patient safety and accuracy in the procedure. The process starts with proper hand hygiene, as hand washing is paramount in preventing the spread of infection. Secondly, it is crucial to identify the patient and introduce yourself, contributing to building trust and ensuring you are caring for the correct individual.
Lastly, before commencing any procedures, the nurse must gather appropriate equipment necessary for taking vital signs, ensuring that everything is operational and sterile to provide quality care. Each step in this process is reinforced by protocols that aim to minimize errors and maximize patient safety, as seen in various health-related checklists and guidelines, such as those suggested by airplane pilots and medical professionals alike.