Unit Originally Created By:
Karen Dalton-Wemp
Vital Signs
Part of Course: Medical-Hospital-Health Careers Model
Unit Overview / Details
This unit covers elements of patient assessment. Students will learn about the importance of homeostasis. They learn about the four primary vital signs: temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure. They will learn about the different types of temperatures and their averages ranges, as well as how to take an oral temperature. They will learn about the different pulse points and how to take a radial and carotid pulse, as well as how to measure respirations and how to take a blood pressure reading. They also learn how take measure weight and height.
Instructional Time
- Classroom
- 15 Hours
- Community Classroom
- 4 Hours
- CVE
- 0 Hours
Content / Concepts
- Vital signs
- Oral and rectal temperatures
- Axillary and tympanic temperatures
- Pulse
- Respiration
- Blood pressure
- Factors that influence vital signs
- California Career and Technical Education Standards: 12
- California Academic Content Standards: Reinforced: 3
- All Standards
- Full Details
- Industries and Pathways:
- Health Science and Medical Technology
Lessons in this Unit
In this lesson, students will learn the importance and procedures for taking three vital signs including temperature, pulse, and respiration also known as TPR.
- One Session
- 60 Minutes
In this lesson, students will learn how to take blood pressure of a patient as well as learn the terminology associated with blood pressure.
- can change time based on number of procedure repetitions
- 60 Minutes
In this lesson, students will learn the importance of pulse oximetry to further assess a patient's respiratory status. Students will also use a pulse oximeter, document findings, and assess whether or not those findings are within normal limits.
- 1 Class Period
- 56 Minutes
