Obtain and record vital signs and observations.

Obtaining and recording should include the following:

• Vital signs (e.g., temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure)
• Observations (e.g., appearance, gait, speech, breath odors)

Process/Skill Questions

• Why would one take a radial pulse instead of a carotid artery pulse?
• What would one do if a patient presenting for treatment were showing vital signs that are above normal?
• What would one do if a patient were to claim that there is an inaccuracy in his or her recorded vital signs?