Question

What could contribute to an inaccurate vital sign reading? What errors could be introduced by the Medical Assistant? What can you do to reduce errors when taking vital signs?

Answer 1

Vitals signs are the measurement of temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure. Inaccurate device, inaccurate placement, Inaccurate size of BP cuff, the inaccurate recording also contribute to the inaccurate vital sign reading. Sometimes age, gender, climate may also vary the vital sign reading. Sometimes medical assistant also contributes to the inaccurate vital sign reading due to the improper method of procedure.

Temperature:

Depends upon the patient clinical condition the temperature may differ. Sometimes the body became heat and temperature shows normal or vice-versa. Repeated measurement is necessary for a certain situation.

Respiration:

It is the counting of chest rises and falls(inhalation and expiration) for full one minute. Sometimes medical assistant can count for 15sec and then multiplied by 4. This may be wrong sometimes. In some disease condition, the respiration will not be regular which gives the false measurement. Another mistake is counting of inhalation and expiration separately which gives the inaccurate rate.

Pulse:

Pulse rate reading can be inaccurate due to the practice of wrong rules as mentioned in the respiration. Further, pulse rate from the larger artery of carotid and femoral will give more accurate reading than the radial pulse. Accurate Placement of fingertips of index and middle fingers on the thumb side is also important for accurate reading.

Blood pressure:

Incorrect size of the cuff will give the false result. Incorrect position of the patient will give the wrong measurement. Sitting upright will give accurate BP reading. Placing of cuff incorrectly is another common mistake. Placed just above the elbow at the brachial artery will give accurate results. false hearing and prejudgement may give the inaccurate reading.

Error can be reduced by following the proper rules, right procedure, at the right patient. The doctor will diagnose and treat the patient based on this vital signs. So proper reading is necessary for more attentive care. Errors can be reduced by full complete measurement of respiration and pulse rate for one minute. Do not assume the readings. Measure both the systolic and diastolic pressure. If unable to measure then report it with the exact reason for ex: lungs wheezes. Always mention the readings instead of writing stable. Record the readings at the right patient record as soon as possible.