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Description

Monitoring, observing and recording the vital signs of patients is a fundamental aspect of delivering quality patient care. This practical and accessible guide will develop your underpinning knowledge and skills in both theory and practice for the adult patient found either in hospital, private sector or community settings. A must-have for health care assistants, student nurses or newly qualified registered nurses working within any health care environment, this book explores not only how to assess and monitor patients, but also covers: Legal and ethical issues Infection prevention and control Pain Communication Nutrition Reflective practice Continuing professional development This essential and practical resource also features learning objectives, case studies, a glossary of key terms, activities and multiple choice questions to assist you in your understanding of this subject.

Reviews

"This is a really good book for first and second years. It is short yet comprehensive enough for students to learn all the basics behind taking obs. The explanations are clear and to the point, explaining the rationale behind each of the activities... for a new student nurse this book is pitched perfectly."; 3rd year nursing student, University of Manchester

Contents

Preface. Acknowledgements. Introduction. 1 Legal and Ethical Principles ( Joyce Smith ). 2 Infection Prevention ( Rachel Roberts ). 3 The Respiratory System ( Joyce Smith and Rachel Roberts ). 4 The Cardiovascular System ( Joyce Smith and Rachel Roberts ). 5 Temperature ( Rachel Roberts and Joyce Smith ). 6 Urine Output ( Rachel Roberts ). 7 Pain: The Fifth Vital Sign ( Rachel Roberts and Joyce Smith ). 8 Early Warning Scoring Tools ( Joyce Smith ). 9 Communication ( Rachel Roberts ). 10 Nutrition ( Rachel Roberts ). 11 Blood Glucose Monitoring ( Joyce Smith ). 12 Record Keeping ( Joyce Smith and Rachel Roberts ). 13 Continuing Professional Development ( Joyce Smith ). 14 Reflective Practice ( Rachel Roberts ). 15 Conclusion and Multiple Choice Questions ( Joyce Smith ). Glossary of Terms. Answers to Practice Points and Multiple Choice Questions. Index.

Additional Information

• Illustrations: Illustrations