HUMAN BODY, CHRONIC ILLNESS AND DISEASE

ASSIGNMENT 1 – VITAL SIGNS

PURPOSE
1. The purpose of Assignment 1 – Vital Signs is to introduce students to the core understanding
and practice of obtaining vital signs on the human body

ASSIGNMENT OBJECTIVES
1. Describe and understand the concepts of vital signs and how to obtain them within the scope of
practice of a personal support worker
2. Clearly state and outline the methods of taking temperature reading, blood pressure, pulse, and
respiratory rate on the human body
3. Clearly communicate the appropriate parameters of the vital signs for the healthy, average
adult

PLAGIARISM AND ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY

1. Plagiarism is defined as “the practice of taking someone else’s work or ideas and passing them
off as your own without appropriate credit” (Oxford Dictionary, 2022)
2. All work presented in this assignment must of the student’s own work
3. Students must not copy other students (past or current students) work and pass that off as their
own assignment
4. Students are able to use the textbook and valid online resources to complete their assignments

MARKING CRITERIA
1. Students are to complete each question in full using acceptable grammar and punctuation
2. All assignments must be typed on a Word or Google document (font size and style is up to the
discretion of the instructor) and submitted via the D2L Brightspace environment as per the
instructor’s direction
3. Allocated marks are presented for each question and students must answer all the sections of
the question for full marks
4. Instructor’s can mark as per their discretion and can award partial marks where warranted
5. The total marks awarded for Assignment 1 – Vital Signs for Human Body, Chronic
Illness and Disease is 25 marks
6. The passing mark for this assignment is 70%

HUMAN BODY, CHRONIC ILLNESS AND DISEASE

Personal Support Worker Hybrid Program 2022

 ASSIGNMENT 1 – VITAL SIGNS
/25 Marks
ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
1. Please read the entire assignment prior to beginning
2. Your task for this assignment is to read the following questions and answer the
corresponding questions below.
3. You may use your textbook and valid online resources to assist you in understanding
the definitions of vital signs, procedure in taking a blood pressure, the normal ranges
for an adult pulse and respiration rates, etc.
4. The mark for each question is indicated in the parenthesis next to each question

1. (6 marks) Name the different sites for measuring body temperature

 Mouth
 Underarm
 Ear
 Rectum (support workers are not authorized to take rectal temperatures)
 Temporal artery temperature
 Forehead temperature
a. Where can we measure the most accurate body temperature and why?
Rectal temperature measurement is the most accurate as it closely reflects core body temperature due to
its proximity to internal organs. However, it's rarely used in routine situations due to its invasive nature.
Oral temperature measurement, while slightly less accurate, is preferred for its convenience and non-
invasiveness, making it widely used in everyday healthcare settings.
b. Note the range and average body temperature.
-Mouth (oral temperature)
Average Temperature: 37.0°C (98.6°F)
Normal Range: 36°C–37.5°C (96.8°F–99.5°F)

- Ear (tympanic temperature)

Average Temperature: 37.4°C (99.3°F)
Normal Range: 35.8°C–38.0°C (96.4°F–100.4°F)

-Underarm (axillary temperature)

Average Temperature: 36.5°C (97.7°F)
Normal Range: 34.7°C–37.3°C (94.5°F–99.1°F)

-Rectum (rectal temperature)

Average Temperature: 37.5°C (99.5°F)
Normal Range: 35.5°C–38°C (95.9°F–100.4°F)

2. (15 marks) Keeping the DIPPS principles in mind, describe in detail the procedure for
measuring blood pressure.
1. Identify the client, according to employer policy.
2. Explain the procedure to the client.
3. Perform hand hygiene.

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 4. Collect the following supplies:
• Sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff). Ensure that it is the correct size for the client.
• Stethoscope.
• Antiseptic wipes. By collecting all the necessary equipment beforehand, you will not have to
leave your client’s side and can prevent wasting time and energy in obtaining the forgotten
equipment.
5. Provide for privacy.
6. Perform hand hygiene.
Procedure:
1. Clean the stethoscope earpieces and diaphragm with antiseptic wipes.
2. Have the client sit or lie down. Ensure that the client’s legs are not crossed. Make sure the room
is quiet and relaxing. Ask the client not to speak while you measure the blood pressure. To get an
accurate reading, ensure that your client is as relaxed as possible and that you are able to hear the
pulse.
3. Choose the client’s nondominant arm for taking the blood pressure unless this arm has been
injured or has an intravenous inserted into it. Position the client’s arm level with the heart. The palm
should be face up. This is most comfortable for the client and the best position for an accurate
reading.
4. Stand no more than 1 m (3 ft) away from the manometer. A mercury model must be vertical, on a
flat surface, and at eye level. The aneroid type must be directly in front of you. You will need to have
a clear view of the reading.
5. Expose the client’s upper arm. This is where you will place the cuff.
6. Squeeze the cuff to expel any remaining air. Close the valve on the bulb. Not expelling all the air
can affect the reading.
7. Find the brachial artery at the inner aspect of the elbow. This is the usual site for taking blood
pressure.
8. Place the arrow on the cuff over the brachial artery. Wrap the cuff around the upper arm at least
2.5 cm (1 in.) above the elbow. It should be even and snug. If the cuff is uneven or loose, the reading
will not be accurate.
9. Follow your employer’s policies.
 Place the stethoscope earpieces in your ears.
 Locate the radial or brachial pulse.
 Inflate the cuff until you can no longer feel the pulse. This ensures that you will get
an accurate reading.
 Inflate the cuff 30 mm Hg beyond the point where you last felt the pulse. This
ensures that you will hear the first pulse beat as you deflate the cuff.
 Deflate the cuff slowly. Note the point when you feel the pulse. If you deflate too
quickly, you may miss noting when you first feel the pulse.
 Note the point where you hear the first sound. This is the systolic reading. It should
be near the point where the radial pulse disappeared.
 If the readings are different from the previous readings for the client, report this
finding immediately to your supervisor.
 Continue to deflate the cuff. Note the point where the sound disappears. This is the
diastolic reading. Deflate the cuff slowly so that you do not miss the sound.
10. Deflate the cuff completely. Remove it from the client’s arm. Remove the stethoscope.
11. Record the client’s name and blood pressure on your notepad or assignment sheet.
12. Return the cuff to the case or wall holder. This keeps the equipment safe and makes it easier to
find the next time it is needed.
Post-Procedure:
13. Provide for safety and comfort.

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 14. Place the call bell within reach.
15. Remove privacy measures if used.
16. Clean the earpieces and diaphragm with the wipes.
17. Return the rest of the equipment to its proper place.
18. Perform hand hygiene.
a. What variations can you observe in the readings during the course of the whole day?
1.Morning Surge: Blood pressure tends to rise in the morning hours shortly after waking up. This
phenomenon, known as the "morning surge," is attributed to the body's natural circadian rhythm and
increased activity upon awakening.
2.Midday Peak: Blood pressure typically reaches its highest levels during the late morning or early
afternoon. This peak is influenced by factors such as increased physical activity, stress, and dietary intake
during the day.
3.Afternoon Decline: Blood pressure may show a gradual decline during the afternoon and early evening
hours. This decrease is often associated with decreased activity levels and relaxation after the day's
activities.
4.Evening Stability: Blood pressure tends to stabilize in the evening and overnight as the body prepares
for sleep. During this time, blood pressure readings are generally lower compared to daytime levels.
5.Nocturnal Dip: Some individuals experience a nocturnal dip in blood pressure, where blood pressure
levels drop further during sleep. This dip is considered a normal physiological response and is more
pronounced in healthy individuals.

Overall, blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day in response to various factors such as physical
activity, stress, and rest, Pain, Exercise, Weight, Diet, Medications, Position, Smoking, Alcohol.
3. (4 marks) How and where would you measure pulse and respiration?

Pulse
I can measure the pulse by placing my fingertips over certain sites on the body. The temporal,
carotid, brachial, radial, femoral, popliteal, dorsalis pedis (pedal), and posterior tibial pulses are felt
on both sides of the body. Typically, the radial pulse is measured.

Procedure:
1.Have the client sit or lie down. The heart works a bit harder when the client is standing.
2.Locate the radial pulse by placing your first two or three middle fingers against the client’s radial
artery, which is on the thumb side of the client’s wrist. Using your middle fingers to locate the pulse
helps avoid mistaking your own pulse for the client’s.
3.Using a watch or clock with a second hand, count the beats for 30 seconds. Multiply the number
obtained by two. Or count the beats for 1 minute if required by employer policy. The length of time
you take the pulse depends on agency policy.
4.Count the beats for 1 minute if the pulse is irregular. This ensures a more accurate reading than
taking it for 30 seconds.
5.Record the client’s name and pulse rate on your notepad or assignment sheet. Note the strength of
the pulse. Note if it was regular or irregular. This ensures accurate reporting on the client’s record
and prevents forgetting details.

Also the pulse can be measured with Pulse Oximeter.

Respiration
When measuring a client's respiration, I ensure they are at rest and position them in a way that allows
me to observe their chest rising and falling. I'm mindful that clients may adjust their breathing
patterns if they know they are being observed, so I strive to count their respirations discreetly. After

Personal Support Worker Hybrid Program 2022

 taking their pulse, I maintain pressure on the pulse site to give the impression that I'm still assessing
it. I carefully watch their chest movements and count each complete cycle in 30 seconds, then
multiply by two to determine the respirations per minute. If I notice any abnormal patterns, such as
irregular or labored breathing, I extend the counting period to a full minute. It's important to note that
respiratory rates vary by age; for instance, infants and children typically have higher rates. After
completing the count, I report and record the client's respiratory rate, any irregularities observed, and
any signs of discomfort they may exhibit. Maintaining accurate records is crucial for monitoring the
client's respiratory status and identifying any potential issues promptly.

a. What can you do to ensure the dignity of your client?

Treating them in a caring and compassionate way and all communication.
Speak respectfully to and about the patient. Always speak to them in a polite tone.
Build trust and take time to listen to their concerns.
Protect the patient's privacy.
I involve clients in decision-making processes regarding their care and treatment, ensuringthey
understand their options and have the opportunity to express their preferences.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Once your assignment is complete, please upload your assignment into the D2L
Brightspace platform in the appropriate submission fields for this course
2. THE DUE DATE IS DETERMINED BY YOUR INSTRUCTOR (please reach out
to your instructor for the exact date and time of all assignment deadlines)

Personal Support Worker Hybrid Program 2022