Vital Signs
These lessons explain how to take a pulse, temperature, blood pressure, and how to observe for changes in a person’s health.
Oberving General Health
When you care for someone who is ill, injured, disabled or has recently had surgery, it is important to watch them carefully. This care lesson prepares you to learn what is normal and what indicates a change in the person you care for. You will learn the signs of conditions, such as heart attack and stroke, which require you to seek emergency medical care. You will also learn how to listen to a person and to observe for physical and emotional changes.
Taking a Blood Pressure
If you care for a person who checks their blood pressure regularly at home, this care lesson describes how to select a blood pressure machine, how to measure a blood pressure correctly, and when to report readings to the doctor. You will also learn about hypertension (high blood pressure) and ways to control it.
Taking a Pulse
If you know how to check a person’s pulse you will be able to decide how the person responds to medicines, exercise, or an illness. This care lesson explains the factors that affect the heart rate, how to measure a pulse correctly, and how to recognize an abnormal pulse.
Taking a Temperature
When you care for someone who becomes ill at home, you need to know how to take their temperature to check for a fever. This care lesson explains factors that affect body temperature, the causes and signs of fever, and how to take a temperature. You will also learn basic ways to reduce a fever.