Baseline Observations

Learning Outcome

Assessment Criteria

Introduction  – Observations

Blood  Pressure

Pulse

·         Identify  and understand the initial baseline observations to be carried out.

What is blood pressure?

Range of blood pressures 

High blood pressure

Low blood pressure

Different blood pressure monitors

Practice using manual and digital machine.

·         Areas  to take a pulse reading

·         Ranges  of pulse rates, high/low/normal

·         Practical  on assessing pulse rate

Temperature

·         Understand  how temperature is regulated

·         Identify  where body temperature is taken from

·         Explain  how temperature is measured

·         Identify  normal body temperature

·         Understand  different types of thermometers

·         Explain  the difference between fever and hypothermia

·         Identify  possible causes of high/low body temperature

·         Explain respiratory rate  and normal ventilation.

Respiratory Rate

·         Be able to competently  record a respiratory rate.

·         Practical on assessing  respiratory rate

Oxygen Saturation

·         Understand the use of a  pulse oximeter

·         Identify normal oxygen  level

·         Practical using pulse  oximeter

Blood Sugar

·         Explain blood glucose  levels.

·         Understand the need for  glucose in the body.

·         Identify normal blood  glucose levels

·         Explain and identify the  differences

·         Recognise the signs and  symptoms of hyperglycaemia / hypoglycaemia.

·         Participate in a  practical demonstration of blood sugar monitoring.

Urinalysis

·         Explain what urinalysis  is.

·         Understand the need for  urine analysis

·         Identify the common  components of a urine dipstick