We've covered some of the more significant abbreviations in the medical world that are not necessarily understood by the non-medical community. Today I thought we'd discuss one that most of the non-medical community would know but see if I could shed some more light on in.
Lets get to work.
Today's abbreviation is
VS
VS- Vital Signs
This is one of the most understood by the "lay person" because it is not only discussed in the media, but it appears on medical shows (ER, Scrubs), and it is something that medical personnel discuss with their clients.
Everyone has had their vital signs checked at some point in their life. Every time that someone goes to their primary care physician, walk in clinic, or ER, their vital signs are taken.
Vital signs include the following five areas of measurement:
1. Blood Pressure- Ideal 120/60
2. Respiratory Rate- I like to see 14 or 16 breaths per minute, but 12 or 20 breaths per minute can be normal for some clients
3. Heart Rate - Normal is considered 60-100
4. Temperature-- 98.6 is ideal
5. Pain - 0 pain is the goal.
6. Sometimes pain isn't assessed and sometimes also pulse oximetry (the amount of oxygen in the blood) is assessed as part of the vital signs For pulse oximetry 100% is ideal.
Example:
Pt's. VS are 120/60, 14, 82, 98.6, 100% on RA at 9 am . (RA- room air). In this example the patient's vital signs would be considered normal.
Pt's VS after treatment 150/80, 110, 99.5, 95% pain 8/10. This patient's vital signs would be considered abnormal. Because the patient received treatment the abnormal vital signs could be a result of the treatment, but the nurse did not indicate what treatment was given.
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