Vital Signs, Observation, and Reporting Changes in Condition
Sets out how aides take and record temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, height and weight when the service plan sets the parameters, what aides watch for at every visit, how quickly they report what they see, and how the registered nurse follows up.
About this policy
- Policy number
- DC-HC-SVC-04
- Version
- 1.0
- Main rule
- 22-B DCMR §9918.4(e)
- Library
- Washington, DC home care · 50 policies
- Category
- Clinical tasks
- Sections
- 18
In short
- Take vital signs only when the service plan lists them and sets the parameters.
- Write down the exact number and time; never guess or round.
- Emergency signs: call 911 first. Reading outside the parameters or a new problem: call the nurse now.
- Smaller changes: tell the nurse the same day and record them.
- Do not interpret readings or give advice; the registered nurse decides what to do.
What's inside
18 sections. The full text comes with the One-time Policy Pack.
- Terms of Reference
- 1. Purpose
- 2. Scope
- 3. Definitions
- 4. Policy Statement (22-B DCMR §9918.4(e))
- 5. What the Registered Nurse Sets Up
- 6. Taking and Recording Measurements
- 7. What Aides Watch For
- 8. How Quickly to Report
- 9. Recording
- 10. Registered Nurse Follow-Up
- 11. Responsibilities
- 12. Records and Compliance Monitoring
- 13. Staff Training
- 14. References
- 15. Related Policies and Forms
- 16. Approval
- 17. Revision History
An inspector may ask
- Show me where this client's service plan sets the parameters for the vital signs the aide takes (22-B DCMR §9913.3(b)).
- What does an aide do when a reading is outside the parameters?
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