Nursing Assistant Unit 4

Unit Planning Organizer

Subject – Nursing Assistant

Grade – 11, 12 

Unit- Vital Signs

Pacing – 3 weeks

Essential Question(s):

  • How can our proficiency in taking vital signs impact the overall health and well-being of our patients?

  •  What important facts about each of the vital signs must we be aware of?

  • How can one’s efficiency in interpreting and reporting of vital signs play a major role in a patient’s well-being?

Big Idea(s):

  • The proper techniques for taking vital signs can help us to collect information vital to the health of our patients.

  • The vital signs are often the first key indicator that something abnormal is going on with the patient.  Therefore, we must understand what results mean.

  • One’s ability to interpret and report vital signs accurately is critical to the patient’s well-being.

CT State Standards (includes West Haven’s “Priority” Standards)

  • Students will demonstrate effective skills in recording and reporting patient information.

  • Students will demonstrate clinical skills in a safe and effective manner when interacting with patients in a clinical setting.

  • Demonstrate the safe and appropriate use of equipment and supplies.

 “Unwrapped” Concepts and Skills, and Bloom Levels (BL)

Concepts (Need to Know)

Skills(Able to Do)

BL

Know each of the vital signs and it’s ability to indicate a change in the patient’s medical condition.

Name the vital sign and explain how it becomes an indicator of the current medical status of our patient.

1, 2

In order to utilize the results of vital sign readings, we must know what is normal and what is abnormal.

Be able to recite the normal ranges for each of the vital signs.

2

The students must know and understand how the specific equipment used in measuring vital signs works.

Label each piece of equipment that is used.

Understand and be able to explain the purpose of each part of the equipment.

2

A good technique in taking vital signs  is essential so as to obtain accurate results.

Be able to demonstrate each skill necessary to be able to take a patient’s vital signs.

2

Be able to apply the knowledge and skills previously acquired when taking another person’s vitals.

Working in pairs, students will monitor each other’s vital signs.

5