Vital Knowledge: Interns Learn How to Take Vitals with Nayan

The Advanced Medical & Public Health Internship recently hosted an insightful and hands-on workshop on taking vital signs, led by team lead Nayan. As a crucial aspect of patient assessment, mastering the measurement of vital signs is foundational for any aspiring healthcare professional. Nayan's engaging session equipped the interns with the skills and confidence to accurately monitor and interpret these critical health indicators.

Nayan began the workshop with an overview of the four primary vital signs: blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, and body temperature. She emphasized the importance of these measurements in assessing a patient's overall health and identifying potential medical issues. Knowing the normal ranges for a healthy adult—such as a blood pressure of 90/60 mm Hg to 120/80 mm Hg, a breathing rate of 12 to 18 breaths per minute, a pulse rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute, and a temperature range of 97.8°F to 99.1°F—was the first step.

The session then moved to practical demonstrations, starting with measuring heart rate. Nayan explained that the easiest place to find a pulse is the radial artery on the wrist, but it can also be found at the brachial artery inside the elbow, the popliteal artery behind the knee, or the carotid artery in the neck. She guided the interns through the process, stressing the importance of ensuring the individual is at rest before starting. Using the first and second fingertips, the interns practiced pressing firmly but gently on the pulse site, counting the beats for 60 seconds or for 15 seconds and multiplying by 4 to get the beats per minute.

Next, Nayan taught the interns how to measure respiration rate. This involved placing fingers on the individual’s wrist to count each inhale and exhale cycle for one minute. She highlighted the importance of noting any abnormalities, such as wheezing, that might indicate respiratory issues.

The interns then learned to measure body temperature using a digital thermometer. Nayan emphasized the need for accuracy and hygiene. After covering the thermometer tip with a clean plastic shield, the interns practiced placing the thermometer under the tongue and instructing the individual to close their mouth. They waited for the beep indicating the reading was complete, then documented the temperature, noting the method used: oral (O), rectal (R), ear (E), or axillary (A).

The final and perhaps most complex skill was measuring blood pressure using a stethoscope, cuff, and aneroid monitor. Nayan provided a step-by-step demonstration, starting with disinfecting the stethoscope earpieces and diaphragm. She showed the interns how to locate the brachial pulse and wrap the cuff snugly around the upper arm. With the stethoscope earpieces inserted and the diaphragm positioned over the brachial pulse, the interns practiced inflating the cuff to 170 mm Hg. As they slowly released the air, they listened for the first and last thumping sounds to determine the systolic and diastolic pressures.

Throughout the workshop, Nayan's expertise and approachable teaching style made the complex skills accessible and engaging. The interns practiced these techniques on each other, gaining confidence and competence in their abilities.

By the end of the session, the interns had a solid understanding of how to measure and interpret vital signs, which are essential skills for any healthcare professional. They left the workshop feeling more prepared and excited to apply their new knowledge in real-world settings. Nayan’s dedication to teaching and her emphasis on the importance of these fundamental skills were truly inspiring.

This hands-on experience not only enhanced the interns' technical abilities but also reinforced their commitment to excellence in patient care. As they continue their journey in the Advanced Medical & Public Health Internship, they are now better equipped to make meaningful contributions to the health and well-being of their future patients.