Baseline Observations

Course Title:  Baseline Observations

Course length

2 Hours

Maximum number to attend

20 – 60, Up to 20 delegates per course

This course is aimed at all staff who will be required to undertake baseline observations within their role.  This will include normal ranges and potential causes for outside normal range results. The course has practical elements along with a short test at the end.

Learning Outcome and 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

Respiratory Rate

Explain respiratory rate and normal ventilation.

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