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Measuring Basic Observations: OSCE Checklist

The document outlines the steps to perform a full set of vital sign observations and measurements including heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, level of consciousness, and temperature. Key steps include introducing yourself to the patient, gaining consent, washing hands, using appropriate medical equipment to take measurements, recording all observations on a NEWS2 chart, and calculating the total score to complete the assessment.

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6K views2 pages

Measuring Basic Observations: OSCE Checklist

The document outlines the steps to perform a full set of vital sign observations and measurements including heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, level of consciousness, and temperature. Key steps include introducing yourself to the patient, gaining consent, washing hands, using appropriate medical equipment to take measurements, recording all observations on a NEWS2 chart, and calculating the total score to complete the assessment.

Uploaded by

ahmad
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • Oxygen saturation (SpO₂): Instructs the use of a finger probe to measure blood oxygen levels and understanding normal/abnormal oxygen levels.
  • Respiratory rate (RR): Guides on counting the respiratory rate without palpating the radial pulse.
  • Heart rate (HR): Describes the procedure for measuring the patient's heart rate through radial pulse assessment.
  • Introduction: Begins with steps for basic introduction and preparation before patient observation.
  • Blood pressure (BP): Details the steps for accurately assessing blood pressure using cuff and stethoscope methods.
  • Temperature: Explains the process to measure body temperature using a tympanic thermometer.
  • Recording observations: Outlines the steps for documenting observations on the NEWS2 chart.
  • Level of consciousness: Uses the ACVPU scale to evaluate the consciousness level of a patient.
  • Completing the assessment: Concludes with a summary of findings and considerations for further actions based on the assessment outcome.

OSCE Checklist: Measuring Basic Observations

Introduction
1 Introduce yourself to the patient including your name and role

2 Confirm the patient's name and date of birth

3 Briefly explain what the procedure will involve using patient-friendly language

4 Gain consent to proceed with recording observations

5 Wash your hands

6 Ask if the patient has any pain before proceeding

7 Gather equipment

Heart rate (HR)


8 Palpate the radial pulse

9 Assess heart rate and rhythm

Respiratory rate (RR)


10 Whilst still palpating the radial pulse (but no longer counting it), assess the patient’s
respiratory rate

Oxygen saturation (SpO2)


11 Select an appropriate site for the pulse oximeter. If using the fingernail, ensure there is no
nail varnish or dirt covering the nail.
12 Switch on the pulse oximeter

13 Place the pulse oximeter over the fingernail

14 Wait for the oxygen saturation level to appear and note the reading

Blood pressure (BP)


15 Ensure the cuff size appears appropriate

16 Wrap the cuff around the patient’s upper arm

17 Line up the cuff marker with the brachial artery slightly medial to the biceps brachii tendon

18 Palpate the radial pulse

19 Inflate the cuff until you can no longer feel this pulse

20 Note the reading on the sphygmomanometer. This is a rough estimate of the systolic blood
pressure.
21 Place your stethoscope’s diaphragm over the brachial artery

22 Re-inflate the cuff to 20 - 30 mmHg above your approximate systolic blood pressure
measured earlier
23 Begin to slowly deflate the cuff at around 2-3 mmHg per second

24 Listen carefully, you will begin to hear a thumping pulsatile noise known as the 1st Korotokoff
sound. The pressure at which this 1st sound is heard is the systolic blood pressure.
25 Continue to deflate the cuff, continuing to listen until the sounds completely disappear. The
point at which you hear the last sound is referred to as the 5th Korotkoff sound. This is
the diastolic blood pressure.

Level of consciousness
26 Assess the level of consciousness using the ACVPU scale

Temperature
27 Ensure the tympanic thermometer is switched on, clean and in good working order

28 Place a disposable cover over the probe end

29 Place the probe into the ear canal and gently advance until the probe seals the opening of
the ear canal
30 Record the tympanic temperature

31 Remove and dispose of the tympanic thermometer cover

Recording observations on a NEWS2 chart


32 The measured observations should be recorded on a NEWS2 chart and the total NEWS2
score calculated

To complete the assessment…


33 Explain to the patient that the assessment is now complete

34 Thank the patient for their time

35 Wash your hands

36 Summarise your findings and NEWS2 score

Read the full guide at Download our


geekymedics.com GEEKY MEDICS clinical skills app

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