Which statement accurately lists common elements monitored by CNAs in vital signs?

Which statement accurately lists common elements monitored by CNAs in vital signs?

• A. Temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and weight only.
• B. Temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, pain level, and weight when indicated.
• C. Temperature and blood pressure only.
• D. Temperature, pulse, respiration, and glucose level.

Answer: (B)

Vital signs are the measurements nurses routinely track to gauge a patient’s basic health status. The core measurements are temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. It’s also common to assess pain level because pain can signal changes in condition and needs management, and to weigh the patient when there’s a clinical reason (such as fluid status, nutrition concerns, or monitoring for conditions like heart failure or kidney issues). So the best option reflects all of these elements: the four standard vitals plus pain level and weight when indicated. The other choices omit one or more of these components, or add measurements like glucose that aren’t considered standard vital signs CNAs routinely monitor during a vitals check.

Vital signs are the measurements nurses routinely track to gauge a patient’s basic health status. The core measurements are temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. It’s also common to assess pain level because pain can signal changes in condition and needs management, and to weigh the patient when there’s a clinical reason (such as fluid status, nutrition concerns, or monitoring for conditions like heart failure or kidney issues). So the best option reflects all of these elements: the four standard vitals plus pain level and weight when indicated.

The other choices omit one or more of these components, or add measurements like glucose that aren’t considered standard vital signs CNAs routinely monitor during a vitals check.