Manual of Policies and Procedures for Wade Nursing Registry

Guidelines for Taking Vital Signs

  • Take vital signs when client has been resting for 15 minutes
  • Take vital signs when client is sitting or lying down
  • Wait for 15 minutes before taking the temperate, if your client has been:

    - smoking
    - exercising
    - drinking hot or cold liquids
    - eating hot or cold foods

  • Ask client not to talk while you are taking vital signs
  • Take the temperature while taking the pulse and respiration
  • Record vital signs immediately after taking them, using paper and pencil; transfer this information to the client's care record
  • Record the method of taking the temperature: (o) for oral, (R) for rectal, and (A) for axillary