Journal Topic and Instruction
Our journal topic today is about Vital Signs and Irregular Rhythm.
Here is the nursing assistant online class teacher’s instruction. . .
Think about, then write about, the following, or choose your own comments related to the topic of vital signs.
You are taking vital signs that are routinely done once every day for the residents on your unit.
Today, as you take Mr. Hayes pulse, you notice that it does not feel as strong as usual, and although his rate is about what it always is, the rhythm is irregular.
Journal Entry: Vital Signs and Irregular Rhythm
Here’s my journal entry. . .
While I was in high school, we had a YDT (Youth Development Training) class. It trained the students to be prepared when we are called to serve in the military. We were trained to serve as medics.
One day our class was about checking our pulses. Our teacher taught us how to find our pulse. Most of us were able to locate the pulse. But there were a few of us didn’t find their pulses.
One of the students complained that she couldn’t find hers. Then one student said, “you must be dead if you couldn’t find it.” Everyone laughed.
That day, I had learned that one of the signs that a person is dead is when the pulse stops pulsating.
In this scenario, with Mr. Hayes’ pulse irregular rhythm, (although his rate is about what it always is) I would check once again.
If the rhythm is still irregular I would tell the nurse right away, and document the irregularity of the rhythm (how many beats per minute) in the patient’s record.
