Vital signs are always obtained during a routine well-child examination, and are also important for assessing symptoms, detecting anomalies, or for monitoring pediatric patients who are undergoing treatment. This module provides a detailed introduction to the process of obtaining pediatric vital signs, covering body temperatures, pulse rates, respiratory rates, and blood pressures. Including both Learn and Test modes, the online simulator offers three different scenarios that test your ability to prepare for and assess pediatric vital signs; each covers temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. Practice the steps of the procedure as often as you want until you are confident. This module is based on the entry-level competencies for which the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) test the Medical Assistant.
Describe pre-procedure considerations for taking pediatric vital signs.
Describe and demonstrate the preparation for taking pediatric vital signs.
Define normal values for pediatric vital signs, including average body temperature, pulse rates, respiratory rates, and blood pressure.
Understand and describe factors that affect body temperature, pulse rates, respiration rates, and blood pressure.
Describe and demonstrate how to take pediatric aural and axillary temperature accurately.
Describe and demonstrate how to obtain pediatric apical and brachial pulse rate, volume, and rhythm accurately.
Describe and demonstrate how to obtain pediatric respiration rate accurately.
Define and use related medical terminology.