ProcessIntermediate
What are the recommended vital sign monitoring frequencies for a head-injured patient with a GCS of 15 after the initial assessment?
For a head-injured patient with a GCS of 15 after the initial assessment, vital signs should be monitored half-hourly for the first 2 hours, then hourly for the next 4 hours, and subsequently every 2 hours.
Key points
- Monitor vital signs half-hourly for the first 2 hours.
- Then monitor hourly for the next 4 hours.
- After that, monitor every 2 hours.
- If the patient's condition deteriorates, revert to half-hourly monitoring.
Source:Fundamentals of Applied Pathophysiology: An Essential Guide for Nursing and Healthcare Students· Nutrition and associated disorders· p. 144–145
Fundamentals of Applied Pathophysiology: An Essential Guide for Nursing and Healthcare Students
Ian Peate
THIRD EDITION · John Wiley & Sons Ltd