Indications for Vital Signs in Acute Care

Which of the following criteria reflect an indication for vital signs to be taken within an acute setting?

A) Six hours have passed since vital signs were last taken.

B) Four hours have passed since vital signs were last taken.

C) Handover is about to happen.

D) At the start of your shift, shortly following handover.

E) Mealtime is occurring within the next 30 minutes.

F) The patient has just been transferred to the ward from the ED.

G) Four hours after the patient has fallen asleep following surgery.

In an acute setting, vital signs are typically taken based on specific clinical indications rather than just the passage of time. Here are the criteria that reflect an indication for vital signs to be taken:

C) Handover is about to happen.

• Vital signs are often taken before handover to ensure that the incoming team has the most current information about the patient's status.

D) At the start of your shift, shortly following handover.

• This is a common practice to establish a baseline for the shift and to verify the patient's current condition.

F) The patient has just been transferred to the ward from the ED.

• Vital signs should be taken to assess the patient's status upon arrival in the new setting and to ensure stability after the transfer.

G) Four hours after the patient has fallen asleep following surgery.

• Post-operative patients require close monitoring, and vital signs are often taken at regular intervals to detect any complications early.

The other options (A, B, and E) do not necessarily reflect specific clinical indications for taking vital signs in an acute setting.