Vital signs practical
Thu, Oct 8, 2026 · Week 7 · Principles of Biomedical Technology (Principles of Biomedical Science)
Today's goal: Collect vital signs following an SOP and record them accurately in a simulated EMR.
What a finished product looks like
This is a model of the work you should turn in today. Use it to check your own: match the structure and the level of detail, do not copy it. Your data and wording should be your own.
EMR entry for Patient A (simulated):
- Body temperature: 98.4 F. Limitation: a single oral reading does not capture core temperature. Error source: patient had just finished talking, which can cool the mouth.
- Pulse: 76 bpm (radial, counted 60 seconds). Repeat measurement: 78 bpm. The 2 bpm difference shows good precision and normal beat-to-beat variation.
- Respiration: 16 breaths/min (counted 30 seconds and doubled, without telling the patient). Limitation: counting can be off if the patient is aware. Error source: I started the timer one breath late.
- Blood pressure: 116/78 mmHg (correctly sized cuff). Limitation: one reading does not show a trend. Error source: arm not at heart level can shift the value.
All values include units. The repeat pulse confirms the reading is reliable.
| Vital sign | Value | Unit | Repeat / note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 98.4 | F | single oral reading |
| Pulse | 76 (repeat 78) | bpm | 2 bpm apart, good precision |
| Respiration | 16 | breaths/min | counted unobserved |
| Blood pressure | 116/78 | mmHg | correct cuff size |
Also due today: Upload the completed EMR template and notebook entry to the tracker before leaving.
WebXam problem for today's skill
One exam-style question that uses exactly what you practiced today. Try it before you reveal the answer, then read why each choice is right or wrong.
Tap an answer to see the full explanation. Nothing is recorded or graded.