Vital Sign Measurement for the Home Health Aide
Course Learning OutcomesAs a result of participating in this learning activity the learner will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of how to accurately measure various vital signs and other important health information vital to the care of the home care client as evidenced by passing the final exam with a score of 70% or higher at the end of the online learning activity.
This course is part of the Home Health Aide Training library designed for agency use as an educational aid and resource with hands-on instruction in a lab or clinical setting supervised by a nurse educator. The agency is responsible for ensuring the learner has attained the knowledge and care skills, according to their state's requirements, before providing care to a client.
This is a self-paced course with knowledge check activities. These non-graded activities allow you to check your understanding of the lesson objectives before proceeding on in the course. At the end of the course, you will be required to take the final exam. You must score 70% or higher to pass the course and complete the evaluation to obtain a certificate of completion. You will have unlimited attempts to achieve a 70% or higher on the final. The last day to successfully complete this course and receive a Certificate of Completion will be December 31, 2025. You must complete the content, Final Quiz, and Course Survey on or before that day.
- Identify the vital signs and other important health information frequently monitored to provide information on the health of a client.
- Explain when to notify the clinician of temperature changes based on the body site used for measurement.
- Describe the correct tools and procedure for measuring temperature at body various sites.
- Explain the normal and abnormal ranges for pulse and respiratory rates and when to notify the clinician.
- Describe the correct procedure for measuring pulse and respiratory rate.
- Differentiate between systolic and diastolic blood pressures.
- State the normal adult blood pressure range, factors that may affect those readings and when to notify a clinician of changes.
- Identify the different types of blood pressure measuring devices and how to appropriately size the cuff to the individual.
- Explain the proper procedure for blood pressure measurement for each device and how to adjust for special situations when measuring blood pressure.
- Identify the importance weight and height information in care of the client
- State the steps in accurately measuring weight and height in the home
- Explain why and how to use a pulse oximeter
- Describe the importance of and method for monitoring a patient’s level of pain.
2.5 Contact Hour: based on 60 minute hour
The estimated time for completion for this activity is 2.5 hour(s).
This course is designed to meet the continuing education requirements of healthcare paraprofessionals, such as home health aide, and personal care attendants
Beth Schoenfeld RN BSN MSN, Wendi Tingley RN, MSN, Kathy L. Richie, RN, BSN
HLC Institution ID:1399
Commercial Support: This course was developed in accordance with ANCC Commercial Support Guidelines. No commercial support was accepted for the development of this course.
Bias: This course provides a balanced view of therapeutic options and is free of commercial bias for or against any product or commercial entity. Use of generic names is always considered before using trade names. Consequently, if trade names are necessary, when available, trade names from several companies will be used. RCTC and the course planning team do not endorse any products or drugs that may be mentioned in this course.
Materials used in connection with this course may be subject to copyright protection. Retention of the materials for longer than the class term, unauthorized further dissemination of the materials, or use of copyrighted materials in any way other than intended for this class is prohibited by Copyright and Teach Act laws.
This course was developed with Rochester Community and Technical College's Continuing Education and Workforce Development Division located in Rochester Minnesota.