You take another set of measurements.
Q. Are Jean’s new results normal? Select either normal or abnormal for each result below.
Heart rate (HR): 100 bpm – Abnormal – Jean has a tachycardia. Normal Heart Rate (HR) is 50-80 bpm and regular.
Temperature: 36.8˚C – Normal – tympanic temperature is normally ≤ 37°C.
Oxygen saturation: 97% (on air) – Normal – Oxygen saturation is normally ≥ 95% on air.
Blood pressure (BP): 120/70 – Normal – this could be both normal and abnormal. However you should check observations including BP more frequently with abnormal HR following the ABCDE approach see guidelines: https://www.resus.org.uk/library/2015-resuscitation-guidelines/abcde-approach.In a healthy patient this BP could be in the normal range. But in an acute stroke patient the blood pressure is usually elevated. There is a well established link between blood pressure and stroke, and between blood pressure treatment and reduction in stroke risk. You should now ask her if she has a history of hypertension or is taking any medication.
Q. With these results; how often would you repeat the measurements? Select the correct frequency from the options below.
- Blood Pressure
- every 15 – 30 mins ✓
- every 4 hours
- every 12 hours
- daily
Monitoring temperature every 4 hours is sufficient in an acute stroke patient. Jean’s heart rate & blood pressure should be monitored more frequently every 15-30 minutes and as per local protocol/guidelines.
Page last reviewed: 28 Jan 2021
