The purpose of this textbook is to help learners develop best practices in vital sign measurement. Its intended audience is students in health-related post-secondary programs as well as healthcare providers. Using a multi-media and interactive approach, it will provide opportunities to read about, observe, practice, and test vital sign measurement.

How to Access this Book

Note that this book is best viewed via the online webbook on a computer or mobile device so that you can watch the videos and complete the interactive activities. However, it is also available in the following formats:

• PDF. You can download this book as a PDF to read on a computer (Digital PDF) or print it out (Print PDF).
• Mobile. If you want to read this textbook on your phone or tablet, you can use the EPUB (eReader) or MOBI (Kindle) files.
• HTML. An HTML file can be opened in a browser. It has very little style so it doesn’t look very nice, but some people might find it useful.

You can access the online webbook and download any of the formats for free here: Vital Sign Measurement Across the Lifespan – 2nd Canadian Edition. To download the book in a different format, look for the “Download this book” drop-down menu and select the file type you want.

What to Expect from this Book

This textbook will provide you with the opportunity to read about, observe, practice, and test vital sign measurement. Boxes with helpful tips are provided throughout the chapters:

• Technique Tips provide helpful information about measurement techniques, and
• Points to Consider highlight key points to consider about vital sign measurements and findings.

A Chapter Summary and Printable Flashcards highlighting techniques for each vital sign measurement are provided at the end of each chapter. These printable flashcards are all located together in the textbook’s conclusion chapter.

You can review the full textbook or advance to sections that you have identified as areas you want to work on. The textbook has a self-directed format and provides an interactive and engaging way for you to learn about and develop competence in the measurement of vital signs while integrating knowledge about anatomy and physiology.

You will learn about various vital signs including temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. Measurement of vital signs is a foundational, psychomotor skill for healthcare providers and students in post-secondary health-related programs. These measurements provide information about a person’s overall state of health and more specifically about their cardiovascular and respiratory status. These measurements can also reveal changes in a client’s vital signs over time and changes in their overall state of health. Proficiency in vital sign measurement is essential to client safety, care, and management. Measurements can influence clinical decision-making related to therapeutic interventions.