Staff knowledge of orthostatic vital signs measurement.

PURPOSE: To determine the nursing staff's knowledge of the proper procedure for measuring orthostatic vital signs.

METHODS

The Knowledge of Orthostatic Vital Signs Survey was sent via email to direct staff on 31 patient-care units in a large hospital system.

RESULTS

Eighty percent of the participants were RNs and 12% were unlicensed assistants. Survey results showed that many respondents did not know how to properly size the cuff and were uncertain about the timing of measurements with position changes. Fifty-seven percent of respondents did not correctly identify abnormal findings with regard to the systolic BP, but 80% were aware of the diastolic BP drop in orthostatic hypotension.

CONCLUSION

This survey identified gaps in the staff's knowledge about the proper procedure for measuring orthostatic vital signs.