Medical-Surgical Nursing (LPN): Key Concepts &
Assessment Techniques Study Guide
Normal Ranges of Vital Signs (Adults)
Vital signs include temperature (97.0-99.5 °F or 36.1-37.5 °C), pulse (60-100 bpm),
respirations (12-20/min), blood pressure (<120/80 mm Hg), oxygen saturation (SpO₂
95-100%), and pain (0-10 scale).
Temperature Normal Range
97.0-99.5 °F (36.1-37.5 °C). Always measure the same route for accuracy (oral, axillary,
rectal). Fever indicates infection or inflammation.
Pulse Normal Range
60-100 bpm. Count for 1 full minute if irregular. Note rate, rhythm, and strength.
Respirations Normal Range
12-20/min. Count for 1 minute. Watch for shallow or labored breathing.
Blood Pressure Normal Range
<120/80 mm Hg. Take on both arms first time; avoid IV arm, mastectomy arm, or
dialysis fistula arm.
Oxygen Saturation Normal Range
95-100%. Use pulse oximeter. <92% requires immediate follow-up.
Pain Assessment
0-10 scale. Pain is the '5th vital sign.' Ask location, intensity, duration, and what helps.
LPN Tip for Vital Signs
Always recheck abnormal vitals before reporting to RN or provider.
Evaluating Effective Client Education
, LPNs reinforce and evaluate learning after RN teaching. Effective education is indicated
if the patient repeats information correctly, can demonstrate a skill, shows behavioral
changes, or asks appropriate questions.
Culturally Competent Client Education
Cultural competence means respecting the client's beliefs, language, and customs,
including using professional interpreters and adapting education to reading level and
culture.
Learning Domains
Cognitive (thinking, knowledge), Affective (feelings, attitudes), Psychomotor (physical
skill).
Cognitive Domain Example
Teaching how hypertension affects the heart.
Affective Domain Example
Helping client accept lifestyle changes for diabetes.
Psychomotor Domain Example
Teaching how to give insulin injections.
Strategies to Increase Compliance with Education
Simplify instructions, use visuals, provide written instructions in the client's language,
involve family/support, schedule follow-up reminders, and address barriers.
Teach-Back Method
The patient repeats information correctly to confirm understanding.
Demonstration of Skills
The patient can demonstrate a skill, such as using an inhaler.
Behavioral Changes
Changes such as following diet or taking medications indicate effective education.
Family Involvement in Education
Include family decision-makers if culture requires, such as a Hispanic client preferring
family involvement.
Addressing Barriers to Education
Assessment Techniques Study Guide
Normal Ranges of Vital Signs (Adults)
Vital signs include temperature (97.0-99.5 °F or 36.1-37.5 °C), pulse (60-100 bpm),
respirations (12-20/min), blood pressure (<120/80 mm Hg), oxygen saturation (SpO₂
95-100%), and pain (0-10 scale).
Temperature Normal Range
97.0-99.5 °F (36.1-37.5 °C). Always measure the same route for accuracy (oral, axillary,
rectal). Fever indicates infection or inflammation.
Pulse Normal Range
60-100 bpm. Count for 1 full minute if irregular. Note rate, rhythm, and strength.
Respirations Normal Range
12-20/min. Count for 1 minute. Watch for shallow or labored breathing.
Blood Pressure Normal Range
<120/80 mm Hg. Take on both arms first time; avoid IV arm, mastectomy arm, or
dialysis fistula arm.
Oxygen Saturation Normal Range
95-100%. Use pulse oximeter. <92% requires immediate follow-up.
Pain Assessment
0-10 scale. Pain is the '5th vital sign.' Ask location, intensity, duration, and what helps.
LPN Tip for Vital Signs
Always recheck abnormal vitals before reporting to RN or provider.
Evaluating Effective Client Education
, LPNs reinforce and evaluate learning after RN teaching. Effective education is indicated
if the patient repeats information correctly, can demonstrate a skill, shows behavioral
changes, or asks appropriate questions.
Culturally Competent Client Education
Cultural competence means respecting the client's beliefs, language, and customs,
including using professional interpreters and adapting education to reading level and
culture.
Learning Domains
Cognitive (thinking, knowledge), Affective (feelings, attitudes), Psychomotor (physical
skill).
Cognitive Domain Example
Teaching how hypertension affects the heart.
Affective Domain Example
Helping client accept lifestyle changes for diabetes.
Psychomotor Domain Example
Teaching how to give insulin injections.
Strategies to Increase Compliance with Education
Simplify instructions, use visuals, provide written instructions in the client's language,
involve family/support, schedule follow-up reminders, and address barriers.
Teach-Back Method
The patient repeats information correctly to confirm understanding.
Demonstration of Skills
The patient can demonstrate a skill, such as using an inhaler.
Behavioral Changes
Changes such as following diet or taking medications indicate effective education.
Family Involvement in Education
Include family decision-makers if culture requires, such as a Hispanic client preferring
family involvement.
Addressing Barriers to Education
