Abstract
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.