Module 4: Basic Nursing Skills, Vital Signs, and Pain
Section outline
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This module introduces the foundational components of patient assessment, focusing on the general survey, vital signs, and infection prevention practices.A general survey assessment begins at the first patient encounter and continues throughout the nurse-patient relationship. It involves the use of all five senses to observe the patient’s overall appearance, behavior, posture, gait, and communication. These observations help guide further focused assessments.
Vital signs—including temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation—are typically collected before the physical assessment. While trained unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) may take vital signs for stable patients, the nurse is ultimately responsible for interpreting the data and initiating any necessary interventions for abnormal findings.
The module also emphasizes the role of nursing as defined by the American Nurses Association: a holistic profession focused on treating human responses to health problems through compassionate care, assessment, diagnosis, and advocacy. Nurses consider emotional, spiritual, psychosocial, and physical needs when collecting health history data.
Lastly, the module outlines infection prevention principles to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which affect millions of patients annually. Proper hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), adherence to standard and transmission-based precautions, and correct aseptic and sterile techniques are vital to protecting patient safety. Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash
Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:- Apply principles of safe, cost-effective, and evidence-based nursing care while upholding professional and ethical standards (Course Outcome #1).
- Demonstrate adherence to universal precautions and infection control practices when performing basic nursing skills (Course Outcome #2).
- Explain the role, responsibilities, and scope of practice of the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) within various healthcare settings (Course Outcome #10).
- Integrate ethical and legal frameworks that ensure patient dignity, privacy, and rights, respecting autonomy and cultural diversity (Course Outcome # 7).
- Establish and maintain therapeutic and interpersonal relationships that promote patient advocacy, continuity, and quality of care (Course Outcomes # 3, 5).
- Utilize the nursing process to provide holistic care that meets the physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of patients across the lifespan (Course Outcome # 4).
- Demonstrate effective communication using verbal, nonverbal, written, and technological methods to collaborate with patients, families, and healthcare teams (Course Outcomes # 3, 5).
- Promote health and wellness by applying teaching, learning, and leadership principles in partnership with clients and interdisciplinary team members (Course Outcome # 6).
- Incorporate cultural competence by recognizing and respecting the influence of cultural, religious, and spiritual factors on patient care (Course Outcome # 7).
- Perform activities of daily living (ADLs) to meet the comprehensive needs of assigned residents and patients (Course Outcome # 2).
To achieve these objectives:
- Read the Module 4 Introduction
- Read Skills Chapters 1–4 in Introduction to Practical Nursing – Simple Book Publishing
- Complete the Module 4 Assignments #1 and #2
Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities
You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.
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Students mustMark as done
Coursework Overview
This module provides the essential knowledge and hands-on skills you will need to perform safe, effective, and professional patient assessments as an LPN. Throughout this module, you will develop the foundational competencies required to conduct a general survey, obtain a comprehensive health history, measure vital signs, maintain aseptic technique, and document findings accurately. Coursework is organized into four major skill areas, each building upon the last to support clinical readiness and confidence.
1. General Survey Skills
You will learn how to initiate patient interaction, complete a general survey, recognize expected versus unexpected findings, and document assessments clearly. Checklists, sample documentation, and guided learning activities are included to reinforce clinical judgment and observation skills.
2. Health History Skills
This section teaches you how to gather essential information from patients, including demographics, medical history, family history, activities of daily living, and a review of body systems. You will practice interviewing techniques, organizing patient information, and completing a full health history form using structured documentation examples and checklists.
3. Vital Signs and Blood Pressure Assessment
You will build competency in obtaining accurate vital signs and performing manual blood pressure measurements. Coursework covers basic concepts, assessment procedures, interpretation of findings, and correct documentation. Supplemental videos and practice activities support mastery of this critical skill.
4. Aseptic Technique and Infection Control
This section focuses on maintaining patient safety through proper hand hygiene, PPE use, sterile field setup, and sterile glove application. You will learn and practice aseptic principles essential for preventing infection and ensuring high-quality patient care. Step-by-step checklists and guided practice activities are provided.
By the end of this module, you will have a strong foundation in patient interaction, assessment techniques, infection control, and documentation—core competencies necessary for safe and effective LPN practice. Glossaries, learning activities, and skill checklists are included throughout to support comprehension and skill development.
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Assignment Overview
In this assignment, you will apply the knowledge and skills learned to analyze and respond to a patient scenario. This activity reinforces your ability to observe patients holistically, collect health history data, accurately measure and interpret blood pressure, and identify appropriate infection control practices using aseptic technique.
You will evaluate the scenario using the nursing process and reflect on your responsibilities as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), including scope of practice, patient safety, ethical and legal standards, and culturally competent, client-centered care.
As you complete this assignment, demonstrate your ability to provide safe, evidence-based, and ethical nursing care (CLO #1) while applying universal precautions and infection-control principles during basic skills and ADL support (CLO #2). Use effective verbal, nonverbal, written, and technological communication to build therapeutic relationships and collaborate with the healthcare team (CLO #3 & #5). Apply the nursing process to assess and address the patient’s physical, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual needs (CLO #4), and incorporate appropriate teaching and health-promotion strategies in partnership with the interdisciplinary team (CLO #6). Ensure your care reflects ethical, legal, and culturally competent practice that protects patient dignity, privacy, and rights (CLO #7). Finally, all decisions and interventions should remain within the LPN scope of practice and demonstrate understanding of the role’s responsibilities and limitations (CLO #10).
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Opened: Monday, August 4, 2025, 12:00 AMDue: Monday, August 11, 2025, 12:00 AM
Students will write a brief reflection analyzing the importance of following standard precautions and aseptic technique when performing basic nursing procedures. This activity reinforces safe, evidence-based practice and helps you understand how infection prevention strategies protect both patients and healthcare providers.
In your reflection, you will also identify key safety considerations for adult clients and explore how cultural or spiritual beliefs may influence infection control practices, holistic care delivery, and patient cooperation.
In one well-developed paragraph (8–12 sentences), explain the importance of using standard and aseptic precautions to prevent infection and ensure safe, cost-effective, and ethical patient care (CLO #1 & #2). Identify at least two safety risks or concerns that nurses must consider when providing basic care to adult clients, including how these risks influence assessment and decision-making (CLO #4). Finally, describe how cultural, religious, or spiritual beliefs may affect infection-prevention practices or a patient’s acceptance of certain procedures, demonstrating your understanding of culturally responsive and respectful care (CLO #7).
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