Question

What errors could be introduced by the Medical Assistant? What can you do to reduce errors when taking vital signs?

Answer 1

Some of the errors that a Medical Assistant can introduce could be errors in getting patient's profile and medical history. Others can include giving of wrong advise that can put the patient in danger. To reduce errors in taking vital signs first one should make sure that the equipment to be use is working properly. There should also be precautions like when taking blood pressure, one should put the cuff 1-2 inches above the antecubital and should not be too lose or too tight to avoid false reading. For temperature, one should also compare the reading at the thermometer and touch the patient if he or she is warm or cold and for the pulse rate and respiratory rate, one should count on full minute not just 15 seconds multiply it to 4 to get a one minute.