Undertake routine clinical measurements

This standard covers taking and recording routine clinical measurements to establish a baseline for future comparison or as part of the individual's care plan.  The recording of such measurements must take into account the individual's overall condition. It is important that where you have any concerns regarding your ability to correctly take these clinical measurements, or if you are at all unsure of your readings, you must ask another competent member of staff to check your recordings to ensure the correct actions can be instigated without delay.

These activities could be done in a variety of care settings, including hospital wards and other departments including out patients, nursing homes, the individuals own home and GP surgeries.

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1. access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information
2. work safely at all times and in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols
3. deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved
4. identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
5. communicate with the individual and key people at a pace, in a manner and at a level appropriate to the individual's understanding, preferences and needs
6. respect the individual's rights and wishes relating to their privacy, beliefs and dignity
7. provide support to the individual and ensure health and safety measures are implemented at all times
8. apply standard precautions for infection prevention and control and apply other necessary health and safety measures
9. check the individual's identity and confirm the planned action
10. give the individual relevant information, support and reassurance in a manner which is sensitive to their needs and concerns
11. gain valid, informed consent from the individual in accordance with specific procedures
12. take the measurement at the prescribed time and in the prescribed sequence
13. use the appropriate equipment in such a way as to obtain an accurate measurement
14. seek a further recording of the measurement by another staff member if you are unable to obtain the reading or if you are unsure of the reading
15. observe the condition of the individual throughout the measurement
16. identify and respond immediately in the case of any significant changes in the individual's condition
17. recognise and report without delay any measurement which falls outside of normal levels
18. clean used equipment and return to usual place of storage after use
19. dispose of waste in accordance with organisational procedures
20. complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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1. the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
5. the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
6. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
7. how to adapt communication styles in ways which are appropriate to the needs of the individual 
8. the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
9. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
10. the needs of individuals and carers including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality, and privacy
11. organisational management structures, roles, and responsibilities
12. the importance of applying standard precautions to undertaking physiological measurements and the potential consequences of poor practice
13. why the clinical measurements are necessary and the importance of undertaking them as directed
14. why it is necessary to adjust clothing and/or reposition the individual for some clinical measurements
15. the concerns and worries which individuals may have in relation to some clinical measurements
16. the range and purpose of equipment used for different measurements
17. the importance of ensuring equipment is appropriately prepared
18. common conditions which necessitate the recording of physiological measurements
19. how blood pressure is maintained
20. the differentiation between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and what is happening to the heart in each reading
21. the normal limits of blood pressure
22. conditions where blood pressure may be high or low
23. how body temperature is maintained
24. what normal body temperature is
25. what is meant by pyrexia, hyper-pyrexia and hypothermia
26. what is normal respiratory rate
27. what affects respiratory rates in individuals who are ill and well
28. the normal limits of pulse rates
29. what affects pulse rates – raising it and lowering it
30. the sites in the body where pulse points can be found
31. why an individual's pulse oximetry needs to be measured
32. the findings when obtaining pulse oximetry, and the implications of these findings
33. what BMI is and how it is used in weight/dietary control
34. the factors that influence changes in clinical measurements
35. the importance of recording all information clearly and precisely in the relevant documentation, including whether the individual is receiving oxygen
36. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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3

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2026

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Current

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Original

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Skills for Health

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SFHCHS19

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Health and Social Care, Health and Social Services Officers, Health Associate Professionals, Health Professionals, Health, Public Services and Care, Healthcare and Related Personal Services

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2259

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Observations, vital signs, blood pressure, BP, temperature, pulse, respirations, respiratory rate, TPR, BMI, peak flow, clinical, measurements

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