Advanced Patient Assessment Practice Exam

How frequently should vital signs be recorded for a hospitalized patient not in intensive care?

1. Every 2 to 4 hours

2. Every 4 to 6 hours

3. Every 8 to 12 hours

4. Every hour

The correct answer is: Every 4 to 6 hours

Recording vital signs for a hospitalized patient who is not in intensive care typically falls into a routine that balances the need for monitoring with the patient's stability. The choice of recording vital signs every 4 to 6 hours reflects a standard practice for patients who are stable and do not require intensive monitoring. This schedule allows healthcare providers to effectively track any changes in the patient's condition while avoiding unnecessary interventions that could distract from care. In clinical practice, the frequency can depend on various factors, such as hospital protocols, the specific needs of the patient, and any orders from the healthcare provider. For instance, a patient recovering from surgery may need more frequent assessments initially, but as they stabilize, the 4 to 6-hour interval is generally adequate. Other options suggest either a more frequent or less frequent monitoring approach. Recording vital signs every 2 to 4 hours may be more appropriate for patients with more acute needs or those closely monitored for complications. Recording them every 8 to 12 hours could be too infrequent for most hospitalized patients to ensure timely detection of any significant changes in their condition. Documenting vital signs every hour, while suitable for intensive care or critical patients, would not be necessary for stable patients in a general hospital ward.