Critical review I to standardize the textbooks of fundamentals of nursing: Vital sign assessment, body temperature regulation, oxygenation

Abstract

Fundamental nursing is a major course in which student nurses learn core and basic theories and nursing skills needed to solve patients' nursing problems before students starts clinical practicum. Methods: The 10 textbooks under review were selected as the most recent textbooks since 2013. As the first in a series of textbook review studies, we reviewed textbooks and procedure books on vital signs, body temperature regulation, and oxygenation, with a focus on differences in numbers, range, etc. Results: The most significant difference in vital signs assessment was the normal range for body temperature, which could be different according to age group, measurement sites and measuring devices. For topics on body temperature regulation, there were variations in describing stages of fever, definition, and patterns across 10 textbooks. For the topic on the oxygenation, the normal oxygen saturation level, FiO2 and L/min compatibility across various oxygen supply devices, and unit compatibility of French vs mili-meter for the selection of size of the suction catheter were not clear. Conclusion: Textbooks can be more effective nursing education guidelines when they provide standardized information as to figures and terms for nursing skills.