Assessing, measuring and monitoring vital signs in infants, children and young people

Last updated: 23/01/2025

This resource provides guidance on assessing, measuring and monitoring vital signs in infants, children, and young people across various health care settings. It covers key skills, including observation, communication and the use of tools like Paediatric Early Warning Scores (PEWS).

Search:

Children and young people

Who is this resource aimed at?

This resource is aimed at nurses and nursing support workers across all settings and levels of practice, including students of health, social work and care professions.

What will this resource give me?

understand the importance of vital signs assessment in infants, children and young people

recognise the key principles of observing and monitoring physiological and emotional wellbeing

gain knowledge of tools and systems used to identify and respond to deterioration, such as PEWS

learn the standards and practices for accurate measurement and recording of vital signs

develop awareness of risk factors requiring enhanced monitoring and intervention

explore methods for effective communication with colleagues, parents and carers

understand the role of medical devices and equipment in vital signs monitoring

learn how to support children and families during assessments to reduce distress

gain insight into training and competency requirements for health care practitioners

understand the application of national and local policies in clinical practice.

Resource last reviewed

14 Jan 2025

Resource lead

Email RCN Learn for more information on this resource

The RCN delivers quality-assured and up-to-date resources for the nursing workforce. Reviewed annually in line with the RCN Quality Assurance policy, all RCN Learn resources meet the RCN’s Nine Quality Standards.

Who is this resource for?

This resource is aimed at nurses and nursing support workers across all settings and levels of practice, including students of health, social work and care professions.

Related courses and resources

;

Promoting effective treatment and education for children with eczema

Downloaded content date

PDF created on: 19 Sept 2025.

Downloaded from: https://rcnlearn.rcn.org.uk/Search/Vital-signs.

Please check: https://rcnlearn.rcn.org.uk for a more up-to-date version of this content.

Last updated: 23/01/2025