Using the Orange Box with the News2 NHS App: A Step-by-Step Guide

Using the Orange Box with the News2 NHS App: A Step-by-Step Guide

The new Right at Home Orange Box is designed to seamlessly integrate with the News2 NHS app, providing essential tools for accurate health assessments. Inside the box, you'll find a thermal thermometer, a pulse oximeter, and a blood pressure monitor. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure precise readings and efficient data input.

Getting Started

1. Launch the News2 NHS app on your phone.
2. Prepare your client by ensuring their hands and fingers are warm. Remove any nail varnish or false nails to ensure accurate readings.
3. Ensure the client is relaxed, either sitting or lying down, with their hand resting on a still surface.

Using the Pulse Oximeter

1. Open the oximeter by squeezing the end together.

2. Insert the client’s middle finger into the device until they feel the rubber stop.

3. Turn on the oximeter and wait for the numbers to stabilize.

4. Record the respiration rate from the bottom of the screen into the app.

5. Select the appropriate scoring scale in the app.

6. Record the oxygen level displayed at the top of the screen.

7. Input whether the client is on oxygen.

Measuring Blood Pressure

1. Connect the pressure cuff tube to the monitor.

2. Place the cuff on the client’s arm, approximately one inch above the elbow.

3. Tighten the cuff until it's snug but comfortable.

4. Turn on the monitor and wait for the cuff to inflate and deflate.

5. Record the systolic blood pressure in the app.

6. Record the pulse reading displayed on the screen.

Conducting a Consciousness Assessment

Evaluate the client’s state of consciousness and select one of the following:

• Alert

• Confused

• VPU (Voice, Pain, or Unresponsive)

Taking a Temperature Reading

1. Turn on the thermometer using the temperature button.

2. Ensure the female face icon appears on the screen.

3. Aim the thermometer at the centre of the forehead, maintaining a distance of 0–3 cm.

4. Press the measurement button.

5. Record the temperature reading in the News2 app.

Understanding the News Score

After inputting all vital readings, the app will generate a NEWS (National Early Warning Score), which indicates the urgency of medical intervention:

• Score 1-3: Normal range, continue monitoring.

• Score 4-6: Intermediate risk. Call 111 for medical advice.

• Score 7 or more: High risk. Call 999 immediately for urgent assistance.

Using the Orange Box with the News2 app ensures accurate health monitoring, allowing for timely interventions and improved patient care. Follow these steps carefully to help assess illness severity and risk of deterioration effectively.