Vital signs

Vital signs are a set of key measurements taken by healthcare professionals to assess a person's basic body functions. These measurements provide essential data about an individual's health status and are often the first step in diagnosing medical conditions.

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Overview of Vital Signs

• Vital signs serve as fundamental indicators of physiological function and stability. They typically include:
• Heart rate (HR): The number of times the heart beats per minute.
• Respiratory rate (RR): The number of breaths taken per minute.
• Blood pressure (BP): The force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels.
• Body temperature: The degree of the body's heat, often measured in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.
• Oxygen saturation (SpO2): The level of oxygen in the blood.
• In some settings, pain level is also considered a vital sign, given its importance in assessing a patient's overall condition.

Measurement and Normal Ranges

• The methods for measuring vital signs and their normal ranges can vary with age, sex, weight, exercise capability, and overall health.
• Heart Rate: Measured using a stethoscope, palpation, or electronic monitor. The normal range for adults is typically 60-100 beats per minute (bpm).
• Respiratory Rate: Often counted visually or by auscultation for one minute. The typical range for a healthy adult is 12-20 breaths per minute.
• Blood Pressure: Measured using a sphygmomanometer. The ideal reading is usually considered to be around 120/80 mmHg.
• Body Temperature: Measured using a thermometer orally, rectally, axillary, tympanic, or temporally. The average normal body temperature is generally accepted as 37°C (98.6°F).
• Oxygen Saturation: Measured using a pulse oximeter, which is placed on a thin part of the patient's body, usually a fingertip or earlobe. For a healthy individual, the normal SpO2 should be between 94-99%.

Clinical Relevance

Changes in vital signs can indicate medical problems and the severity of disease. They are used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment, to watch for changes in a patient’s condition, and to measure response to therapeutic interventions.

References

<references>

• "Vital Signs (Body Temperature, Pulse Rate, Respiration Rate, Blood Pressure)". Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
• "Understanding Vital Signs". American Heart Association. Retrieved 2023-05-25.

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