Vital signs
Vital signs
Vital signs (pronounced: /ˈvaɪtəl saɪnz/) are a group of the 4 to 6 most important medical signs that indicate the status of the body’s vital (life-sustaining) functions. These measurements are taken to help assess the general physical health of a person, give clues to possible diseases, and show progress toward recovery.
Etymology
The term "vital signs" comes from the Latin word "vitalis" meaning "pertaining to life" and the Middle English word "signe" meaning "a mark or token".
Types of Vital Signs
The four main vital signs routinely monitored by medical professionals and healthcare providers include:
Two additional vital signs:
- Oxygen saturation
- Pain levels
Heart Rate
The heart rate is the number of heartbeats per unit of time. The normal range for an adult is typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
Respiratory Rate
The respiratory rate is the number of breaths a person takes per minute. The rate is usually measured when a person is at rest and simply involves counting the number of breaths for one minute by counting how many times the chest rises.
Body Temperature
Body temperature is a measure of the body's ability to generate and get rid of heat. The normal body temperature can vary depending on the person, the time of day, and the weather.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the pressure of circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels. It is most commonly measured via a sphygmomanometer, which historically used the height of a column of mercury to reflect the circulating pressure.
Oxygen Saturation
Oxygen saturation is the fraction of oxygen-saturated hemoglobin relative to total hemoglobin in the blood. It is an important physiological parameter involved in respiration and circulation.
Pain Levels
Pain levels are considered the fifth vital sign and are subjective, unlike the other vital signs. Pain levels are most often reported by the patient, and can sometimes be measured by observing patient behaviors.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Vital signs
- Wikipedia's article - Vital signs
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