Which items are included in vital signs assessment?

Which items are included in vital signs assessment?

• A. Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, height, weight, O2 saturation, tobacco use, alcohol, pain, BMI, BSA
• B. Glucose level and liver enzymes
• C. Hearing acuity and color vision
• D. Blood glucose only

Answer: (A)

Vital signs are the basic measurements that show how the body is functioning at a given moment. The core elements are blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation. Pain is often recorded as a fifth vital sign because it reflects the patient’s current status and is routinely assessed. Height and weight aren’t vital signs themselves, but they’re commonly documented because they’re used to calculate BMI and body surface area, which inform care. Tobacco use and alcohol use are important parts of the patient history and can influence overall assessment, but they aren’t vital signs. So the option that includes the essential vital signs plus the commonly tracked related measurements and factors best aligns with what’s typically gathered during a vital signs assessment.

Vital signs are the basic measurements that show how the body is functioning at a given moment. The core elements are blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation. Pain is often recorded as a fifth vital sign because it reflects the patient’s current status and is routinely assessed. Height and weight aren’t vital signs themselves, but they’re commonly documented because they’re used to calculate BMI and body surface area, which inform care. Tobacco use and alcohol use are important parts of the patient history and can influence overall assessment, but they aren’t vital signs. So the option that includes the essential vital signs plus the commonly tracked related measurements and factors best aligns with what’s typically gathered during a vital signs assessment.