Vital signs are measurable indicators of the body’s fundamental physiological functions, providing a rapid assessment of an individual’s general health status. Monitoring these signs helps identify deviations from a person’s normal baseline, which can indicate illness, infection, or injury. Learning how to accurately check these parameters at home empowers individuals to monitor their well-being and communicate objective data to healthcare professionals.
Measuring Body Temperature
Body temperature reflects the balance between heat produced and heat lost by the body, with a normal oral range for adults being 97.8°F to 99.1°F. Digital thermometers are the most common type for home use. For an oral reading, ensure the person has not consumed hot or cold beverages or food for at least 15 minutes, as this can skew the result. Place the probe tip under the tongue, instruct the person to keep their mouth closed, and wait for the device to signal the final measurement.
The temporal artery thermometer measures the heat emitted from the artery on the forehead, requiring a gentle, slow swipe across the skin from the center of the forehead toward the ear. Tympanic, or ear, thermometers are also quick, but they require proper positioning, which means gently pulling the adult ear up and back to straighten the ear canal before inserting the probe. Regardless of the type used, following the manufacturer’s instructions is necessary, and a temperature consistently above 100.4°F is considered a fever.
Assessing Pulse Rate
The pulse rate, or heart rate, measures the number of times the heart beats per minute, with a normal resting range for adults typically falling between 60 and 100 beats per minute. To check the pulse manually, the radial artery at the wrist is the easiest location to find. Place the pads of your index and middle fingers—never the thumb—on the inner wrist, just below the base of the thumb, applying gentle pressure until a distinct throbbing is felt.
Once the pulse is located, count the beats for 30 seconds and multiply that number by two to determine the beats per minute. Alternatively, count the beats for a full 60 seconds, especially if the rhythm feels irregular. While counting, also observe the rhythm, noting if the beats are steady and regular or if they fluctuate inconsistently.
Counting Respiration Rate
Respiration rate is the number of breaths a person takes per minute, an indicator of how well the body is exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide. The typical resting rate for a healthy adult is between 12 and 20 breaths per minute. The most accurate way to measure this is to observe the rise and fall of the chest or abdomen without the person knowing, as conscious awareness can alter breathing patterns.
Immediately after checking the pulse, keep your fingers on the wrist as if still counting the beats, but instead, begin counting the number of complete breath cycles. A single cycle includes one inhalation and one exhalation, counting the chest rise as one breath. Count the total number of breaths over a full 60 seconds, also noting if the breathing appears shallow, deep, or labored.
Checking Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the body’s arteries. The systolic reading, the upper number, represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and contracts. The diastolic reading, the lower number, is the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. A normal reading is considered to be less than 120 mmHg systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic.
Automated upper-arm cuff monitors are the standard for home use, providing reliable and easy-to-read results. Proper preparation is paramount for accuracy, requiring the person to sit quietly with their back supported and feet flat on the floor for at least five minutes before the measurement. The arm chosen for the reading should be bare and resting on a flat surface so the cuff is positioned at heart level.
The cuff size must be appropriate for the arm, as a cuff that is too small or too large will provide inaccurate results. Position the cuff snugly on the upper arm, about an inch above the bend of the elbow, ensuring the air tube is centered over the main artery. Once the monitor is activated, remain still and silent until the cuff inflates and deflates, and the digital display shows the two pressure numbers. Readings between 120/80 mmHg and 129/80 mmHg are categorized as elevated, indicating a need for lifestyle adjustments and further monitoring.