Vital signs are measurable indicators of the body’s fundamental functions. They provide important information about overall health and can signal changes that warrant attention. Monitoring them helps understand body function and assess wellness. They also serve as early warning signs for potential health concerns.
Understanding the Core Vital Signs
Core vital signs include body temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure. Body temperature measures the amount of heat within the body, reflecting its internal thermal regulation. Pulse rate measures the number of times the heart beats each minute, indicating its rhythm and blood flow. Respiration rate tracks how many breaths a person takes per minute, revealing lung function. Blood pressure gauges the force exerted by blood against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps it throughout the body.
Oxygen saturation, an indicator often monitored alongside core vital signs, assesses the percentage of hemoglobin in red blood cells carrying oxygen. This measurement provides insight into how effectively the lungs deliver oxygen to the bloodstream and how well that oxygen is transported to the body’s tissues. Though not traditionally one of the original four, oxygen saturation is now routinely assessed due to its significance. Pain is also recognized as a subjective vital sign, often evaluated using a numerical scale to understand discomfort.
Step-by-Step Measurement Techniques
Body temperature can be measured using several methods. For an oral temperature, place the tip of a digital thermometer under the tongue, ensuring the mouth remains closed until it beeps. Axillary, or underarm, temperature involves placing the digital thermometer in the center of a dry armpit and holding the arm close to the body until it indicates a reading. For a temporal artery temperature, an infrared scanner is gently swept across the forehead, often continuing to the area behind the earlobe, to measure heat radiating from the temporal artery.
To measure pulse rate, locate the radial artery on the thumb side of the wrist by gently placing two fingers between the bone and tendon. Once a pulse is felt, count the beats for 15 seconds and multiply by four to calculate beats per minute. Alternatively, count for a full minute for accuracy.
Assessing respiration rate involves observing the rise and fall of a person’s chest or abdomen. Without making the individual aware, count the breaths taken over one full minute. Note the depth and rhythm of breathing. Ensuring the person is at rest helps achieve a more accurate baseline reading.
For blood pressure measurement at home, an automatic blood pressure cuff is used. Position the cuff directly on the skin of the upper arm, ensuring the bottom edge is about one inch above the elbow crease and the tube is centered over the brachial artery. Sit still with feet flat on the floor and the arm supported at heart level. Activate the device and allow it to inflate and deflate, displaying the systolic (top) and diastolic (bottom) pressure readings.
When checking oxygen saturation, clip a pulse oximeter onto a finger, toe, or earlobe. The oximeter emits light through the tissue to measure blood oxygen, displaying a percentage within seconds. Ensure the finger is clean and free of nail polish or artificial nails, as these can interfere with light transmission and affect accuracy.
Interpreting Your Readings
Understanding normal vital sign readings is important for adults. Body temperature ranges from 97.8°F (36.5°C) to 99°F (37.2°C), with an average of 98.6°F (37°C). Normal resting pulse rates for adults are 60 to 100 beats per minute. Respiratory rates at rest are 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
For blood pressure, a normal reading is considered below 120/80 mm Hg. The top number, systolic, represents the pressure during heartbeats, while the bottom number, diastolic, indicates pressure between beats. Oxygen saturation levels, measured by a pulse oximeter, are normal between 95% and 100%. Minor fluctuations can occur due to activity, stress, or time of day.
Recognizing Concerning Changes
Significant deviations in vital signs can indicate a need for medical attention. A body temperature consistently above 100.4°F (38°C) is a fever and requires monitoring. A resting heart rate consistently above 100 beats per minute or below 60 beats per minute can be concerning. A respiratory rate below 12 or above 20-25 breaths per minute may signal an underlying issue.
Blood pressure readings that are consistently elevated, such as systolic pressure between 120 and 129 mm Hg with diastolic below 80 mm Hg, or values of 130/80 mm Hg or higher, suggest hypertension. Readings significantly below 90/60 mm Hg might also be a cause for concern. For oxygen saturation, a reading of 92% or lower should prompt a call to a healthcare provider, and a reading of 88% or lower indicates a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.