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Revision as of 16:05, 24 October 2005 by Arcadian (talk | contribs) (added additional links)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Vital signs are often taken by health professionals in order to assess the most basic body functions. They include:
- temperature examination for normal temperature
- pulse rate (or heart rate)
- blood pressure
- respiratory rate
The equipment needed is a thermometer, a blood pressure (BP) cuff with a stethescope (or an automatic BP machine), and a watch.
Though a pulse can often be taken by hand, a stethoscope may be required for a patient with a very weak pulse.
Recently there has been a push to include pain, as percieved by the patient on a scale of 1-10, as "the 5th vital sign."
Vitals signs are an essential part of a case presentation.