Which components are typically included in the assessment of vital signs?

The assessment of vital signs traditionally includes four core components: temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. Each of these components provides critical information about the physiological state of a patient.

• Temperature is essential for detecting fever or hypothermia, which can indicate infection or other medical conditions.

• Pulse gives insight into heart rate and rhythm, offering details about the cardiovascular system's functioning and overall health.

• Respiration rate is vital for assessing lung function and oxygenation status, helping to identify respiratory distress or other issues.

• Blood pressure is crucial for evaluating the force of blood against the arterial walls, which can reveal conditions like hypertension or hypotension.

Together, these vital signs form a foundational assessment that guides further clinical decision-making and interventions. Other options presented, while important in their own right, do not align with the traditional definition of vital signs and therefore do not meet the criteria of this specific question.