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What are Vital Signs?
Vital signs are measurements of the body's most basic functions. The four main vital signs routinely monitored by medical professionals and health care providers include the following:
- Body temperature
- Pulse rate
- Respiration rate (rate of breathing)
- Blood pressure
In general, vital signs while your loved one is in the hospital are monitored every two-to-four 2-4 hours based on the needs of your loved one.
This website explains what each of these vital signs are in more detail:
Vital Signs (Body Temperature, Pulse Rate, Respiration Rate, Blood Pressure) - Health Encyclopedia
From the University of Rochester Medical Center
When we go home how often should I monitor Vital Signs?
It is important to monitor vital signs because they can indicate that something is wrong, such as pain or infection. The vital signs should be checked once a day unless your doctor recommends a different frequency.
Talk to your doctor if you notice the following changes:
- High or low heart rate (normal is between 60 and 100 beats per minute)
- Fevers (temperature greater than 100oF or 38oC)
- Blood pressure too high (systolic aka “top number” over 160) or too low (systolic less than 100) or change suddenly
Your doctor will assess the situation and may give fluids and medicine to keep your loved one medically stable.