What does the term 'vital signs' refer to?

The term 'vital signs' refers to measurements necessary for life functions. Vital signs typically include body temperature, heart rate (pulse), respiratory rate, and blood pressure. These measurements are essential for assessing a person's basic physiological status and can provide critical information about their overall health. Monitoring vital signs helps healthcare professionals identify potential health issues, track a patient’s condition over time, and determine the effectiveness of treatments.

Indicators such as body temperature alone do not provide a complete picture of health, nor do counts of blood cells or mental health assessments fall under the definition of vital signs. Therefore, 'measurements necessary for life functions' captures the broad and essential nature of vital signs in healthcare practice.