What are Vital Signs?

Vital signs are basic measurements of the body’s essential functions. They help healthcare workers understand how well the body is working.

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Main Vital Signs

1. Temperature
2. Pulse
3. Respiration
4. Blood Pressure
5. (Sometimes) Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂)

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1. Temperature

Purpose / Role

• Detects fever or hypothermia
• Shows presence of infection or inflammation
• Monitors response to treatment

Method / Way of Measurement

• Oral (mouth)
• Axillary (armpit)
• Rectal
• Tympanic (ear)
• Temporal (forehead)

Normal Range

• 36.5°C – 37.5°C

According to Disease

• Fever → Infection, malaria, pneumonia
• Low temperature → Shock, exposure to cold

Interpretation

• ↑ Temperature → Infection, dehydration
• ↓ Temperature → Hypothermia, shock

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2. Pulse

Purpose / Role

• Checks heart rate and rhythm
• Shows circulation status

Method / Way

• Palpation at:
  • Radial artery (wrist)
  • Carotid artery (neck)
• Count for 1 minute

Normal Range

• 60–100 beats/min (adult)

According to Disease

• Fast pulse (Tachycardia) → Fever, anemia, shock
• Slow pulse (Bradycardia) → Heart conditions, athletes

Interpretation

• Weak pulse → Poor circulation
• Irregular pulse → Heart rhythm problem

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3. Respiration

Purpose / Role

• Assesses breathing efficiency
• Detects respiratory problems

Method / Way

• Observe chest movement
• Count breaths for 1 minute

Normal Range

• 12–20 breaths/min (adult)

According to Disease

• Fast breathing → Asthma, pneumonia, fever
• Slow breathing → Brain injury, drug effects

Interpretation

• Shallow breathing → Lung disease
• Labored breathing → Respiratory distress

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4. Blood Pressure (BP)

Purpose / Role

• Measures force of blood in arteries
• Detects hypertension or hypotension

Method / Way

• Sphygmomanometer + stethoscope
• Digital BP machine

Normal Range

• 120/80 mmHg

According to Disease

• High BP → Hypertension, kidney disease
• Low BP → Shock, dehydration

Interpretation

• ↑ BP → Risk of heart disease
• ↓ BP → Risk of fainting, shock

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5. Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂)

Purpose / Role

• Measures oxygen level in blood

Method / Way

• Pulse oximeter (finger probe)

Normal Range

• 95–100%

According to Disease

• Low SpO₂ → Asthma, COPD, pneumonia

Interpretation

• <90% → Oxygen deficiency (needs attention)

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Summary Table (Quick Revision)

Vital Sign	Normal Value	Disease Indication
Temperature	36.5–37.5°C	Fever → Infection
Pulse	60–100/min	Fast → Shock
Respiration	12–20/min	Fast → Lung disease
BP	120/80 mmHg	High → Hypertension
SpO₂	95–100%	Low → Breathing problem