**HEALTH ASSESSMENT: VITAL SIGNS**
By MJ Ezenwa
**INTRODUCTION**
Vital signs are the most important and basic clinical measurements used to assess a patient's physical
state, detect abnormalities early, and monitor response to treatment.
**THE FIVE MAIN VITAL SIGNS**
1. **Temperature**
2. **Pulse**
3. **Respiration**
4. **Blood Pressure**
5. **Pain (5th Vital Sign)**
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**1. TEMPERATURE**
- Definition: The balance between heat produced and heat lost by the body.
- Normal Range: 36.5°C – 37.5°C
- Sites: Oral, Rectal, Axillary, Tympanic
- Types of Fever: Low-grade, High-grade, Hyperpyrexia
- Factors affecting temperature: Exercise, infection, environment, hormones.
By MJ Ezenwa
**INTRODUCTION**
Vital signs are the most important and basic clinical measurements used to assess a patient's physical
state, detect abnormalities early, and monitor response to treatment.
**THE FIVE MAIN VITAL SIGNS**
1. **Temperature**
2. **Pulse**
3. **Respiration**
4. **Blood Pressure**
5. **Pain (5th Vital Sign)**
---
**1. TEMPERATURE**
- Definition: The balance between heat produced and heat lost by the body.
- Normal Range: 36.5°C – 37.5°C
- Sites: Oral, Rectal, Axillary, Tympanic
- Types of Fever: Low-grade, High-grade, Hyperpyrexia
- Factors affecting temperature: Exercise, infection, environment, hormones.
