Vital signs include temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. They are called "vital" because they are regulated by vital organs and reveal changes in body function. Monitoring vital signs allows detection of changes in a patient's condition from treatment or illness and can provide diagnostic information. Normal ranges are provided for adults, with rates varying by age. Factors like emotions, activity level, and medications can cause variations. Regular monitoring of vital signs is important for assessing patient health and treatment effectiveness.

1. VITAL SIGNS
DEF – The temperature, pulse, respiration
and blood pressure are called vital signs
or cardinal signs. They are called ‘vital
signs’ because :
1. These findings are governed by vital
organs and reveal even the slightest
deviation from normal body functions.

2. 3. The changes in the condition of the
patient, improvement or regression may
be detected by the observation of these
signs
4. Through these signs, specific
informations may be obtained that will
help in the diagnosis of disease, the
result of treatment, medications and
nursing care.
5. Even the patient’s emotional state may
also cause a significant variation in these
symptoms.

3. * The normal body temperature is 98.6
degree F or 37 degree C in adults.
* The normal pulse is 72/min in adults.
* The normal respiration is 16/min in adults
* The normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm
of Hg in adults.

4. Body temperature
 Body temperature may be defined as the
degree of heat maintained by the body or it is
the balance between the heat produced and
the heat lost in the body.
 The heat regulation centre is the
hypothalamus situated in the brain.

5. PULSE
 The pulse is an impulse generated by the
opening and contraction of an artery caused
by the movement of blood from the heart as
it cotracts.
 The pulse may be felt at :
* The radial artery in front of the wrist.
* Temporal artery over the temporal bone.
* Carotid artery at the sides of the neck.
* The brachial artery above the elbow
* Femoral artery in the groin

6. * Poplitial artery in the poplitial fossa (back of
the knee).
* The dorsalis pedis artery on the foot
* The posterior tibial artery behind the medial
malleolus.
 The apical pulse is palpated to count the
pulse rate in infants.

7. Before assessing the pulse, nurse must be
familiar with the normal characteristics of a
pulse – the rate, rhythm, volume and tension
The factors causing variations in pulse rate are:
The very young have a rapid pulse rate. The
adults have a normal range of 70 to 80 per
min. the very old have relatively slow pulse
rate.

8. Before birth(F.H.S) 140 to 150 per min
At birth(Newborn) 130 to 140 per min
First year 115 to 130 per min
Second year 100 to 115 per min
Third year 90 to 100 per min
4 to 8 years 86 to 90 per min
8 to 15 years 80 to 86 per min
Adults 70 to 80 per min
Old age 60 to 70 per min

9. RESPIRATION
 Respiration is the act of breathing. It is the
process of taking in oxygen and giving out
carbon dioxide. Respiration constitutes
inspiration, expiration and pause.
 Respiration is observed to determine the rate,
depth, rhythm and easiness of respiration.
Normal breathing is effortless automatic,
regular, even and produces no noise.

10. AGE OF THE PERSONS:
At birth(Newborn) 30 to 40 per min
First year 26 to 30 per min
Second year 20 to 26 per min
Adolescence 20 per min
Adults 16 to 20 per min
Old age 10 to 24 per min

11. BLOOD PRESSURE
 DEF- Blood pressure is the force exerted
by the blood against the blood vessels as
it flows through them.
 The average blood pressure for the
healthy adult is usually about 120/80
mmHg.
 A systolic pressure 150 or below 90 mmHg
is regarded as abnormal.
 A diastolic pressure above 90 mmHg is
considered abnormal.