vital sign
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A vital sign is a measurable indicator of the body's most essential life-sustaining functions. These signs provide a basic, immediate assessment of a person's general physical condition and physiological status.
Usage
Vital signs are objective, quantifiable measurements used in clinical and emergency settings to monitor a patient's health, detect medical problems, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. They are fundamental to medical assessment.
Examples
- The nurse checked the patient's vital signs, including pulse and temperature, every four hours.
- Upon arrival at the scene, the paramedic's first task was to assess the accident victim's vital signs.
- Stable vital signs are a good indicator that the patient is recovering well from surgery.
Advanced Usage
- The term is almost exclusively used in its plural form, vital signs, as multiple measurements are typically taken and considered together.
- In a clinical context, the "classic" or primary vital signs are body temperature, pulse rate (heart rate), respiratory rate (breathing rate), and blood pressure. Pain level is often considered a fifth vital sign.
Variants and Related Words
- Vital (adjective): Absolutely necessary or important; essential to life. (e.g., )
- Sign (noun): An object, quality, or event whose presence or occurrence indicates the probable presence or occurrence of something else. (e.g., )
Synonyms
- Clinical measurements
- Physiological parameters
- Life signs
Related Phrases
- To take vital signs: To measure and record a patient's vital signs.
- The doctor asked the assistant to take the new patient's vital signs.
- To monitor vital signs: To observe and track vital signs over time.
- The patient in the intensive care unit had his vital signs monitored continuously.
Noun
- sign of life; usually an indicator of a person's general physical condition
- he was still alive but his vital signs were weak