Hospital papers
What Are Vital Signs?
Vital signs · say it: VY-tul SYNZAlso written: vitals, observations, obs, obs chart
Short answer
Vital signs are basic body measurements, such as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, temperature and oxygen level.
What it means
Vital signs are simple measurements that give a quick picture of how the body is working. The main ones are pulse (heart rate), blood pressure, breathing (respiratory) rate, temperature and oxygen saturation.
Hospitals often check them regularly and may record them on an "obs chart". Some hospitals use scoring systems that add up the vital signs to help spot when someone needs closer attention.
Vital signs change through the day and with activity, pain, anxiety and medicines. Doctors look at the pattern over time as well as single readings.
Where you may see it
- Hospital notes and observation charts
- Emergency department records
- Discharge summaries and clinic notes
📄 How it looks on a report
Obs: HR 88, BP 128/76, RR 16, Temp 37.0, SpO2 97% on air.
🙅 What it does not mean
- One unusual reading does not necessarily mean something is wrong. Readings can vary.
- Normal vital signs do not rule out every illness.
- "On air" means breathing normal room air, not extra oxygen.
🗒️ Questions to ask your doctor
🧾 Reports where you will see “Vital signs”
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💊 Medicines whose labels mention “Vital signs”
Plain-English explanations of each medicine, from its official FDA label.
- Lithium Carbonate
A mood-stabilizing agent, which the label describes as a medicine used to treat bipolar I disorder
- Pregabalin
an antiepileptic drug, which is a seizure medicine that is also used to treat certain types of nerve pain and fibromyalgia
🔗 Read more from trusted sources
- “Vital signs” on MedlinePlus ↗
US National Library of Medicine
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