Which vitals should EMR learners monitor on a patient?

• A. Pulse, respirations, blood pressure, level of consciousness, skin color/temperature, and oxygen saturation if available.
• B. Only pulse and blood pressure.
• C. Temperature and blood glucose.
• D. Heart rate only.

Answer: (A)

Monitoring multiple vital signs provides a quick snapshot of a patient’s status across several body systems, not just one measure. The best approach includes pulse (heart rate and rhythm), respirations (rate and effort), blood pressure (perfusion pressure), level of consciousness (neurological status), skin color and temperature (perfusion and shock signs), and oxygen saturation if a pulse oximeter is available (oxygenation). Together these items give insight into how well the patient is circulating, ventilating, and oxygenating, as well as how their nervous system is functioning and how tissues are being perfused. Relying on only one or two measures misses critical changes; for example, pulse and blood pressure alone don’t reveal respiratory status, mental status, skin perfusion, or oxygenation, and relying on temperature or glucose alone omits several essential signs of acute illness or injury.