What is the primary purpose of obtaining vital signs?

The primary purpose of obtaining vital signs is to assess the patient's current clinical status. Vital signs provide critical information about the body's basic functions, indicating how well the body is maintaining vital processes. They include measurements such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature, which can reveal the presence of illness, changes in health status, and the effectiveness of a treatment plan.

Regularly evaluating vital signs allows healthcare providers to identify any immediate concerns that may require intervention and helps monitor changes over time, ensuring that any deteriorating condition is addressed promptly. While establishing a baseline for future reference is important, the immediate goal is to understand the patient's current health status and potential needs.