Body Temperature
Body temperaturecan vary throughout the day, even for a person who is healthy.
Typically, its lowest upon awakening and higher later in the day.
The readings can vary depending on which one of these sites is used.
PeopleImages / Getty Images
Forehead thermometers are more accurate than ear thermometers and their accuracy is similar to probe thermometers.
Fever also triggers the bodys immune system.
Respiration Rate
Respiration raterefers to the number of breaths taken per minute while at rest.
Its one of the easiest vital signs to measure, as you only need a clock or timer.
The normal number of breaths per minute for an adult at rest is 12 to 18.
Pulse rate is a measurement of how many times per minute this surge can be detected.
At this point, a small valve opens to allow air to slowly leak out of the cuff.
The first sound will be the systolic pressure; the second is the diastolic pressure.
A meter thats part of the sphygmomanometer indicates the specific numbers that correspond to each.
There areblood pressure monitorsavailable for home use as well.
These monitors use an arm cuff connected to a blood pressure measurement machine.
They are easy to use and provide accurate readings.
These devices have been validated for clinical accuracy.
Dehydration or certain medications also can cause a drop in blood pressure.
Chronically low (or even borderline low) blood pressure can have an adverse effect on the kidneys.
Oxygen Saturation
Oxygen saturation is the amount of oxygen in your blood.
To use a pulse oximeter, you insert your finger into the gear.
You will feel a slight pressure, but it doesn’t cause pain.
Most devices beep or stop flashing when the measurement is complete.
An oxygen saturation of 90% or less is considered a medical emergency requiring medical help right away.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing hypothermia.
American Heart Association.All about heart rate (pulse).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Measure your blood pressure.
American Heart Association.Understanding blood pressure readings.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About high blood pressure.
American Heart Association.Know your risk factors for high blood pressure.
American Lung Association.Pulse oximetry.
National Library of Medicine StatPearls.Hypoxia.
Sarkar M, Niranjan N, Banyal PK.Mechanisms of hypoxemia[published correction appears in Lung India.
2017 Mar-Apr;34(2):220].Lung India.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Vital signs (body temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, blood pressure).
