Vital signs are basic physiological measurements that indicate essential body functions: temperature, pulse (heart rate), blood pressure, and respiratory rate (breathing rate). Healthcare providers routinely measure vital signs to assess patient condition, detect problems, and monitor treatment responses. Normal ranges exist for each vital sign, with deviations indicating potential health concerns. Temperature indicates fever or hypothermia; pulse reflects heart function; blood pressure indicates cardiovascular health; respiratory rate shows breathing adequacy. Additional measurements sometimes included as vital signs are oxygen saturation (pulse oximetry) and pain level. Vital sign trends over time reveal health changes. Home monitoring of blood pressure and pulse has become common. Vital sign assessment is typically the first step in clinical evaluation.