The measures of different physiological statistics are together termed as vital signs. They are measured by testing people and done so in order to examine the most fundamental functions of body. These are indispensable fraction of case presentation.

The vital signs can very easily be broken down into four measurements of the body. These are: respiratory rate, which should be 12 to 18 breaths in every minute; blood pressure, which should be 120/80 mm/Hg; pulse or heart rate, which should add to 120/80 mm/Hg while the body rests; and the body temperature, which must have an average of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

It could include recordings of a few more functions depending on the age of the patient on whom the health check up is being performed. The procedure of measuring the vital signs uses some basic apparatus such as a watch, a sphygmomanometer and also a thermometer. Overtime, a lot many supplementary signs have been recommended to encompass within the boundaries of vital signs. However, no such proposals have been accepted around the globe officially. This is largely due to the expenditure in acquiring machinery which is needed to diagnose and also because of the complex process in preparing and instructing the new professionals entering in this arena.

However, in the medical terminology the “fifth vital sign” has come to be known as pain which is measured on a scale of 0 to 10 on the Pain Scale. The ultimate judge is the patient as the scale records what is perceived by him. Some other doctors have declared oxygen saturation to be the 5th sign. Others in giving importance to the responsiveness to light have considered the pupil size as the 5th sign. Despite all the speculations no “sixth vital sign” has been officially set.

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