What are the vital signs that must be assessed in a patient?

The assessment of vital signs is a critical component in emergency medical services, as these indicators provide essential information about a patient's immediate health status. The correct answer includes heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation, all of which are vital signs that give a comprehensive view of the patient's physiological condition.

Heart rate helps assess the cardiovascular system and can indicate various conditions such as shock or cardiac arrest. Blood pressure measures the force of blood against the walls of the arteries and is crucial for evaluating the body's perfusion and overall hemodynamic stability. Respiratory rate provides insight into a patient's respiratory function and can indicate distress or failure. Temperature is an important measure in identifying potential infections or systemic inflammatory responses. Lastly, oxygen saturation is critical in assessing how effectively oxygen is being transported in the bloodstream, aiding in the identification of respiratory issues or metabolic problems.

Collectively, these five vital signs give EMS providers the necessary information to decide the appropriate interventions and prioritize patient care, making it essential to assess them all in an emergency setting.