vital signs

The term "vital signs" refers to key measurements used to assess the essential physiological functions of the body, critical in medical evaluations.

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Definition

(technical, clinical)Measurements of the body's core functions, typically including temperature, pulse, respiration rate, and blood pressure.

The nurse checked the patient's vital signs every hour to monitor their condition.
Vital signs like blood pressure and heart rate can indicate a person's immediate health status.

(extended)Key indicators that reflect the overall condition or health of something.

Environmental scientists monitor the vital signs of the planet to track climate change.
The company's financial statements are considered the vital signs of its economic health.

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "vital signs":