What are the basic vital signs monitored by Hospital Corpsmen?

The basic vital signs monitored by Hospital Corpsmen are temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. These vital signs provide essential information about a patient's physiological state and help assess their health status.

Monitoring temperature reveals information about potential infection or inflammation, where an elevated body temperature could indicate a fever. The pulse gives insight into the heart rate and rhythm, which is crucial for understanding cardiac function. Respiration rates can indicate the patient’s respiratory health; alterations may suggest distress or underlying conditions. Blood pressure measurements are vital for assessing cardiovascular health and can highlight issues such as hypertension or shock.

Recognizing these four vital signs is fundamental in clinical settings, as they are routinely checked during examinations and emergencies to quickly gauge a patient’s health and determine necessary interventions or treatments.