What are height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, and temperature collectively known as?

Height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, and temperature are collectively known as vital signs. Vital signs are essential measurements that provide critical information about a person's physiological status. These metrics are commonly used in both clinical and emergency settings to assess a patient's health and are fundamental in diagnosing and monitoring various health conditions.

These measurements are objective indicators of the body's essential functions. For instance, blood pressure readings can indicate cardiovascular health, while pulse rate gives insight into heart function. Temperature reflects metabolic activity and helps detect fever or infection. Height and weight are used to assess growth patterns in children and can indicate obesity or malnutrition in adults.

Understanding vital signs is crucial for chiropractic assistants as they play a role in patient evaluations and management. They inform healthcare providers about a patient's overall health and help to guide decisions regarding treatment or further assessments.