Which vital signs should a First Responder regularly assess?

The assessment of vital signs is crucial for First Responders as it provides essential information about a patient's current physiological status. Regularly assessing heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and temperature gives a comprehensive picture of the patient's health and aids in identifying critical conditions.

Heart rate provides insight into the cardiovascular system's function and the body’s response to stress or illness. Respiratory rate indicates how effectively a person is breathing, which is vital in emergencies when oxygen delivery is crucial. Blood pressure measurements reveal the force of blood against artery walls, helping to assess the state of the cardiovascular system and identify conditions like shock or hypertension. Lastly, temperature can indicate the presence of infection or other systemic issues.

While other options mention relevant health information, they either include unrelated or less critical parameters. For example, financial status is not a vital sign, and while a patient’s history is important, it does not fall under the category of vital signs. Blood sugar, height, and weight, while relevant in some medical contexts, do not provide the immediate insights needed during emergency care as the primary vital signs do. Therefore, the combination in the correct response captures the essential measurements First Responders need to monitor regularly for effective assessment and intervention.