Define the term "vital signs."

The term "vital signs" refers to crucial measurements that provide essential information about a person's physiological status, primarily including temperature, pulse (heart rate), respiration rate, and blood pressure. These indicators help healthcare professionals assess a patient's immediate health situation and identify any potential medical issues.

Vital signs serve as a fundamental component in health assessment and monitoring. For instance, changes in temperature can indicate infection, while abnormal pulse rates may suggest cardiovascular problems. Regularly measuring these signs is critical in both clinical settings and routine health evaluations. Understanding and accurately interpreting vital signs are fundamental skills for healthcare professionals, as they form the basis of patient assessment and decision-making.

Other options, while relevant in the broader context of healthcare, do not accurately capture the definition of vital signs as they focus on different aspects of patient care, such as patient satisfaction, billing information, or medical history, which do not reflect the immediate physiological status of an individual.