Vitalparameterüberwachung

Vital parameters, or vital signs, are measurements that reflect the functioning of essential physiological systems. They provide a concise snapshot of a patient’s status and are used to detect deterioration, guide treatment, and monitor response to therapy. In routine practice, the core vital parameters include heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, body temperature, and oxygen saturation.

Heart rate is measured in beats per minute and can indicate cardiac rhythm and autonomic tone. Normal adult resting heart rate is about 60 to 100 bpm. Blood pressure is expressed as systolic over diastolic pressure; typical adult values fall around 90–120 / 60–80 mmHg. Respiratory rate is the number of breaths per minute, usually 12–20 in a healthy adult. Body temperature commonly ranges around 36.5–37.5 °C (97.7–99.5 °F). Oxygen saturation (SpO2), assessed by pulse oximetry, is typically 95–100% on room air.

Measured values can contribute to risk assessment and clinical decisions. In hospital or prehospital settings, measurements are obtained with specific devices: a thermometer for temperature, a sphygmomanometer or automated cuff for blood pressure, a pulse oximeter for SpO2, and a monitor for heart rate and rhythm. Additional parameters, such as end-tidal CO2, arterial blood gases, lactate, glucose, and urine output, may be monitored in intensive care, anesthesia, or during critical illness.

Interpretation relies on trends over time and the clinical context. Normal ranges vary with age, pregnancy, fitness, medications, and fever; single values may be misleading, and clinicians emphasize patterns rather than isolated readings.