Which vital sign is crucial for a CNA to monitor regularly?

Monitoring vital signs is essential for assessing a patient's overall health and detecting any potential medical issues early on. Among the various vital signs, blood pressure, pulse, and temperature are fundamental indicators of a patient’s physiological status and are commonly evaluated in clinical practice.

Blood pressure provides insights into the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels, helping to uncover issues like hypertension or hypotension. The pulse reflects the heart rate and rhythm, indicating cardiovascular function and overall circulation. Temperature reveals information about the body's ability to regulate heat, serving as an important marker for infections or other health concerns.

While blood glucose levels, respiratory rate, and weight are important aspects of patient care, they do not encompass the full spectrum of vital signs that a CNA is typically expected to monitor as part of routine assessments. Thus, regularly checking blood pressure, pulse, and temperature collectively offers a comprehensive view of a patient’s health status, making it a crucial responsibility for a CNA.