What do "baseline vital signs" refer to?

Baseline vital signs refer to the initial set of vital signs that are obtained during a patient's first visit or upon admission to a healthcare facility. These measurements serve as a reference point for healthcare providers to assess the patient's health status over time. By establishing these baseline values, medical professionals can detect any changes or deviations from a patient's normal state, which may indicate the onset of a medical condition or the effectiveness of ongoing treatment.

This initial data collection is crucial because it allows for consistent monitoring of the patient's condition. If subsequent vital signs show significant variations from the baseline, it can prompt further investigation or intervention. Understanding baseline vital signs is essential for effective patient assessment and management in any healthcare setting.