What is the proper order for taking vital signs?

The proper order for taking vital signs is critical for ensuring accurate assessment of a patient's health status. Starting with temperature provides a baseline for gauging potential fever or infection, particularly in many healthcare settings. Following that, checking the pulse gives insights into the heart rate and rhythm, which is an essential indicator of cardiovascular health. After obtaining the pulse, respiration is measured to evaluate lung function and oxygenation levels. Finally, assessing blood pressure is done last, as it can be influenced by the recent physical activity of the patient, as well as their emotional state during the assessment.

This sequence aligns with common practices in clinical settings, focusing first on the more stable indicators of health and finishing with the one that may fluctuate more significantly during the exam process. Other combinations listed do not follow this systematic approach, making them less optimal for a consistent assessment of vital signs.