Which vital sign is typically assessed first during a patient evaluation?

In a patient evaluation, temperature is typically assessed first because it is a key indicator of the body's current health status. Measuring temperature is a simple yet crucial step that can quickly identify the presence of fever, infection, or systemic inflammatory response. Start with this measurement allows healthcare providers to establish a baseline for the patient’s condition, which can influence further assessments and interventions.

Establishing whether the patient has a normal or elevated temperature can guide decisions such as the need for additional tests, the urgency of treatment, and the overall approach to patient care. Following temperature, other vital signs such as pulse rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure are assessed, but temperature is often prioritized as it provides immediate insight into the patient's thermal balance and potential underlying issues.