How often should vital signs be reassessed for an unstable patient?

For an unstable patient, vital signs should be reassessed every 5 minutes. This is essential because unstable patients are at a higher risk of rapid deterioration or changes in their condition. Frequent reassessment allows healthcare providers to monitor these changes closely and respond promptly to any sign of worsening status.

In a pre-hospital setting, where factors can quickly change due to environmental influences, ongoing evaluation of vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation, ensures that any critical changes are quickly identified, and appropriate interventions can be initiated. This practice aligns with the principles of emergency care, emphasizing vigilance and timely response to patient needs. Keeping track of vital signs at such short intervals supports better outcomes by enabling immediate action when necessary.