• The room should be quiet, well lit, warm, and comfortable.
• The patient should not have consumed alcohol, tobacco, or caffeine or exercised for 30 minutes prior to the examination.
• It is best to complete a thorough history to allow the patient to relax and the effect of any of the above to resolve.
• The patient should be sitting with his or her back supported and feet on the floor.

Equipment Needed

• Stethoscope
• Blood pressure cuff
• Timing device with second hand
• Thermometer
• Scale with height measurement device, tape measure, or both

Components of Vital Signs

• Temperature
• Pulse
• Respiration
• Blood pressure
• Height
• Weight