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

The respiratory rate is generally the first vital sign assessed during a patient evaluation due to its critical importance in assessing a patient's immediate respiratory function and overall stability. The respiratory rate provides essential information about the adequacy of ventilation and oxygenation in the body. An abnormal respiratory rate can be an early indicator of respiratory distress, metabolic imbalance, or other underlying health issues that require prompt intervention.

Immediately assessing the respiratory rate allows healthcare providers to gauge how well a patient is breathing, which is crucial in situations where a patient may be experiencing respiratory failure or a significant medical emergency. By prioritizing respiratory assessment, providers can address life-threatening conditions more swiftly than if they were to focus first on other vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, or temperature, which, while important, do not provide the same immediate insight into the patient's respiratory status.