Texas Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

In the context of vital signs, temperature is considered a priority because it provides critical information about a patient’s health status. Body temperature can indicate the presence of infection, inflammation, or other health concerns. Abnormal temperature readings can lead to immediate clinical actions, such as interventions for fever or hypothermia, which are essential for patient safety and care.

While height, weight, and age are important assessments, they do not provide immediate critical information about the patient’s physiological status or potential medical emergencies. Temperature changes can reflect acute conditions and guide healthcare providers in making timely decisions about treatment and care plans. Thus, monitoring a patient’s temperature is crucial and takes precedence in assessing overall health.