In rapid medical assessment for an unstable patient, how often should vitals be reassessed?

• A. Every 15 minutes
• B. Every 30 minutes
• C. Every 5 minutes
• D. Only when indicated

Answer: (C)

In an unstable patient, you need to detect changes as quickly as possible to guide life-saving actions. Vital signs can swing rapidly, so frequent reassessment is essential. Checking every 5 minutes provides timely trend information about circulation, breathing, and overall perfusion, allowing you to adjust fluids, medications, airway support, and other interventions without delay. If you wait 15 or 30 minutes, or only reassess “when indicated,” you risk missing early deterioration and losing precious time. When available, continuous monitoring helps, but if you’re doing manual checks, aim for about every 5 minutes and adjust as the patient stabilizes.