How often should vital signs be reassessed during active resuscitation?

• A. Every 15 minutes.
• B. At least every 5 minutes or per protocol.
• C. Every hour.
• D. Only when the patient deteriorates.

Answer: (B)

During active resuscitation, the patient's condition can change rapidly, so vital signs must be checked frequently to detect those changes and guide ongoing treatment. Reassessing at least every five minutes, or per your facility’s protocol, provides timely information to adjust interventions like fluids, medications, and ventilation without interrupting critical care. Checking vitals only every 15 minutes, every hour, or only when the patient deteriorates would miss important shifts in status and delay needed actions. In practice, you monitor heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory status, oxygen saturation, mental status, and perfusion, using those findings to tailor the resuscitation plan in real time.