How often should vital signs be reassessed in a critically unstable patient?

In critically unstable patients, continuous reassessment of vital signs is essential due to the dynamic nature of their condition. Vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation, can change rapidly in these patients, indicating fluctuation in their clinical status. Continuous monitoring allows medical personnel to quickly identify deterioration or improvement, ensuring timely intervention.

Regular intervals, such as every 10 or 15 minutes, may not be sufficient for a patient whose condition can evolve rapidly within those time frames. Similarly, assessing vital signs only at the end of the shift poses a significant risk, as critical changes could occur during that period without being detected. Continuous monitoring, therefore, is the most appropriate approach in these scenarios to ensure immediate response and management of the patient's needs.