When referring to vital signs, what does BP stand for?

BP stands for Blood Pressure, which is a critical vital sign in patient assessment. Blood pressure measures the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels and is expressed in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). It is recorded with two values: systolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, and diastolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. Monitoring blood pressure is essential for evaluating cardiovascular health, diagnosing potential conditions such as hypertension or hypotension, and making informed decisions regarding treatment and care plans for patients. Understanding blood pressure is crucial in the context of patient-centered care, as it directly influences patient management and outcomes.