How often should you reassess vital signs in a stable trauma patient?

Reassessing vital signs in a stable trauma patient every 15 minutes is crucial for monitoring their condition and detecting any changes that may indicate deterioration. Trauma patients, despite appearing stable, can experience sudden shifts in their clinical status due to internal injuries, bleeding, or other associated complications. By reassessing vital signs frequently, medical personnel can catch these changes early, allowing for prompt intervention that could be critical in maintaining the patient's health and safety.

The interval of 15 minutes balances the need for close observation with the realities of patient care in a dynamic environment. In contrast, longer intervals such as 30 minutes or an hour may not provide timely information for noticeable changes that can occur in a trauma patient. Reassessing after every transport is also important, but it does not establish a routine check in stable patients who are being monitored continuously. Therefore, the best practice is to consistently reassess vital signs every 15 minutes to ensure vigilance in patient care.