What Does VS Mean in Medical Terms?

VS stands for vital signs. Temperature, pulse, respirations and blood pressure.

Where you will see VS

You will most often see VS in observation charts and bedside assessments.

Example

A chart note might use “VS” as shorthand for vital signs when documenting a patient's care.

Related abbreviations

• 4AT — 4 A's test
• A&O — alert and oriented
• A&P — auscultation and percussion
• ABPI — ankle-brachial pressure index
• ACT — Asthma Control Test
• Allen test — Allen's test
• APGAR — Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration
• ASA class — American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status

Browse the full Medical Abbreviations guide — 5,715 entries, searchable A–Z and by specialty.