Which vital sign indicates respiratory function?

The vital sign that best indicates respiratory function is respiratory rate. This measurement reflects how many breaths a person takes in one minute and is vital in assessing a person's breathing efficiency and oxygenation. An increased rate may suggest conditions like anxiety, fever, or respiratory distress, while a decreased rate may indicate potential issues such as respiratory depression.

Heart rate primarily measures the cardiovascular system's performance and does not provide direct insights into the respiratory system. Blood pressure assesses the force of blood against artery walls, which is essential for evaluating cardiovascular health but does not specifically inform about breathing or respiratory efficacy. Temperature is indicative of body heat and can suggest infection or illness but also does not directly relate to respiratory function. Therefore, respiratory rate stands out as the crucial indicator of how well a person is breathing and managing gas exchange.