Which of the following is NOT included in vital signs?

Vital signs are critical measurements that provide essential information about an individual's health status. They typically include heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature because each of these reflects a fundamental aspect of bodily function. The heart rate indicates how well the heart is performing its role in circulating blood, blood pressure gives insight into the force of blood against the walls of the arteries, and temperature reveals the body's thermoregulation and can indicate infection or other medical conditions.

Medication consumption, on the other hand, is not classified as a vital sign. While understanding a patient's medication use is important for overall healthcare management, it does not provide direct measurement of physiological functions and thus does not fit the criteria for vital signs. This distinction is crucial for healthcare professionals who assess patient health and readiness for medical procedures or interventions.