Which vital sign can generally be assessed without physical contact with the patient?

Respiration can generally be assessed without physical contact with the patient because it primarily involves observing the rise and fall of the patient's chest. This can be done visually from a distance, allowing the healthcare provider to determine the rate and pattern of breathing without needing to have any direct contact with the individual.

In contrast, heart rate typically requires either direct physical touch to feel the pulse or the use of equipment that often necessitates contact, such as an electrocardiogram. Blood pressure assessment involves the use of a sphygmomanometer, which requires placing a cuff around the patient’s arm, making contact necessary. Body temperature usually involves using a thermometer, which must come into contact with the body to provide an accurate measurement. Therefore, among these vital signs, respiration is uniquely positioned as the one that can be effectively assessed without any physical interaction with the patient.