What term describes the process of monitoring a patient's vital signs regularly?

The process of monitoring a patient's vital signs regularly is best described as "Assessment." This term encompasses the systematic collection, interpretation, and validation of data regarding a patient's health status. In the context of vital signs, assessment involves not only measuring parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and respiratory rate but also interpreting these readings to determine the patient’s condition and identify any changes that may indicate a need for further medical attention.

While observation refers to the act of watching or noticing changes in a patient’s condition, it does not inherently imply the systematic evaluation of vital signs over time. Evaluation is typically a broader term that involves making judgments about the patient’s overall progress or outcomes based on both assessment data and clinical knowledge. Recording signifies the documentation aspect, which is essential for maintaining accurate health records, but it does not capture the full process of monitoring and interpreting data over time that is fundamental to assessment.

Thus, "Assessment" is the most appropriate term for the regular monitoring of vital signs, capturing the comprehensive and continuous nature of the care provided by Personal Care Assistants.