What characteristic of vital signs may indicate risks of deterioration?

Borderline vital signs can indicate risks of deterioration as they suggest that a patient's physiological status is not stable. When vital signs are on the cusp of normal ranges, this can serve as an early warning sign that the patient may not be as healthy as they appear and could be at risk for decline. Monitoring these borderline values closely is essential because even minor changes could signify a shift towards more serious complications.

Consistent readings within normal limits generally suggest that a patient is stable, while an excellent health history and stable chronic conditions indicate resilience and management of health status, which typically do not signify immediate risk. Therefore, it's crucial to pay particular attention to borderline vital signs for any potential changes that could lead to deterioration in a patient’s condition.