Which of the following is NOT a method for assessing vital signs?

In the context of assessing vital signs, "assessment" itself is a broad term that describes the overall process healthcare providers use to evaluate a patient's health status. It encompasses various techniques and measurements, but it is not a specific method in itself for assessing vital signs.

On the other hand, pulsation, auscultation, and palpation are all defined techniques that can be utilized in the measurement of vital signs. Pulsation typically refers to the detection of a heartbeat, auscultation involves listening to internal body sounds (usually with a stethoscope), and palpation involves feeling the body (such as checking a pulse by touch). Each of these methods provides specific information regarding a patient’s physiological functions, making them integral to the process of monitoring vital signs.

Therefore, while "assessment" is an essential aspect of patient care, it does not represent a specific technique for assessing vital signs compared to the other methods listed.