Final answer:
Vital signs are not recorded as part of the child's general appearance; this aspect involves assessing visible physical characteristics, behavior, and hygiene, rather than measurements requiring instruments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The observation that would not be recorded as part of the child's general appearance is 'd. Vital signs'. When assessing a child's general appearance, healthcare providers typically look for physical characteristics and behaviors that are evident upon sight. This can include an impression of the child's nutritional status, such as in the case where a health worker measures arm circumference as an indicator of nutritional well-being, or the presence of secondary sexual characteristics, which are signs of sexual maturation. Behavior assessment may consider whether there is a secure attachment, characterized by how a child uses the parent as a secure base to explore their surroundings. The child's hygiene and cleanliness are also observed, as they can reflect parental care and can impact the child's self-esteem and social interactions. However, vital signs, which include measurements like heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature, require specific instruments and procedures that are not a part of the initial visual assessment of general appearance.