Overview
This lecture reviews the normal ranges for vital signs across different ages, including temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure, as well as classifications for hypothermia and hypertension.
Temperature Ranges
- Adult temperature range: 36-38°C (96.8-100.4°F).
- Average adult oral/tympanic temperature: 37°C (98.6°F).
- Average adult rectal temperature: 37.5°C (99.5°F).
- Average adult axillary temperature: 36.5°C (97.7°F).
- Mild hypothermia: 34-36°C (93.2-96.8°F).
- Moderate hypothermia: 30-34°C (86.0-93.2°F).
- Severe hypothermia: <30°C (<86°F).
Pulse (Heart Rate) Ranges
- Adult: 60-100 beats/min.
- Adolescent (13-18): 50-100 beats/min.
- School-Age (6-12): 60-110 beats/min.
- Preschooler (3-5): 70-120 beats/min.
- Toddler (1-2): 80-140 beats/min.
- Infant (1 month): 90-160 beats/min.
Respiratory Rate Ranges
- Adult (18+): 12-20 breaths/min.
- Adolescent (13-18): 16-20 breaths/min.
- Preschooler (3-5): 20-25 breaths/min.
- Toddler (1-2): 25-30 breaths/min.
- Infant (1 month-1 year): 25-60 breaths/min.
- Newborn: 30-60 breaths/min.
Blood Pressure Ranges
- Adult & Adolescent: <120/<80 mmHg.
- School-Age (6-12): Systolic 94-106, Diastolic 55-62 mmHg.
- Preschooler (3-5): Systolic 89-98, Diastolic 46-54 mmHg.
- Toddler (1-2): Systolic 86-91, Diastolic 37-46 mmHg.
- Newborn (1 month): 64/41 mmHg.
- Pulse pressure (adults): 40-60 mmHg.
Hypertension Stages
- Stage 1 Hypertension: Systolic 130-139 or Diastolic 80-89 mmHg.
- Stage 2 Hypertension: Systolic >140 or Diastolic >90 mmHg.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Hypothermia — Abnormally low body temperature, classified as mild, moderate, or severe by specific temperature ranges.
- Pulse Pressure — Difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure, normal in adults is 40-60 mmHg.
- Systolic — Pressure in arteries when the heart beats.
- Diastolic — Pressure in arteries when the heart is resting between beats.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Memorize the normal ranges for temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure by age.
- Review hypertension and hypothermia classification criteria.