Overview
This lecture covers the normal vital sign ranges—including temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure—across different age groups from newborns to adults.
Newborn Vital Signs
- Normal temperature: 97.2–99.9°F (36.2–37.7°C).
- Normal pulse: 95–170 beats per minute (bpm).
- Normal respirations: 30–60 breaths per minute.
- Normal blood pressure (BP): 60–70/40 mmHg.
Infant Vital Signs
- Normal temperature: 96–99.7°F (35.6–37.6°C).
- Normal pulse: 85–170 bpm.
- Normal respirations: 30–50 breaths per minute.
- Normal BP: 85/37 mmHg.
Toddler Vital Signs
- Normal temperature: 96–99°F (35.6–37.2°C).
- Normal pulse: 70–150 bpm.
- Normal respirations: 20–40 breaths per minute.
- Normal BP: 88/42 mmHg.
Child Vital Signs
- Normal temperature: 96–99°F (35.6–37.2°C).
- Normal pulse: 65–130 bpm.
- Normal respirations: 15–25 breaths per minute.
- Normal BP: 95/57 mmHg.
Adolescent Vital Signs
- Normal temperature: 96.4–99.5°F (35.8–37.5°C).
- Normal pulse: 60–115 bpm.
- Normal respirations: 12–20 breaths per minute.
- Normal BP: 102/60 mmHg.
Adult Vital Signs
- Normal temperature: 96.4–99.5°F (35.8–37.5°C).
- Normal pulse: 60–100 bpm.
- Normal respirations: 12–20 breaths per minute.
- Normal BP: less than 120/80 mmHg.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Vital signs — Measurements indicating the state of essential body functions (temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure).
- Pulse — The number of heartbeats per minute.
- Respirations — The number of breaths per minute.
- Blood pressure (BP) — The force of circulating blood on artery walls, recorded as systolic/diastolic.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Memorize the normal vital sign ranges for each age group.
- Practice identifying abnormal vital signs using these standards.