Free preview · Lesson 1
Vital Signs: Normal Values and Measurement
Normal adult ranges (at rest)
- Temperature: about 36.5–37.5 °C (oral). 38 °C or above is generally treated as fever (pyrexia); below 35 °C is hypothermia.
- Pulse: 60–100 beats/min. Below 60 is bradycardia, above 100 is tachycardia.
- Respiratory rate: 12–20 breaths/min.
- Blood pressure: around 120/80 mmHg is normal. Readings of 140/90 or higher on repeated measurement indicate hypertension; below 90/60 is hypotension.
- SpO₂: 95–100% on room air. Below 90–92% needs urgent attention (target ranges differ for patients with chronic lung disease).
Measuring correctly
- Pulse: the radial artery (wrist, thumb side) is the routine site. Count for a full 60 seconds if the rhythm is irregular. Note rate, rhythm and volume.
- Respiration: count without telling the patient (people change their breathing when watched) – often done straight after counting the pulse.
- BP: patient seated and rested for 5 minutes, arm at heart level, correct cuff size; avoid the arm with an IV line, fistula or on the side of a mastectomy.
- Temperature: wait 15–30 minutes after hot or cold drinks before an oral reading.
Recording and reporting
- Chart every reading immediately with date and time.
- Compare with the previous readings – trends matter more than a single value.
- Report abnormal values promptly to the doctor or charge nurse using SBAR, and recheck as advised.
Children and elderly
Normal values differ with age – infants have higher pulse and respiratory rates. Always check the age-specific chart used in your hospital.