Positions, Measurements, and Vital Signs

Supine

A person in this position is lying flat on their back

Lateral

A person in this position is lying on either their right or left side

Prone

A person in this position is lying on their stomach

Fowler’s

A person in this position is in a semi sitting (45 to 60 degrees) or partially reclined position

Sims’

A person in this position is lying on their left side with one leg drawn up (flexed knee)

Sims’

Best position to take a rectal temperature

97.6-99.6

Normal Oral Temperature Range (F)

98.6-100.6

Normal Rectal Temperature Range (F)

96.6-98.6

Normal Axillary Temperature Range (F)

96.6-99.7

Normal Tympanic Temperature Range (F)

97.2-100.1

Normal Temporal Artery Temperature Range (F)

60-100

Normal Pulse Rate Range (in beats per minute)

12-20

Normal Respiratory Rate Range (in respirations per minute)

90-119/60-79

Normal Blood Pressure Range Systolic/Diastolic (in mm Hg)

Below 90/Below 60

Low/Hypotensive Blood Pressure Range Systolic/Diastolic (in mm Hg)

120-129/Less than 80

Elevated Blood Pressure Range Systolic/Diastolic (in mm Hg)

130-139/80-89

Stage 1 Hypertension BP Range Systolic/Diastolic (in mm Hg)

Over 140/Over 90

Stage 2 Hypertension BP Range Systolic/Diastolic (in mm Hg)

Over 180/Over 120

Hypertensive Crisis BP Range Systolic/Diastolic (in mm Hg)

Red

Temperature Color for Rectum

Blue/Green

Temperature Color for Everywhere but Rectum

1/2 to 1 inch

Length to insert temperature inside rectum

1/4 to 1/2 inch

Length to insert temperature inside ear

96-100

Normal O2 reading range for pulse oximeter

30 mL

We learned that 1 ounce (oz) is equivalent to what?