Vital Signs Assessment

Flashcards covering definitions, normal ranges, and interpretations of vital signs (Pulse, Respiration, and Blood Pressure) across different age groups.

Pulse Rate (PR)/ Heart Rate (HR)

Number of arterial pulsations per $1\,\text{minute}$ (PR) and Heart's beats per $1\,\text{minute}$ (HR).

Adult Normal Pulse Rate

$$60-100\,\text{beats/min}$$

Infant Normal Pulse Rate

$$100-160\,\text{bpm}$$

Toddler Normal Pulse Rate

$$90-140\,\text{bpm}$$

Preschool Normal Pulse Rate

$$80-120\,\text{bpm}$$

School Age Normal Pulse Rate

$$70-110\,\text{bpm}$$

Adolescent Normal Pulse Rate

$$60-100\,\text{bpm}$$

Tachycardia

An elevated heart rate that may be caused by pain or fever.

Bradycardia

A decreased heart rate that may be related to physical conditioning.

Respiratory Rate (RR)

Number of breaths/cycles per minute; assessment also requires checking rhythm and quality.

Adult Normal Respiratory Rate

$$12-20\,\text{breaths/min}$$

Infant Normal Respiratory Rate

$$30-60\,\text{bpm}$$

Toddler Normal Respiratory Rate

$$24-40\,\text{bpm}$$

Preschool Normal Respiratory Rate

$$22-34\,\text{bpm}$$

School Age Normal Respiratory Rate

$$18-30\,\text{bpm}$$

Adolescent Normal Respiratory Rate

$$12-20\,\text{bpm}$$

Tachypnea

An elevated respiratory rate often associated with pain or hypoxia.

Bradypnea

A decreased respiratory rate often associated with overdose.

Blood Pressure (BP)

Pressure in arteries during heart cycles.

Adult Normal Blood Pressure

Systolic: $100-140\,\text{mmHg}$; Diastolic: $60-90\,\text{mmHg}$

Pediatric Systolic BP (Infant)

$$70\,\text{mmHg}$$

Child (1-10 yrs) Systolic BP Formula

$$70 + (2 \times \text{Age in years})\,\text{mmHg}$$

Pediatric Systolic BP (Adolescent)

$$90\,\text{mmHg}$$

Hypertension

High Blood Pressure commonly associated with pain or existing conditions.

Hypotension

Low blood pressure often resulting from dehydration or bleeding.