Pediatric Vital Signs (Age-based norms and red flags)

Vocabulary flashcards covering pediatric normal ranges for heart and respiratory rates, red flags by age, blood pressure considerations, temperature reference, and the source. These cards help memorize key rapid assessment thresholds used in pediatric care.

Normal awake heart rate (Newborn–3 months)

85–205 beats per minute (bpm)

Normal awake heart rate (3 months–2 years)

100–190 bpm

Normal awake heart rate (2 years–10 years)

60–140 bpm

Normal awake heart rate (>10 years)

60–100 bpm

Normal sleeping heart rate (Newborn–3 months)

80–160 bpm

Normal sleeping heart rate (3 months–2 years)

75–160 bpm

Normal sleeping heart rate (2–10 years)

60–90 bpm

Normal sleeping heart rate (>10 years)

50–90 bpm

Red flag heart rate (infants <1 year)

Less than 80 bpm or greater than 220 bpm

Red flag heart rate (children)

Less than 60 bpm or greater than 180 bpm

Normal respiratory rate (Infants <1 year)

30–60 breaths per minute

Normal respiratory rate (Toddler 1–3 years)

24–40 breaths per minute

Normal respiratory rate (Preschooler 4–5 years)

22–34 breaths per minute

Normal respiratory rate (School Age 6–12 years)

18–30 breaths per minute

Normal respiratory rate (Adolescent 13–18 years)

12–16 breaths per minute

Red flag respiratory rate (Newborn up to 1 month)

Greater than 70 breaths per minute

Red flag respiratory rate (Infants)

Greater than 60 breaths per minute

Red flag respiratory rate (Toddlers/Preschoolers)

Greater than 40 breaths per minute

Red flag respiratory rate (School Age)

Greater than 30 breaths per minute

Red flag respiratory rate (Any age <10)

Less than 10 breaths per minute

Blood pressure norms note

Norms are based on height, age and gender; consult the Appendix table for age/height percentile ranges for boys or girls

Hypotension red flag (Neonates)

Systolic BP < 60 mmHg

Hypotension red flag (Infants <1 year)

Systolic BP < 70 mmHg

Hypotension red flag (Children 1–10 years)

Systolic BP < 70 + (age in years × 2) mmHg

Hypotension red flag (Children >10 years)

Systolic BP < 90 mmHg