Baseline Vital Signs

Temperature

Normal range is 36°C - 37.5°C.

Tympanic

Measurement of temperature taken in the ear.

Oral

Measurement of temperature taken under the tongue.

Axilla

Measurement of temperature taken in the armpit.

Rectal

Measurement of temperature taken in the rectum.

Skin

Measurement of temperature taken from the skin surface.

IDC

Abbreviation for Indwelling Catheter, used for temperature measurement.

Infrared

A method of measuring temperature using infrared technology.

Pulse Rate

The number of heartbeats per minute.

Bradycardia

A slower than normal heart rate, less than 60 bpm.

Tachycardia

A faster than normal heart rate, greater than 100 bpm.

Normal Pulse Rate

60-100 beats per minute.

Asleep Pulse Rate

40 bpm.

Strenuous Exercise Pulse Rate

200-220 bpm.

Children Pulse Rate

80-120 bpm.

Infant Pulse Rate

120-140 bpm.

Arrhythmia

An irregular heart rhythm.

Respiration

The number of breaths taken per minute.

Inspiration

The act of breathing in, lasting 1-1.5 seconds.

Expiration

The act of breathing out, lasting 2-3 seconds.

Bradypnoea

A respiratory rate of less than 12 breaths per minute.

Tachypnoea

A respiratory rate of more than 20 breaths per minute.

Dyspnea

Shortness of breath.

Normal Respiration

12-20 breaths per minute.

Children Respiration

20-30 breaths per minute.

Infants Respiration

20-40 breaths per minute.

Oxygen Saturation

The percentage of oxygen in the blood.

Optimal SpO2

98-100% oxygen saturation.

Normal SpO2

95-100% oxygen saturation.

COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, with SpO2 of 88-92%.

Hypoxia

Oxygen saturation of less than 95%.

Blood Pressure

The force of blood against the walls of arteries, measured in mmHg.

Systolic

The pressure during the contraction of the left ventricle (100-140 mmHg).

Diastolic

The pressure during the relaxation of the left ventricle (60-90 mmHg).

Hypertension

Systolic blood pressure higher than 140 mmHg.

Hypotension

Systolic blood pressure lower than 100 mmHg.