Trending Vital Signs by Age

Vital Signs by Age

• Understanding vital signs is crucial when assessing patients of different age groups. Different patient categories include:

  • Neonates (Newborns)

  • Infants (up to 1 year)

  • Toddlers

  • Preschool Age Children (3 to 5 years)

  • School Age Children

  • Adolescents and Adults

Adult Patient Vital Signs

• Blood Pressure: 120/80 mmHg (normal range)

• Heart Rate: 60 to 100 beats per minute

  • Note: Athletes or runners may have lower resting heart rates (40-50 bpm); if confirmed as normal for the person, it is not a cause for concern.

• Respiratory Rate: 12 to 20 breaths per minute

Five-Year-Old Child Patient Vital Signs

• Blood Pressure: Approximately 100/60 mmHg

  • Note: This is a general guideline; individual variations exist. The reading should not be a strict measurement.

• Heart Rate: 80 to 120 beats per minute

• Respiratory Rate: 20 to 30 breaths per minute

Eleven-Month-Old Infant Patient Vital Signs

• Blood Pressure: Approximately 90/54 mmHg

• Heart Rate: 80 to 160 beats per minute

  • Note: Infants' heart rates can change significantly between activity and rest.

• Respiratory Rate: 30 to 60 breaths per minute

Key Takeaways

• Vital signs vary by age and individual characteristics.

• It's important to consider context (like activity level) in assessing heart rates, especially for infants and athletes.

• Always monitor and reassess vital signs in a patient to ensure accuracy and relevance to their condition.