Vital Signs

Radial Pulse: Located at the thumb side of the wrist. This site is most commonly used for checking pulse.

Carotid Pulse: Located under the angle of the jaw where it meets the neck. This site is used during emergencies and when performing CPR. This site should never be used with excess pressure.

Brachial Pulse: Located in the inner elbow typically in the center towards the inside of the arm (the area closes to the body). This site is used to obtain blood pressure measurements.

Temporal Pulse: Located at the temple. This site is rarely used but can be used to monitor circulation and control bleeding from the head to the scalp. This site is also used to take a temporal artery temperature.

Femoral Pulse: Located in the groin area where the top of the groin and the hip meet.

Popliteal Pulse: Located on the back of the knee.

Dorsalis Pedis Pulse: Located on top of the foot slightly to the side of the midline next to the extensor ligament of the great toe, between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones. This site is used to monitor limb circulation.

Apical Pulse: Located at the apex of the heart. A stethoscope is required to listen to this pulse.

Respiration rate: Normal resting respiratory rate = 10 to 20 breaths per minute

Pulse:Normal resting heart rate = 60 to 100 beats per minute

The average BP for an adult is 120/80 mmHg, but variations are normal for various reasons.

Temperature: Normal body temperature ranges from 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C), with slight variations depending on the time of day and individual factors.

For most people, a normal pulse oximeter reading for your oxygen saturation level is between 95% and 100%.