Vital Sign Ranges
Interpretation
Equipment & Techniques
Abnormal Findings
Application & Critical Thinking
100

What is the normal range for an adult’s respiratory rate?

12–20 breaths per minute

100

What condition is indicated by a blood pressure reading of 150/95 mmHg?

Hypertension

100

What artery is most commonly used to measure blood pressure manually?

Brachial artery

100

What does a temperature of 95°F in a toddler indicate?

Hypothermia

100

A patient has a pulse of 48 bpm. What is your priority action?

Assess for symptoms like dizziness and notify the provider (bradycardia)

200

What is the normal pulse range for an adult?

60–100 beats per minute

200

A patient has a temperature of 101.4°F. What term describes this?

Fever or Pyrexia

200

How does an ear thermometer measure temperature?

Tympanic membrane

200

What might cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when changing positions?

Orthostatic hypotension

200

Why is hypertension commonly referred to as the “silent killer”?

Normally no other symptoms than HTN

300

What is normal systolic blood pressure?

< 120 mmHg

300

A pulse rate of 120 bpm is called what?

Tachycardia

300

How long should you count a patient’s pulse to get an accurate reading?

60 seconds

300

A patient with an irregular pulse might have what condition?

Dysrhythmia

300

If a patient’s blood pressure is 180/110 mmHg, what is the condition called, and why is it serious?

Hypertensive crisis, which can lead to stroke or organ damage.

400

What is the average normal body temperature in Fahrenheit of healthy adult?

96.4-99.5°F

400

A respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute is called what?

Bradypnea

400

What position should the patient be in for an accurate sitting blood pressure reading?

Feet uncrossed, flat on the floor and arm at heart level.

400

Persistent high temperature after surgery may indicate what?

Infection

400

Why is it important to recheck an elevated temperature before notifying the provider?

To ensure the reading is accurate and rule out external factors like warm blankets

500

What is the normal pulse range for a healthy infant?

85-170 beats per minute

500

What does a blood pressure of 88/55 mmHg indicate?

Hypotension

500

What tools are used to measure blood pressure?

Stethoscope & Sphygmomanometer 

500

What does alternating periods of deep, rapid breathing followed by periods of apnea indicate?

Cheyne-Stokes respirations

500

A client’s blood pressure is 180/110. What is the pulse pressure?

70 mmHg

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