Vital Sign Ranges
What is the normal range for an adult’s respiratory rate?
12–20 breaths per minute
What condition is indicated by a blood pressure reading of 150/95 mmHg?
Hypertension
What artery is most commonly used to measure blood pressure manually?
Brachial artery
What does alternating periods of deep, rapid breathing followed by periods of apnea indicate?
Cheyne-Stokes respirations
A patient has a pulse of 48 bpm. What is your priority action?
Assess for symptoms like dizziness and notify the provider (bradycardia)
What is the normal pulse range for an adult?
60–100 beats per minute
A patient has a temperature of 101.4°F. What term describes this?
Fever or Pyrexia
What type of thermometer is used to measure tympanic temperature?
Ear thermometer
What might cause a sudden drop in blood pressure?
Dehydration, shock, or blood loss
You find a patient’s oxygen saturation at 88%. What should you do first?
Assess the patient and provide oxygen as needed
What is normal systolic blood pressure?
< 120 mmHg
A pulse rate of 120 bpm is called what?
Tachycardia
How long should you count a patient’s pulse to get an accurate reading?
60 seconds
A patient with an irregular pulse might have what condition?
Arrhythmia
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.
What is the average normal body temperature in Fahrenheit?
98.6°F
A respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute is called what?
Bradypnea
What position should the patient be in for an accurate blood pressure reading?
Sitting with feet flat on the floor, arm at heart level.
Persistent high temperature after surgery may indicate what?
Infection
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
What is the normal oxygen saturation level for a healthy adult?
95–100%
What does a blood pressure of 88/55 mmHg indicate?
Hypotension
What tool is used to measure oxygen saturation?
Pulse oximeter
A patient with rapid, shallow breathing might have what condition?
Respiratory distress or hypoxemia
A patient reports dizziness when standing. Their blood pressure drops from 130/85 mmHg to 105/70 mmHg. What condition might this indicate?
Orthostatic hypotension