Vital signs are important indicators of body function. Accurate measurement and documentation of a patient’s vital signs is an essential skill for medical assistants.
Average Normal Ranges for Vitals
| Age | Temp (ºF) | Pulse (beats/min) | Resp (breaths/min) | BP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn* | 97–100 | 80–160 | 30–60 | 74/50–100/70 |
| Child (1–5 yrs) | 98.6 | 80–130 | 20–30 | 80/50–112/80 |
| Child (6–16 yrs) | 98.6 | 75–110 | 15–23 | 80/50–120/80 |
| Adult | 97–99 | 60–100 | 12–20 | 90/60<120/80 |
* Ranges should be used as a reference only. Normal ranges, especially for newborns and children, can vary.
Pulse points
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