Vital signs

Answer 1

Definition

Vital signs include the heart beat, breathing rate, temperature, and blood pressure. These signs may be watched, measured, and monitored to check an individual's level of physical functioning.

Normal vital signs change with age, sex, weight, exercise tolerance, and condition.

Normal ranges for the average healthy adult vital signs are:

• Blood Pressure: 120/80 mm/Hg
• Breathing: 12 - 18 breaths per minute
• Pulse: 60 - 80 beats per minute (at rest)
• Temperature: 97.8 - 99.1 degrees Fahrenheit / average 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit

Answer 2

Definition

Vital signs include the heart beat, breathing rate, temperature, and blood pressure. These signs may be watched, measured, and monitored to check an individual's level of physical functioning.

Normal vital signs change with age, sex, weight, exercise tolerance, and condition.

Normal vital sign ranges for the average healthy adult while resting are:

• Blood pressure: 90/60 mm/Hg to 120/80 mm/Hg
• Breathing: 12 - 18 breaths per minute
• Pulse: 60 - 100 beats per minute
• Temperature: 97.8 - 99.1 degrees Fahrenheit / average 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit

Reviewed By

Review Date: 02/20/2011

David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.