FREE STUDY · 3.2 MIN LESSON
Your Four Vital Signs
Study the lesson here, then use the free narrated cards to check what you remember. This is exam preparation; follow your training and facility policies in practice.
Your lesson
- Read or listen to each explanation.
- Pause to recall the answer, then practise with the cards.
Temperature / Pulse
Temperature
- What is the normal body temperature range for an adult?
- A typical healthy resting adult temperature is about 97.7 to 99.1 degrees Fahrenheit (36.5 to 37.3 degrees Celsius), averaging 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). Temperature varies with the person and measurement method; use the ordered route and report concerning readings or changes to the nurse.
Pulse
- What is the normal pulse rate for an adult at rest?
- A typical healthy adult resting pulse is 60 to 100 beats per minute. A reading outside this range is not a diagnosis by itself; consider the resident's baseline and report according to instructions. For the Credentia radial-pulse skill, count for one full minute.
Breathing rate / Blood pressure
Breathing rate
- What is the normal breathing rate for an adult, and how do you count it correctly?
- A typical adult resting respiratory rate is 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Count one rise and fall of the chest as one breath; the Credentia skill requires a full minute. Observe breathing naturally without asking the resident to change its pace, and promptly report new rapid or difficult breathing.
Blood pressure
- What is a normal blood pressure reading for an adult?
- The American Heart Association normal adult blood-pressure category requires systolic pressure below 120 AND diastolic pressure below 80 millimeters of mercury. A single reading does not establish a diagnosis; report concerning readings and changes according to the resident's care instructions.
Reporting vital signs
Reporting vital signs
- What does a nurse aide do when a vital sign is outside the normal range?
- Measure and record accurately, then promptly report a concerning reading or change to the nurse. Follow the resident's reporting instructions and facility emergency procedure when urgent help is needed. Do not independently diagnose or change treatment.
Pause and recall
What is the normal body temperature range for an adult?
What is the normal pulse rate for an adult at rest?
Check your answers
Answer 1
- A typical healthy resting adult temperature is about 97.7 to 99.1 degrees Fahrenheit (36.5 to 37.3 degrees Celsius), averaging 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). Temperature varies with the person and measurement method; use the ordered route and report concerning readings or changes to the nurse.
Answer 2
- A typical healthy adult resting pulse is 60 to 100 beats per minute. A reading outside this range is not a diagnosis by itself; consider the resident's baseline and report according to instructions. For the Credentia radial-pulse skill, count for one full minute.