FREE STUDY · 4.2 MIN LESSON
Vital Signs — Normal Ranges
Read the lesson, then use the free narrated cards to check what you remember. Knowledge practice does not replace approved training, supervised practice or a competency assessment. Follow the rules for your role, state and workplace.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How should a PCT use a pulse-oximeter reading safely?
- Pulse oximetry estimates oxygen saturation; readings can be inaccurate because of factors such as movement, poor circulation or skin pigmentation.
- Follow the ordered target and reporting instructions and observe symptoms.
- A concerning change or breathing difficulty needs prompt escalation even if the displayed number seems reassuring.
- Do not independently change oxygen settings.
What does a nurse aide do when a vital sign is outside the normal range?
- Measure accurately and promptly report a concerning reading or change to the nurse.
- Activate emergency response when indicated; documentation must not delay urgent care.
- Record the measurement and actions accurately, and do not independently diagnose or change treatment.
What must happen before an ambulatory resident steps onto a scale?
- Check that the scale reads zero.
- Use the safe assistance described in the care plan, then record the measured weight.
How should a patient’s pain report be recorded?
- Use the pain scale selected for the patient, ask about location and the rating, and record the patient’s report without substituting your opinion.
- A numerical scale commonly runs from 0 for no pain to 10 for the worst imaginable pain.
- If self-report is not possible, use the team’s approved observational approach and report findings.
How should a concerning bedside glucose result be handled?
- Follow the approved meter procedure and report critical results under the facility’s response protocol.
- Low glucose can cause shakiness, sweating, confusion or loss of consciousness.
- A person who cannot safely swallow must not be given oral food or drink; obtain emergency help and follow the authorized treatment plan.
- Do not independently give insulin or alter medications.
Why must bed-scale setup follow the exact device instructions?
- Bedding and attached equipment can change a bed-scale reading.
- Follow the manufacturer’s zeroing and weighing procedure and the patient’s safe-movement plan.
- For the Hillrom Centrella example, the patient must not be on the bed during Zero or Re-Zero.
- Record an actual measured weight, not an estimate.
Why should blood-pressure site restrictions be checked first?
- Check the care plan and ask the nurse about limb restrictions before applying the cuff.
- Dialysis fistulas or grafts, vascular devices, wounds and prior breast or lymph-node surgery may affect the site selection.
- Follow the individualized instruction rather than choosing an alternate limb or technique without clarification.