Pediatrics | Reference | Vital Signs

Ref: Pediatric Vital Signs
  1. Temperature
  2. Pulse
  3. Respiratory rate
  4. Blood pressure
  5. Normal values by age
Temperature
  • Usually measure axillary.
  • Timing:
    • Continued
    • Intermittent
    • Remittent
    • Relapsing
  • Nomenlature:.
    • Hyperpyrexia: >41.6°C
    • Hypothermia: <35°C
Pulse
  • Measure for 15 secondsthen multiple by 4 to get rate/min.
  • Usually measure radial and femoral.
  • Assess rhythmcharacterdelays.
  • See Pulse Reference.
Respiratory rate
  • Measure while baby isn't cryinghence usually at the start of examination.
Blood pressure
  • Requirements of a pediatric BP cuff:
    • Bladder covers 2/3 of the upper arm.
    • Bladder is 1/2 width of upper arm.
    • Cuff goes all the way around.
  • Measure R armkeep at level of heart.
Normal values by age

Age: Neonate
Respiratory rate: 30-60
HR awake: 100-180
HR sleeping: 80-160
Systolic BP: 70-100
Diastolic BP: 50-65

Age: 6 months
Respiratory rate: 25-50
HR awake: 120-160
HR sleeping: 80-180
Systolic BP: 87-105
Diastolic BP: 53-66

Age: 2 years
Respiratory rate: 18-35
HR awake: 80-150
HR sleeping: 70-120
Systolic BP: 90-106
Diastolic BP: 55-67

Age: 5 years
Respiratory rate: 17-27
HR awake: 80-110
HR sleeping: 60-90
Systolic BP: 94-109
Diastolic BP: 56-69

Age: 10 years
Respiratory rate: 15-23
HR awake: 70-110
HR sleeping: 60-90
Systolic BP: 102-117
Diastolic BP: 62-75

Age: >10 years
Respiratory rate: 55-100
HR awake: 50-90
HR sleeping: 105-128
Systolic BP: 66-80
Diastolic BP: 10-23

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