Normal Ranges Across the Lifespan
| Age Group | ❤️ HR (bpm) | 🫁 RR (/min) | 🩸 SBP | 🩸 DBP | 🌡️ Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn (0–1 mo) | 120–160 | 30–60 | 60–90 | 20–60 | 97.7–99.5°F |
| Infant (1–12 mo) | 100–160 | 24–38 | 72–104 | 37–56 | 97.7–99.5°F |
| Toddler (1–3 yr) | 90–150 | 20–30 | 86–106 | 42–63 | 97.7–99.5°F |
| Preschool (3–6 yr) | 80–140 | 20–26 | 89–112 | 46–72 | 97.7–99.5°F |
| School Age (6–12) | 70–120 | 18–24 | 97–120 | 57–80 | 97.7–99.5°F |
| Adolescent (12–18) | 60–100 | 12–20 | 110–131 | 64–83 | 97.7–99.5°F |
| Adult | 60–100 | 12–20 | 90–120 | 60–80 | 97.8–99.1°F |
| Elderly (>65) | 60–100 | 12–20 | <140 | <90 | 96.8–98.6°F |
Key NCLEX Vital Sign Rules
- • Pediatric SBP: Normal = 80 + (2 × age). Hypotension = SBP < 70 + (2 × age).
- • HR decreases with age: neonates fastest; adult ranges reached by adolescence.
- • Elderly temperature: baseline may be lower; infection can present without fever.
- • Widening pulse pressure (SBP − DBP > 40): early sign of increased ICP.
- • Cushing triad (late ICP sign): HTN with widened pulse pressure, bradycardia, irregular respirations.
- • SpO₂: 95–100% normal; <90% is critical — apply O₂ and reassess.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate normal pediatric blood pressure?
Normal pediatric SBP = 80 + (2 × age in years). Hypotension = SBP less than 70 + (2 × age). Example: a 5-year-old normal SBP ≈ 90 mmHg; hypotension below 80 mmHg.
What are normal adult vital signs?
HR 60–100 bpm, RR 12–20, BP 90/60 to 120/80, Temp 97.8–99.1°F, SpO₂ 95–100%.
What is a widened pulse pressure?
Pulse pressure = SBP − DBP (normal 30–40). Widened (>40) is an early sign of increased ICP — part of Cushing triad with bradycardia and irregular respirations.
Why can elderly patients have infection without fever?
Blunted fever response from immune senescence and lower baseline temp. Infection may instead present as new confusion, falls, or functional decline.