Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

APPENDIX I
VITAL SIGNS
Vital signs are the observable, objective measures
of a person’s basic health status. The four standard
vital signs are PULSE (HEART RATE), BLOOD PRESSURE,
RESPIRATION RATE (BREATHING rate), and body temperature.
Within a range of normal measurements,
these signs vary among individuals and
according to age, gender, aerobic condition, and
level of physical activity. Health conditions further
affect vital signs. A person may have vital signs
that are outside the parameters of “normal” in a
general context though are consistent for him or
her.
VITAL SIGNS
Heart Rate (Pulse) Blood Pressure Breathing Rate Body Temperature
adult 60 to 89 beats per systolic < 120 millimeters 12 to 18 breaths per 97.8º to 99.1ºF
minute at rest of mercury (mm Hg) minute
diastolic < 80 mm Hg
child, 1 to 8 years 80 to 100 beats per systolic 60 mm Hg 40 to 60 breaths per 97.8º to 99.1ºF
days minute at rest minute
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