Vital Signs: What Is Normal?

Do you need a reminder of the normal levels for vital signs?  Here you go!

TEMPERATURE:

97.6°-99.6° F or 36.5°-37.5°C   (oral)

• Note: Temperatures are usually lowest in the morning and highest in the afternoon. 
• Older adults tend to have lower temperatures than other age groups. 
• Exercise can cause temperature to increase temporarily.

PULSE:

60-100 beats per minute

• Regular rhythm, easy to find and count.

RESPIRATIONS:

12-20 respirations per minute.

• Regular rhythm, effortless, quiet.

BLOOD PRESSURE:

100-139 Systolic (top number)

60-89 Diastolic (bottom number)