Core Vital Signs

Question 1

Pulse Rate (Adults)

Answer 1

Normal: 60-100bpm
Tachycardia: >100bpm
Bradycardia: <60bpm

Question 2

Pulse Force

Answer 2

0: Absent
1+: weak or diminished
2+: Normal
3+: Increased Force
4+: Bounding
Thready: weak force with rapid rate

Question 3

Respiratory rate (adults)

Answer 3

Normal: 12-20 breaths/min
Tachypnea: > 20 breaths/min
Bradypnea: < 12 breaths/min

Question 4

Blood Pressure Values

Answer 4

Normal BP: <120/<80 mmHg
Elevated BP: 120-129/<80 mmHg
Hypertension stage 1: 130-139 or 80-89 mmHg
Hypertension stage 2: ≥140 or ≥90 mmHg

Prior to labeling someone hypertensive, it is important to go based of values from 2 or more visits.

Question 5

Body Temperature

Answer 5

Normal: 98.6 +- 1.8 degrees F

Question 6

Oxygen Saturation

Answer 6

Normal: 97-100%

Cardiovascular/pulmonary disease: 90-95%

Oxygen levels below 88% at rest is required before Medicare pays for supplemental oxygen.