Vital Signs

Question 1

normal oral temp. (°C)

Answer 1

35.8 - 37.3 °C

Question 2

normal oral temp. (°F)

Answer 2

96.4 - 99.1 °F

Question 3

rectal temp.

Answer 3

0.5 °C or 1 °F higher than oral

Question 4

axillary temp.

Answer 4

0.5 °C or 1 °F lower than oral

Question 5

normal pulse rate

Answer 5

60-100 bpm

Question 6

normal respiratory rate

Answer 6

12-20 respirations per minute

Question 7

normal blood pressure

Answer 7

less than 120/80 mmHg

Question 8

BP cuff length

Answer 8

80-100% of arm circumference

Question 9

BP cuff width

Answer 9

40% of arm circumference

Question 10

normal oxygen saturation

Answer 10

92-100%

Question 11

BP phase I

Answer 11

first sound (systolic pressure) is heard

Question 12

BP phase II

Answer 12

soft swooshing sound that may follow tapping; turbulent blood flow due to occlusion of artery

Question 13

BP phase III

Answer 13

crisp, high-pitched knocking sound due to opening up of artery

Question 14

BP phase IV

Answer 14

abrupt muffling sound, low-pitched murmur; occurs 10 mmH above diastolic BP

Question 15

BP phase V

Answer 15

last audible sound (diastolic pressure) + silence