Pediatric Vital Signs
Overview of Pediatric Vital SignsBlood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and temperature are the routine vital signs measured in medicine. These vital signs remain relatively constant throughout adult life. But children are not small adults, and normal vital signs are different as a newborn becomes an infant and then a child. The normal values for blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiratory rate change as the newborn/infant/child grows and ages. Body temperature does not change with age. However, body temperature may fluctuate depending upon the time of day, and a normal temperature may range between 97.0 F (36.1 C) and 100.3 F (37.9 C). A rectal temperature of 100.4 F (38.0 C) is considered a fever. What Are Normal Ranges of Vital Signs for Various Ages?The following charts summarize the range of age-based normal vital signs.
Tables and data have been adapted from the Pediatric Advanced Life Support Manual. American Heart Association, 2012. REFERENCES: Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 7/12/2016
Medical Author:
Medical Editor:
Must Read Articles Related to Pediatric Vital Signs
Fever in Children
Fever is defined as a rectal temperature over 100.4 F or 38 C. Fever isn't life-threatening unless it is persistently high -- greater than a 107 F rectal temper...learn more >>
|
From 
Parenting Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape
Fever in the Young Infant »
This article addresses the often-challenging task of diagnosing and treating febrile illnesses in infants younger than 60 days and discusses appropriate testing, treatment, and disposition of these patients.
