MEASURING VITAL SIGNS

Vital signs for children may include temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, blood
pressure, pulse oximetry, and pain assessment. All vital signs need’s to be
recorded accurately, in a time manner and with knowledge the child underlying
condition so that they can be meaningful interpreted. Appropriate action and
intervention is indicated is vital signs are abnormal and/or if the child has pain.
Normal range for vital signs are age dependent. They may be notification orders
based on values that are above or below a certain as determine by age. They may
be medical orders to follow for vital signs. This includes medication administration
for increased temperature at or above a certain range or pain.

TEMPERATURE
- A normal temperature is not a specific number but instead a range from 97 F to 100 F.
- Common temperature values in children are the same as in adults, axillary; 97 F ( 36.5
C ); oral or tympanic 98.6 F ( 37.0 C ); and rectal 99.6 F ( 37.6 C ).

PULSE RATE
- As children grow older, the heart rate slows and the range of normal values narrows
- If possible measure a child’s pulse rate while the child is at rest.

RESPIRATORY RATE
- Respirations also should be measured before an infant is disturbed, because the
respiratory rate increased with crying.
- If possible count the infants respirations while the infant is being held by their parent or
lying quietly in a crib.

IRISH CATHERINE MEJICA BSN-2